What are the exercises to manage ankylosing spondylitis?

Question

Hi doctor,

My younger brother is 32, and he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis not too long ago. The pain he has to deal with is no joke, and it is tough seeing him struggle with it every day. Are there treatments that could help with the pain and protect his spine over the years? We also hope to find some exercises or physical therapies to keep him flexible and reduce flare-ups in the long term. He is still young, so we want to make sure he has options to keep his body in good shape despite ankylosing spondylitis.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis, is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine, called vertebrae, to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply. As ankylosing spondylitis worsens, new bone forms as part of the body's attempt to heal. The new bone gradually bridges the gaps between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae together. Fused vertebrae can flatten the natural curves of the spine, which causes an inflexible, hunched posture. When the condition is found on X-ray, it is called ankylosing spondylitis, also known as axial spondyloarthritis. When the condition cannot be seen on X-ray but is found based on symptoms, blood tests, and other imaging tests, it is called non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis. Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. Inflammation also can occur in other parts of the body most commonly, the eyes. There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but treatments can lessen symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.