We have had clients in the studio that have suffered from ankylosing spondylitis, (also called rheumatoid spondylitis). This condition is a type of arthritis of the spine. It causes swelling between your vertebrae, which are the disks that make up your spine, and in the joints between your spine and pelvis. Ankylosing spondylitis is an immune disease. The disease is more common and more severe in men. It often runs in families.
Early symptoms include back pain and stiffness. These problems often start in late adolescence or early adulthood. Over time, ankylosing spondylitis can fuse your vertebrae together, limiting movement. Symptoms can worsen, improve or stop altogether. Typically, a rheumatologist primarily diagnoses and treats ankylosing spondylitis.
The disease has no cure, but medicines can relieve the pain, swelling and other symptoms. Exercise can also help.
Exercise can be difficult for ankylosing spondylitis patients when they are dealing with pain and changes to their posture. However, once pain is under control, it is important to remain active and exercise. Even moderate exercise can help patients maintain a healthy weight so the joints are not subjected to unnecessary stress. Physical activity and light stretching improve the flexibility needed to lessen pain.
Slow motion or non-weight bearing exercises are often prescribed for ankylosing spondylitis patients. These include:
- Tai Chi
- Yoga
- Swimming
- Pool therapy or water therapy
- Weight training
- Biking or stationary bicycling
A certified fitness professional at Your Personal Best Training Studio can design you an effective program that both strengthens and minimizes the impact on affected joints.
NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disease
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ankylosingspondylitis.html
