Have you ever tried to get out of bed in the morning only to find your back is so stiff you need to literally roll off the side of the bed? Maybe you played weekend warrior and are paying for it the following day but if this is a “new norm” for you it might be time to see a rheumatologist. Sure, we all have aches and pains but any pain that is chronic in nature and limits your ability to function as you normally did is a problem. The good news is that even though we can’t stop the aging process, there are ways to address the discomfort without being “snowed” like in the old days!

I think it is important to remember that inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the spine can eventually lead to spinal fusion and loss of mobility. As if that weren’t enough, people living with inflammatory arthritis also have a 60% increased chance of stroke and a 30% increase of cardiovascular events or mental illness. Yikes, will it ever end?

Staying active and healthy eating are always considered the gold standard for disease prevention however if you can’t get out of bed, how will you stay active? If you decide to “try this at home”, take it slow and easy, walking is, of course, the best exercise for most people but maybe a consult with a physical therapist would also be in order? Talk to your primary care physician about non-medication options to managing inflammatory arthritis, you may be surprised that some of them actually work! Stay well, stay informed, and stay tuned!