Nothing long lasting, but a soak can be nice while I'm in it. I prefer water exercises over soaking though.
September 3
Both hot and cold therapy are popular among MySpondylitisTeam members for managing spondylitis pain and stiffness — and yes, people have had real success with both!
Hot Tub / Heat Therapy
Heat helps loosen stiff joints and improves circulation to sore areas. One MySpondylitisTeam member shared that their hot tub is "well Show Full Answer
Both hot and cold therapy are popular among MySpondylitisTeam members for managing spondylitis pain and stiffness — and yes, people have had real success with both!
Hot Tub / Heat Therapy
Heat helps loosen stiff joints and improves circulation to sore areas. One MySpondylitisTeam member shared that their hot tub is "well worth it" and helps every time they have a flare-up. Another member said hot tub therapy left them feeling pain-free for about a week. If a hot tub isn't accessible, a warm bath with Epsom salts can work just as well.
Cold Therapy / Cold Plunge
Cold therapy works differently — it reduces blood flow and helps decrease inflammation. One MySpondylitisTeam member mentioned using ice packs when their back is inflamed, sometimes alternating between hot and cold for extra relief.
A few tips to keep in mind:
- Limit cold pack use to 20 minutes at a time
- Never apply ice directly to skin — use a towel as a barrier
- For heat pads, also stick to 20-minute sessions
- Some members combine both, switching between hot and cold
It's always a good idea to check with your doctor about what's best for your specific situation, especially during a flare.
August 12
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