What Does Reduced Range of Motion Feel Like With Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Stiffness often affects the lower back, pelvis, or hips and may be more noticeable after rest or on waking. You may find it harder to rotate your trunk, reach your feet, stand upright, or look over your shoulder. Some people feel chest tightness because the joints where the ribs meet the spine can become less mobile. Pain and stiffness may improve somewhat with gentle movement, but they can return after prolonged inactivity.

Most people with Ankylosing Spondylitis notice reduced range of motion, although the areas and degree of limitation vary. Other joint or muscle conditions can feel similar, so a clinician uses your pattern and examination to guide next steps.

Break up long sitting periods with comfortable movement and practise only exercises suited to your symptoms. A physiotherapist can teach spinal mobility, posture, breathing, and hip exercises while accounting for pain and fatigue. Keep a note of morning stiffness, movements that have become difficult, and any change in breathing comfort to discuss at review.

Arrange an assessment if stiffness is persistent, worsening, or interfering with dressing, work, sleep, or walking. Seek prompt care for sudden severe pain after a minor injury, new limb weakness or numbness, or a major change in bladder or bowel control. Chest pain or new shortness of breath also needs urgent medical evaluation.

Which joints seem to limit my movement? What daily exercises are safe for my current flexibility? How can I protect posture and chest expansion? How should a flare change my activity? What symptoms should lead me to contact the clinic quickly?