Health Central speaks to experts including Melanie H. Smith, MD, PhD, rheumatologist at HSS, on ways to sit, stand, and sleep easier with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). 

“If you stay in any one position for too long, like being seated for several hours straight, it will cause stiffness and pain as inflammatory cells and proteins settle in the joints,” noted Dr. Smith. “This is most pronounced first thing in the morning as certain immune cells are more active at night, creating an accumulation of inflammatory cells and proteins by morning.”

Dr. Smith advised taking a two-minute movement break every 30 minutes or so when you’re seated at work or elsewhere. “Get up and stand instead of sitting, or if you can, take a short walk,” she said. “Movement increases circulation both of blood and of synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints.”

Read the full article at healthcentral.com.