Ankylosing Spondylitis & Exercise

Ankylosing spondylitis, an unfortunate condition involving inflammation of the joints around the lumbar region, is a common deterrent causing those afflicted to avoid exercise altogether. This is largely a mistake, as exercise can help with the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, providing some measure of relief for those suffering from the disorder. However, not all forms of exercise are compatible with ankylosing spondylitis, making information your greatest tool to combat escalation of this disease. Ankylosis is a stiffening and/or uniting of the joints or bones.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive disease of inflammation, largely affecting the joints in and around the spinal region. While the spine and hips are the usual target, that is not to say that ankylosing spondylitis cannot affect other areas of your body as well. Some symptoms of this disorder involve development of a hunchback, inflexibility in the spinal region, and unwanted weight loss,

Exercise and Weight Control

• The first reason exercise is important for individuals with ankylosing spondylitis involves the ability to manage their weight. As the joints of the body are placed under a progressively greater load, the excess body weight exacerbates the symptoms of your condition. Thus, keeping your weight under control through regular exercise can help reduce the severity of symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Exercise and Mobility

• As ankylosing spondylitis stiffens the joints, it only makes sense to take remedial measures to reactivate a full range of motion whenever possible. Keeping yourself active and mobile can help delay the progression of ankylosing spondylitis, improving your quality of life.

Exercise Recommendations

• According to Dr. Judith Frank, MD, moderate intensity, nonweight-bearing activities are best. Ideal forms of exercise will allow you to remain limber despite your condition, emphasizing slow and relaxed movements to help you train through (or regain) a full range of motion. Recommended exercise types include taiji (tai chi), yoga, stationary or road cycling, or swimming.

Further Considerations

• While weight-bearing exercises are not specifically recommended, Dr. Frank still lists weight training as a potential activity. Thus, you can still train with weights (or other forms of resistance) if you pay strict attention to your form. Especially when performing lower body exercises, the spine must remain in a neutral position at all times to lower your risk of injury. Thus, avoid any exercise in which you cannot achieve proper positioning. To ensure compliance, you might want to recruit a spotter to watch for any breakdowns in your lifting form.