Ankylosing Spondylitis

Hi everyone,

I was wondering does anyone have Ankylosing Spondylitis and whats their experience in regards to lifting? I currently have it and it took me almost 1 year to find out 100% that i have it. I was a given a book from my specialist, and apparently it only affects 1-2% of people in AUS, im only 18, and none of my relatives, family etc have it, so i have to be the unlucky one. I still lift but was told not to lift 'bending' over or anything pressuring the back too much eg, bent rows, deadlifts, pressing, etc. Any discussions, opinions etc welcome.

Thats some bad luck there mate, my 13 year old daughter has just had a heap of tests and been to an AS specialist to see what's going on with her back too.
So they told you not to bend over? We were told if it is AS to keep her very mobile, especially the back to stop it fusing.
Keep your chin up mate and work through it.

Grippy I think it is more to do with loading the back whilst bending not just keeping it immobile (unloaded).

Grippy said:

Thats some bad luck there mate, my 13 year old daughter has just had a heap of tests and been to an AS specialist to see what's going on with her back too.
So they told you not to bend over? We were told if it is AS to keep her very mobile, especially the back to stop it fusing.
Keep your chin up mate and work through it.

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Yeah, i have tried lifting bending over and i get crazy back spasms and my hip tends to click during the lift. Your daughter is very unlucky at 13 also, i was told guys are more prone by it then the girls, but yes she will have to go to the pyhsio to help her out with her movements. Im just waiting for my next specialist appointment on the 16th of June and then get referred to a physio. Anyways thanks and goodluck to your daughter

BTW Grippy, get your daughter into swimming, it will help her a lot, im going to start swimming soon as well.

dave said:

Grippy I think it is more to do with loading the back whilst bending not just keeping it immobile (unloaded).

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Yup thats correct dave

Yeah I blew the ass out of my back while working when i was 20 then diagnosed with spondylitis and two discs compressing the sciatic nerve after 6 months of physio then I started to lift cause they said I couldn't. See a good physio with medX equipment to strengthen and asses your back. Practice good form I find deep squats to be the worst for my back as my hips dip
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mick807 said:

Yeah I blew the ass out of my back while working when i was 20 then diagnosed with spondylitis and two discs compressing the sciatic nerve after 6 months of physio then I started to lift cause they said I couldn't. See a good physio with medX equipment to strengthen and asses your back. Practice good form I find deep squats to be the worst for my back as my hips dip
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I know what ya mean. I ruptured 2 discs, bulged 3 and gave my self a horizontal fracture in my lower back along with 2 bulged discs in my neck. The worst part was the sciatic if I moved the wrong way my left leg would go limp and fail causing me to fall over. I found the best thing for me is to stretch my hamstrings daily seams to help keep everything lined up. I do squats with 70kg just taking it slow

Had my appointment with the 3rd specialist today. Went well, i got some anti inflammatory to keep the stiffness and pain to a low, was also told lift weights at my limits and stop when something hurts. He also recommended a physio also, so im going to sort one out tomorrow. Also gonna start swimming very soon.