“I started yoga in lockdown and now practice it as much as I can. I find that yoga is everything I need to help manage my condition. Stretching, a little cardio, strength and very importantly, balance.”
Nicola’s journey with axial SpA has been ongoing for 17 years. Through her struggles, she has managed to find a routine and lifestyle that works for her to manage her axial SpA as best as she can.
This year, Nicola signed up to Stretch-tember and raised £260 to help others living with axial SpA!
Here is her story.
My journey to diagnosis began 17 years ago, when I thought that I had very bad sciatica. It took 5 years to be diagnosed with axial SpA, as my symptoms were constantly fluctuating.
It has taken years of medication and self-care to be where I am now. I still have flares and chronic fatigue, but I have found that it is what I do on the good days that makes the difference.
I started yoga in lockdown and now practice it as much as I can. I find that yoga is everything I need to help manage my condition. Stretching, a little cardio, strength and very importantly, balance. I used to lose my balance and strength in my ankles a lot, but it is now not so much of an issue.
Yoga is also incredible for mental health. I like to do yoga in the morning and pick a word as an intention for the day, for example love, calm, flow, focus, energy, etc. It is usually the first word that enters my head. What I also like about yoga is that I can adapt my practice to how I happen to be feeling that day; if I am struggling, I can do some gentle evening or ‘bed yoga’.
I loved taking part in Stretch-tember this year because it is the perfect blend of two of my favourite things: helping NASS and yoga. I explored different styles of yoga: YouTube yoga classes, standing yoga and attended live online yoga classes run by Jamie from Yoga for AS. Jamie has a lot of knowledge and understanding and he was incredibly helpful.
I also tried some other things; a live NASS somatic movements class, which helps free up fascia and aids stiffness and pain, and a Wednesday night Pilates class with our physiotherapist at the NASS York branch.
I was absolutely delighted to have raised £262.00! I felt so honoured and touched that my friends wanted to show their support. If anyone is considering yoga, do it, and if it works for you, join in next Stretch-tember (2025), it is so worth it!
If I were to give any advice to someone recently diagnosed, it would be to find a fitness routine and a diet that suit you. I like the idea that if we stretch and move it can lend to a more positive mind and healthier body.
It was fantastic to take part in Stretch-tember, thank you NASS.
