Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion Helpful Tips Pain when coughing ?

Having suffered for years with AS an extreme pain when coughing and sneezing, I have come across a technique to help coughing.

Sadly, I had a severe bicycle crash at the weekend and broke collarbone, scapula and 4 ribs, on of which punctured my lung. I have to now regularly cough to stop the build up of mucus, and have been shown a brilliant way been shown a brilliant technique by a physio - that of "Huffing".

In summary, the aim is to use a breathing technique to get the mucus as far up the lungs so it only takes one cough to clear the mucus.

This website describes the technique very well
http://www.northdevonhealth.nhs.uk/patie..._techniques.htm

The other tip the physio has given is to use a long towel rolled up, across the back, using the arms to pull the towel in support, to better support the broken ribs. Again very helpful now, and I'm sure will be when all cleared and it is just AS.

So at least some good came out of the accident, and for the future I'll have a better time coughing. As for sneezing, in most cases my body seems to be able to stop a sneeze - brain probably been trained that it is a little bit painful !

Cheers, Finchie

Hm, guess that sort of thing is why my rheumatologist told me bike/motorcycle riding was out for AS patients...

As far as sneezing goes, have you ever been treated by a good physical therapist? Now is obviously NOT the right time to start PT with broken ribs, but a year or so of weekly PT really did the trick for me. I've also cut inflammation down with other methods (strict diet, LDN), but PT was the biggest factor in getting ribs loosened up and back muscles un-cramped enough to sneeze without pain.

It is always a tough conundrum. I have certainly found that exercise helps my AS big time, hence the cycling. My Rheumy has always said carry on and, for me, the benefits have always outweighed the downside. And I'd have to be immobile to not get on my motorcycles !

Also, as I sit here recovering I don't think I would be in any less immediate pain if I didn't have AS !! But long term, I don't expect AS will help ! Should imagine the ribs will be the problem.

Great suggestion on the PT (I assume that means physical theraphy). Not tried it related to sneezing. Thanks.

Cheers, Mark

Right, PT = physical therapy. I found my physical therapist via recommendation from a local rheumatologist, someone who actually understands AS and knows how to avoid damaging bones that are too fused to move normally.

I have to admit I wasn't hooked on cycling to begin with so it was easy for me to take the advice -- the seats started being so dang uncomfortable even by the time I was in college. My best friend rode all over campus while I almost always walked. Considered taking up skate boarding, but felt too embarrassed to be a clutzy newbie at college age