Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis The symptoms of AS vary from person to person. The most common symptoms are: pain and stiffness in the back, buttocks or neck, especially in the morning. The symptoms are often worse after rest and relieved by exercise.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms like joint pain and stiffness are often worst in the morning. That's because, unlike other types of back pain that improve after rest, back pain due to ankylosing spondylitis worsens after periods of inactivity.
While you sit still for too long, such as during sleep, inflammatory chemicals accumulate in your joints, exacerbating pain and stiffness. That's why people with inflammatory back pain can wake up in agony in the middle of night and feel stiff and achy first thing in the morning.
Whether it's through physical therapy or on your own, dedicating time to stretching is key. “We recommend making sure that you maintain your flexibility,” says Dr. Elghawy. “And so doing with physical therapy or flexibility exercises on your own for your low back can provide a lot of relief.”
The pain typically worsens during periods of rest or inactivity, which may cause some people to experience more pain during the middle of the night or after prolonged sitting. Usually, moving and exercise can help improve pain. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis vary from person to person.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can make your back stiff and achy. And it can feel even worse if you sit for a long time. Lower the seat of your desk chair so your thighs are at a right angle when you sit. It's best if you can plant your feet firmly on the floor.
Some foods can trigger ankylosing spondylitis, so it's important to avoid certain foods to prevent inflammation. These include foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar; processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and others.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder and a rare form of arthritis. Triggers for ankylosing spondylitis include infections (gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections [UTIs], and respiratory infections), heavy physical activity, work stress, emotional stress, and pregnancy.
As ankylosing spondylitis progresses, you may experience more pain and stiffness on both sides of your spine that extends up toward your mid back and neck. Stiffness and achy pain may limit your movement, and you may find it difficult to keep an upright posture due to pain and stiffness.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the axial spine that can manifest with various clinical signs and symptoms. Chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness are the most common features of the disease.
Go for a Spin
Cycling is another great aerobic exercise for people with ankylosing spondylitis, Shen says. Whether you bike outdoors or use a stationary model at the gym, cycling works your heart and muscles without straining your joints. It's also a great way to switch up your routine.
Lying flat on the back with straight spine is the correct position to sleep with Ankylosing Spondylitis, so try sleeping on your back with no pillow of a thinner pillow to help your posture. Take your own time to evaluate the sleep position that works for you and make minor tweaks if possible.
Researchers aren't entirely clear on how IF works in people with chronic inflammatory diseases, but there is some science behind it: “Intermittent fasting can help patients with ankylosing spondylitis and chronic pain due to inflammation because it can turn on anti-inflammatory signals,” says Micah Yu, M.D., an ...
Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of reactive arthritis following Klebsiella infection, usually occurring in an HLA-B27-positive individual.
Ankylosing spondylitis may affect more than the spine. The disease may inflame joints in the pelvis, shoulders, hips and knees, and between the spine and ribs.
Calcium is essential for healthy bones, and vitamin D is essential for your body to absorb calcium, making these two nutrients important for people with ankylosing spondylitis. That's because the condition increases your risk for low bone density, which makes bones fragile and more likely to break.
Calcium-rich food and beverages
Calcium can help keep bones strong and healthy, something that is critical for people with ankylosing spondylitis. Consuming enough dairy can decrease risk of osteoporosis.
There's no cure for ankylosing spondylitis (AS), but treatment is available to help relieve the symptoms. Treatment can also help delay or prevent the process of the spine joining up (fusing) and stiffening. These treatments can also help if you have non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
Factors such as cold weather, humidity, high heat, and wind may act as triggers that change or even worsen symptoms. Treatment and a healthy lifestyle may help offset the effects of these changes.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Your Diet
According to the Arthritis Foundation, a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and omega-3 fatty acid–rich foods like fatty fish may help reduce inflammation.