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Posture in Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis

Pictures of a man with normal posture and with 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.
By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Revised July 28, 2011

Last Revised: July 28, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology

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