Living with a fused or "frozen" rib cage is genuinely tough, and you're not alone in navigating this. When the rib cage stiffens due to advanced fusion, the chest can't expand the way it used to — but there are still ways to work with what you have.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Belly breathing — Also called Show Full Answer
Living with a fused or "frozen" rib cage is genuinely tough, and you're not alone in navigating this. When the rib cage stiffens due to advanced fusion, the chest can't expand the way it used to — but there are still ways to work with what you have.
Here are some tips that may help:
- Belly breathing — Also called diaphragmatic breathing, this technique shifts the work of breathing away from the chest and toward the abdomen. Some MySpondylitisTeam members with severely restricted chest expansion rely on this method daily
- Deep breathing exercises — Even with limited movement, practicing slow, intentional breaths can help keep breathing muscles conditioned. Finding a calm, relaxing space to do these can make them easier
- Stretching — Gentle stretching alongside breathing exercises may help you get a little more out of each breath
- Physical therapy — A physical therapist experienced with spondylitis can guide you through breathing techniques tailored to your level of chest expansion
- Heat therapy — Warm baths, showers, or heating pads may help loosen tension around the chest and back, making breathing feel a little easier It's worth having a conversation with your doctor or rheumatologist about your breathing specifically. If inflammation is contributing to discomfort, medications like NSAIDs may also offer some relief. Managing the underlying spondylitis as best as possible can help slow further changes.
Be patient with yourself — progress with breathing exercises can be slow, but consistency really does matter.
August 31
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