posture in 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: july 17, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
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