Ankylosing Spondylitis and Posture

Throughout the course of the day the effects of gravity compromise your ability to keep straight, and keeping straight is very important when you have ankylosing spondylitis. The following tips should help you enhance your posture:

Facing Up for Straightening Out

1. Lie flat on your back with your legs straight on a firm surface (mat, carpeted floor, or a very firm bed).
2. While on your back, push your head against the floor or bed. Keep your chin in (not up or down) while pressing your head back down to the surface. Hold for a five-second count and relax.

Facing Down for Straightening Out
Lying face down is one of the best ways to keep the hip joints stretched for standing and walking, and to keep the upper back straight.

1. Lie on your stomach 15 minutes daily. If unable to lie flat in this position due to limited neck mobility, place a pillow under your chest and a folded towel under your forehead.
2. If you have hip, shoulder and /or knee involvement that makes it too difficult to get up after lying on your stomach, you can lie on your back across a bed with your knees bent and your legs over the side.

This article is an excerpt from Straight Talk On Spondylitis, which is published by the Spondylitis Association of America. You can learn more about the SAA and purchase your own copy of Straight Talk by visiting their website, www.spondylitis.org.