What you can do:

• Exercise regularly. Swimming is highly recommended. Water allows you to move painful areas more easily.
• Take warm baths or use warm compresses on joints before exercising.
• Avoid contact sports and any activities that put stress on the back.
• Sleep on your back on a firm mattress using a small pillow or none at all.
• Consult with your doctor about the benefits of massage or chiropractic care.
• Additional information is available from the Arthritis Foundation @ 1-800 283-7800 and from the Spondylitis Association @ 1-800 777-8189.

What you can expect:

• Treatment can reduce symptoms and help prevent deformity but there is no cure.
• Possible complications may include heart conduction or heart-valve problems, numbness in arms or legs from nerves being compressed, and for some, permanent disability.

Contact your doctor if you develop signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis or if your symptoms worsen despite treatment.