Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that affects the spine. Spondylitis causes the spine to stiffen from neck to the lower back and these results in an unbearable pain. There are several reasons that may lead to this systemic disease. One of the main reasons of spondylitis is poor posture. Another reason is that the bones in the vertebral column get joined causing rigidity in the spine and resulting in pain. Severe back pain is one of the earliest signs of spondylitis. Unlike other diseases and health disorders, spondylitis does not get better with rest. In fact, a person feels more pain and rigidity in the back when resting. Spondylitis cannot be cured but there are things one can do to reduce the pain and rigidity. Pain relieving medicines can be used as prescribed by the doctor. There are however better natural ways which can help to relieve the pain to a great extent and even prevent spondylitis.

Natural ways to relieve spondylitis pain

1. Good posture: Maintaining a good posture at work as well as in bed can help relieve spondylitis pain and even prevent from this problem. While at work, it is essential to sit up straight and tall and be well aligned so that the spine does not develop a hunch. One must also try doing some range of motion exercises to avoid long periods of immobility. While sleeping also it is essential to maintain a good posture. A person suffering from spondylitis pain must sleep on a firm mattress and a low pillow. A very high pillow worsens the pain. The best posture to sleep is on the stomach but many people sleep only on their backs or on their sides and while doing so, it is essential to maintain a good posture.
2. Exercising and stretching: For a person suffering from spondylitis, it is important to maintain flexibility and stay active. People who suffer from spondylitis must exercise regularly and do exercises that are low impact ones. When exercising, it is best to be with a physical trainer who can guide on how to exercise and stretch to get a spine which is not stiff. However, exercise and stretching must be avoided during periods of pain and stiffness.
3. Warm bath: Taking a warm shower or bath is a natural way of relieving spondylitis pain. A warm bath also takes away the stiffness of the spine and helps a person feel better. Exercising and stretching along with a warm shower is considered to be very beneficial for relieving pain in the neck and back.
4. Massage therapy: Massage therapy is also an effective way of relieving spondylitis pain. Massage with Ayurvedic or organic oils helps to lessen the pain and stiffness in the spine. Massage must however be done by trained therapists as they know the exact points where massage is the most effective.
5. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a technique in which needles are inserted in the body to stimulate body's natural pain relievers. Acupuncture helps to get relief from chronic back pain. However, acupuncture must be done by only a trained professional for it to be the most effective.
6. Yoga: Yoga is a natural pain reliever for spondylitis. There are a few yoga postures that are known to help relieve back pain and stiffness caused by spondylitis. Yoga is known to be an effective treatment for short term as well long term back pain and thus helps to prevent spondylitis.
7. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS): TENS involves passing an electric current through the skin to stimulate natural pain relievers of the body. This technique helps to relieve back pain and stiffness of the spine. TENS is an effective pain reliever when exercising and stretching do not work for spondylitis patients.

Apart from these, it is also essential to take a healthy and well balanced diet to ensure a healthy body because if the body does not get the required nutrients, vitamins and minerals, it may lead to a weak body that may develop health problems often. Avoiding physical and emotional stress and getting enough rest also help to prevent spondylitis.