Joints

A dislocation is an injury to a joint — a place where two or more bones come together — in which the ends of your bones are forced from their normal positions. This painful injury temporarily deforms and immobilizes your joint. Dislocation is most common in shoulders and fingers. Other sites include elbows, knees, and […] Read More

Although there’s no cure for ankylosing spondylitis — a type of arthritis that affects the spine — treatment can ease your symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts with pain and stiffness in your back, after times of inactivity. Symptoms typically develop gradually, before age 45, and last more […] Read More

During the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis, a person’s bones may thin, weakening spinal bones (vertebrae) and increasing the risk of spinal (vertebral) fractures. Some researches suggest that in those who have ankylosing spondylitis, many spinal fractures are caused by injuries from slips and falls — significantly more than in people who don’t have ankylosing […] Read More

When ankylosing spondylitis — a type of arthritis that affects the spine — is causing your back to feel painful and stiff, exercise might seem impossible. But exercise plays an important part in preserving your range of motion and managing your symptoms — even when your medications are already working well. Exercise helps strengthen your […] Read More

It’s important to get enough of certain nutrients that help reduce your risk of thin, weak, and porous bones (osteoporosis), a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. And a healthy diet can help you manage your weight, which may affect your symptoms. If you have ankylosing spondylitis, be sure to: Get enough calcium. Calcium is essential […] Read More

These lifestyle changes can help decrease the pain and stiffness of ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It can cause back pain and stiffness and affect other parts of the body — but there are things you can do to manage the condition. Consider these 6 lifestyle […] Read More

Exercise 30 to 60 minutes most days. Eat a balanced diet of nutritious foods, including adequate calcium and vitamin D. Don’t smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products. Limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol in your diet. Maintain a healthy weight. Maintain a healthy posture. Take steps to prevent falls, such as wearing low-heeled […] Read More

Yes, ankylosing spondylitis does increase the risk of osteoporosis — a condition that causes bones to thin and weaken as they become more porous inside. Decreased bone mineral density is a common complication of ankylosing spondylitis. This is especially true for those who’ve had the condition for a long time. Read More

Some medications you take to manage ankylosing spondylitis — such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — may not be safe to use during pregnancy. Others, such as some biological medications, may be safe, and you may decide it’s better to keep taking them for all or part of your pregnancy to control your symptoms. Read More

Ankylosing spondylitis — a type of arthritis that affects the spine — doesn’t appear to affect the ability to get pregnant. Although there seems to be a higher risk of delivering a baby that’s premature or with low birth weight, many women with ankylosing spondylitis also appear to be able to safely deliver a healthy […] Read More