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Why avoid high impact sports?

Posted , 3 users are following.

TimboG
TimboG

I'm 27 and was lucky my AS was diagnosed within a couple of years of symptons first presenting - about 6 years ago. Over the last 3 years I have been incredibly lucky to be on an anti-TNF called Humira - I have gone from sleepless nights and at times struggling to walk or use stairs, to now being able to lead a fairly active life.

I am always told to avoid contact or high impact sports but am not really sure why. My last x-ray was 3 years ago when I had bone spurs but no fusion. I don't believe I have any fusion yet as have improved my flexibility since then through exercise. So with no fusion is there still an increased risk of spine damage from high impact sports? Or is it more that if I do injure my back I will have to be immobile which would accelerate any fusion?

In particular there are some things I would like to do - a skydive, bungee jump, martial arts, gymnastics. My doctor tells me to avoid all of these but I'm honestly not sure why. I will be sensible and listen to my doctor, but would like to understand the risks better myself so I can feel I'm making an informed judgement. Current guidance on any website seems to just recommend yoga and swimming, and warns against even things like tennis. This just seems over the top and I would really like to understand why these recommendations are made.

Any insight into this would be massively appreciated.

Thanks

Tim

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • debbi0140
    debbi0140

    Posted

    My understanding of this is that the bones become very delicate (for lack of a better word). My son was 14 when he was officially diagnosed but had been suffering since he was 7. The doctor told me that if my son felt that playing hockey was worth the risk then go for it which he did for about 4 years till he physically couldn't do it anymore. I recommend talking to your doctor again but go in with the exact sport you want to do. If you're still not happy with his answer continue to ask questions till you understand fully what could happen. It's hard enough going through life with this disease we have to take pleasure from where we can......good luck and I hope that you get he anwers you want

  • lucynewas
    lucynewas

    Posted

    I echo your uncertainty. I live for skiing - I know my calcium levels are borderline - and i have osteomalacia - but noone has given me a dexa scan - so I don't know how brittle my bones are.
  • TimboG
    TimboG

    Posted

    Thanks for the replies, I will talk to my Doctor and hopefully post back any information I find out. Only have one appointment a year though so may take a while!
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