1. Take the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quiz
2. Myths and Facts About Back Pain

Medical Author:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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The following steps can help alleviate pain and stiffness in people with ankylosing spondylitis:

• Practice good posture in order to keep the spine straight.



• Sleep on a firm mattress.



• Sleep in a prone position (on the abdomen) without a pillow.



• Sleep in a supine position (on the back) with a thin pillow.



• Keep the legs straight when sleeping, not supported by a pillow.



• Do not sleep in a curled-up position.



• When walking or sitting, keep the spine as straight as possible.



• Use chairs and work surfaces specially designed to support the spine.

Regular exercise is an essential part of the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Exercises that strengthen the back and neck can help maintain correct posture. Aerobic exercises, such as swimming, are very helpful because they promote flexibility of the spine and movement of the shoulder and hip joints. A hot shower before exercise often relieves some joint pain and stiffness and makes exercising easier and less painful. Exercise should be started slowly and performed when pain is minimized.

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