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July 25
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MySpondylitisTeam

This is a really important question. The honest answer is that it depends on the stage of the condition and how much structural change has already occurred.

Once the spine has fused or significant curvature (kyphosis) has developed, those structural changes cannot be fully reversed. However, symptoms like stiffness and Show Full Answer

This is a really important question. The honest answer is that it depends on the stage of the condition and how much structural change has already occurred.

Once the spine has fused or significant curvature (kyphosis) has developed, those structural changes cannot be fully reversed. However, symptoms like stiffness and reduced mobility can often be meaningfully improved — especially when caught early. Here are some approaches that can help manage and potentially improve stiffness and posture:

- Medications — NSAIDs and biologic drugs can reduce inflammation, which is a major driver of stiffness
- Physical therapy — A therapist experienced with spondylitis can guide stretching, strengthening, and spinal mobility exercises tailored to your needs
- Daily stretching — The Spondylitis Association of America recommends daily range-of-motion exercises to minimize the risk of further joint fusion
- Posture habits — Small adjustments like proper sitting, sleeping positions, and avoiding stomach sleeping can help preserve alignment
- Surgery — In severe cases, procedures like osteotomy (separating fused vertebrae) may be an option when other treatments haven't helped The key takeaway is that while reversal of advanced structural damage is limited, slowing progression and improving function is very achievable. Staying consistent with treatment and working closely with a rheumatologist makes a real difference.

July 25
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member: I feel your pain. Sometimes the only way I could sleep
is if I was propped up in bed with my head, torso at 90 degrees to my legs. My spine is a distorted mess. You might try sleeping in the 90 degree position to see if you can sleep that way. Then over time, only you would be able to determine how many degrees difference from
last position. perhaps if you try that you might be able to get to horizontal. Thats more or less what I did.
I did find eventually I could lay down but I had to do it over time. You should also have a bed that supports you. We had to buy a new bed that supported us better, and then made improvements in our sleep hygiene- winding down be4 going to bed, no electronics, etc. ( using an app on my phone I was able to get to 95% sleep quality last night. Something that almost never happens. Zero snoring.
It is possible go have better sleep even with severe AS.
Drs in the US won’t help you. It doesn’t mean they don’t want to. It means that decisions about your care are made by corporations and insurance companies. It used to be when my father practiced medicine- in the 60’s thru late 1980’s, he was the decider. Current system sucks. They only care about how much money they make. There is no concern for your health. New Medicines that could end diseases are quashed, while other medicines are sold at huge profit to make you think you are being healed but they will never work. Its only to give pharmaceutical
cos profit. You have to be your own advocate. You have to find a Dr that will help you. A functional health Dr. Others on this site have written about them.
I wish you the best. Hope you are able to find position you can sleep in and hope you find the medical care you need.

August 3
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I sleep in a sitting position but usually end up falling forward and have fallen on my face more times I care to count. I dont get much sleep lately and dont really miss it. I miss sleeping along side my wife though. AS has totally disrupted my life. I dont understand why no doctors will treat me for it except when its an emergency situation

August 2
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member: You should find another Dr who helps or supports you. ( Easier said than done) Look for a patient advocate- one who could help you navigate the medical system and find a doctor that meets your needs. Start with that!
I can’t and don’t want to lay on my stomach- it hurts too much. I found regretably the same thing is true no matter the position, unless I sleep with my head and trunk propped up on a pillow. I know it sounds like it won’t work. My wife thinks I am
crazy for trying to sleep that way- but it works for me.
Good luck!!

July 28 (edited)
A MySpondylitisTeam Member

I dont receive treatment for this and my doctors haven't offered any yo me

July 25

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A MySpondylitisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Dee_witt@hotmail.com

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