Posture in Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis

Posture in Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis

Normal posture compared to the posture of advanced ankylosing spondylitis.

As severe ankylosing spondylitis advances:

  • The head moves forward and the neck becomes stiff.
  • The upper back curves forward (kyphosis).
  • The normal curve in the low back flattens.
  • The hips may become stiff and not straighten completely.
  • People often keep their knees bent a little to make up for the changed curves in their back and stiffness in their hips. This bending of the knees causes the body to shift back a little so it's easier to balance and to see straight ahead.

Current as of: November 9, 2022

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Richa Dhawan MD - Rheumatology