Ankylosing Spondylitis: Managing Spine Stiffness through Movement

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints. Over time, chronic inflammation can cause the vertebrae to fuse together (ankylosis), leading to a rigid spine. AS is an autoimmune condition, often linked to the HLA-B27 gene.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Gradual onset of lower back and hip stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest.
• Pain that improves with exercise and movement but does not improve with rest.
• Decreased chest expansion due to involvement of the costovertebral joints.
• Chronic fatigue.

The Role of Daily Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of non-pharmacological management for AS:

1. Spinal Mobility Training: Daily stretching and range-of-motion exercises for the neck, thoracic, and lumbar spine to maintain flexibility.
2. Postural Maintenance: Exercises to prevent the progressive forward-flexed posture (kyphosis) typical of advanced AS.
3. Chest Expansion Exercises: Deep breathing exercises and thoracic extension movements to maintain ribcage mobility.
4. Hydrotherapy: Warm-water exercises that relieve joint compression while promoting overall spinal flexibility.

Our specialized inflammatory spine protocols at Sparq Physiotherapy focus on active stretching and thoracic expansion to keep your joints moving and prevent stiffness from taking over.