“When patients are diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, it is a lifelong diagnosis,” says Eliana Cardozo, DO, assistant professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Many of my patients are very concerned that they won’t be able to do the things they enjoy, whether that be going for a run or golfing or playing tennis.”
Because ankylosing spondylitis affects the spine — particularly the sacroiliac joint, which connects the spine to the pelvic bone — it can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back. Stiffness in the spine can really make just about any physical hobby more challenging, especially without treatment. In this video, learn tips for safe ways to continue to enjoy your favorite activities.
Dr. Cardozo is an assistant professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
References
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. (2023). Ankylosing spondylitis.
Van Tubergen, A. (2024). Treatment of axial spondyloarthritis (ankylosing spondylitis and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis) in adults. UpToDate.
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