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 spondylitis.

Vertebral fractures can put pressure on and possibly injure the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine. So, it's important to take steps to reduce the risk of falling.

Take a step in the right direction with these lifestyle tips.

Get regular hearing and vision checks. If your hearing and vision are impaired, you may not be able to keep your balance or see things in your path.

Have regular physical exams. Some medical conditions can affect balance, sensations, and how you move. During an exam, your doctor can check you for these conditions and recommend exercises, a walking aid, or physical therapy.

Eat well. Plan ahead to eat healthy meals. Learn more about eating enough protein, drinking healthy liquids, and adding calcium and vitamin D to your daily diet. Calcium is significant for strong bones. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium.

Ask about your medications. Some drugs or combinations of drugs may affect your balance and coordination. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about any medications and dietary supplements you take. Be careful about how you walk and move after you start a new medication that can affect your balance.

Avoid alcohol. Using even a small amount of alcohol can contribute to falls. This is especially true if your balance and reflexes are impaired.

Get up slowly. Even a small drop in blood pressure can make you feel light-headed or dizzy if you stand up too quickly. To avoid this feeling, stand up slowly. When getting out of bed, sit up for a few moments before you stand.

Wear suitable clothes and shoes. Choose clothing, especially sleepwear, that's short enough so that it doesn't cause you to trip. Wear sturdy, low-heeled shoes with non-slip materials inside and on the soles.

Exercise. Exercise can make you stronger. It can improve your muscle tone, strength and coordination. These may help you prevent falls. Supervised exercise programs or physical therapy may be particularly beneficial. Before you start any exercise program, ask your doctor which activities are OK for you to do.

There also are changes you can make at home — such as good lighting and reduced clutter — to minimize the risk of falling. Ask your doctor about getting a home safety check if you have a risk of falling. By taking some of these precautions and staying strong, you reduce your risk of both falling and fractures.