If you manage your AS carefully, you should be able to carry out most of your usual activities.

Carry on working

Most people with AS are highly motivated and are reported to have less time off work than average. Indeed, the vast majority remain in fulltime employment. When you are at work, pay special attention to the position of your spine both when sitting and standing. If you sit at a desk or table maintain a correct posture by adjusting your chair to avoid having to bend forwards. Do not sit or stand in one position for too long. If you are required to stay in one position, wriggle, move or stretch as many joints as possible, as often as possible. - return to top

Play sport

If you have AS it is important to remain physically active. Aim to get out of breath at least once a day as this is the best form of breathing exercise. Swimming is very beneficial since all of the muscles and joints are exercised in a gravity free environment in the horizontal position. Use as many swimming strokes as possible. If it helps, use a snorkel when swimming on your front. It is best to avoid contact sports such as rugby and wrestling, and high impact sports like netball, basketball, tennis and step aerobics. Whatever the activity, wearing trainers with an impact absorbing insole will help lessen the jarring on your joints. - return to top

Take extra care when driving

You may well find an increase in pain and stiffness during prolonged car driving. So, on long journeys it is important to make frequent stops to limber up. Use a small cushion behind your back and/or under your buttocks to help maintain a good position. Also, make sure your car is fitted with correctly adjusted head-restraints as even a relatively small impact can be serious for people with neck problems. If your neck is stiff or rigid, you may have difficulties at junctions. Try attaching additional mirrors to your windscreen and dashboard. You can find these at most car accessory shops. If you have a rigid neck or severe peripheral joint involvement, it may be advisable to inform DVLC in Swansea and your motor insurance company - return to top

Don't let AS ruin your sex-life

AS should not normally interfere with lovemaking. If, however, you are having problems with your hips, your AS is in a flaring stage or you have lost a considerable amount of spinal posture, you may need to use your ingenuity to find comfortable and satisfying positions. If fatigue is a problem you will need to pace yourself and plan your activities. It is important to discuss these issues with your partner to make sure they understand your feelings. Good communication and a sense of humour will help you maintain a fulfilling sex life. - return to top

Don't let AS put you off pregnancy

Generally speaking, pregnancy in AS is not a problem since it is unlikely to have reached a stage where it could cause a difficult birth. However, if you have serious problems with your hips you may need a caesarean section. During pregnancy the growing baby can create a tendency to pull the spine forward and increase pain when standing up. Use of a maternity support will help to spread the weight of the pregnancy higher up the spine. It is usually advisable to stop taking anti-inflammatory drugs during the first 12 weeks and last 4 weeks of pregnancy. You will not be able to restart your drug regime until you have finished breast-feeding. To compensate for not taking anti-inflammatory medication try to increase your exercise programme. After the first three months, and provided your pregnancy is normal, hydrotherapy in a warm pool can help take the place of your drugs. - return to top

Don't let AS affect an application for life insurance

Many life insurance companies do not understand AS and may try to add a loading to your policy. At NASS we feel this is grossly unfair and so we suggest you shop around and always appeal against any loading. - return to top

Get other people involved

It is quite natural for people with AS to feel isolated, particularly just after diagnosis. To help you adjust to having AS it is important that you enlist the support and encouragement of your family and friends. Involve other people by helping them to understand about AS and how it affects you. They may even like to improve their own fitness and join you in your exercise and sports activities. - return to top