Why does ankylosing spondylitis cause reduced range of motion?

The condition may affect spinal joints, the joints linking the spine and pelvis, hips, shoulders, or tendon attachment sites. Inflamed tissues hurt when stretched, so nearby muscles may tighten and reduce movement further. With ongoing inflammation, healing tissue and changes around joints can make the spine or other joints less flexible. You may notice difficulty turning, bending, standing upright, taking a deep breath, or reaching overhead, depending on the areas involved.

Daily movement through a comfortable range helps you practise the motion you want to preserve. Physiotherapy may include spinal mobility, hip and shoulder exercises, posture training, breathing work, and strength exercises. Break up long periods of sitting, change positions regularly, and use pacing during flares. Do not force a joint or spine into sharp pain; a tailored plan is safer and more useful than copying an unrelated exercise routine.

Arrange a review if reduced movement is progressing, changes your walking or self-care, or comes with new weakness, numbness, balance problems, or bladder or bowel changes. Severe new spinal pain after even a minor injury needs urgent medical assessment.

Ask which movements should be measured, which exercises are appropriate, how to adapt activity during a flare, and whether pain control or treatment review could improve function.