Can people with Ankylosing Spondylitis work? What kind of work can they perform?

See how people with experience in Ankylosing Spondylitis give their opinion about whether people with Ankylosing Spondylitis can work and what kind of jobs are more appropriated for people with Ankylosing Spondylitis

As a person who's had this disease for 11 years, I have recently (about 2weeks ago) had to quit a job I love because of the progression of this disease. It was quite a blow realizing that my body was betraying me so much I had to stop being the me I knew and start on a different path.

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by Denise 450

Depends on the type of work and the level of pain.
Sitting jobs are the worse, as the pain and stiffness get worse after longer periods of no (or minimum) physical activity.

Some useful tips:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/on-the-job-with-ankylosing-spondylitis.aspx
https://www.quora.com/What-careers-are-most-suitable-for-people-who-have-Ankylosing-Spondylitis

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by kat1 1050

I believe people with AS can work in sedentary jobs or jobs that don't require heavy lifting and alot of bending, stooping, walking, etx, and allow for breaks as we have to get up and down at times due to pain and stiffness. In early stages of is easier than when it progresses. As a nurse it took me almost 15 years to get diagnosed and I worked up until last 2 years and I'm not longer able to now. It was to physical with lifting and pushing heavy med carts and such. Due to back being so fragile and other joints as well that are affected it is very difficult to carry out even small task at times. So I would say as the disease progresses a large % are unable to work due to pain and fusion or illness from treatment or just put bodies staying sick and missing work so much and requiring special axxomadsrions most work places want allow. If I had to guess maybe 50% work

Posted Mar 4, 2017 by Heather 1120

Posted Mar 5, 2017 by Richard Deery 600

Depends on their level of pain. Range of motion.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Shannon 1050

Any job that is sedentary will likely be problematic. Movement is important.

Posted May 17, 2017 by Keli 1050

I work as a chef and refuse to give up I know one day it will get the better of me I think it depends on the maturity of the condition and how quickly it's treated

Posted May 17, 2017 by Simon 300

Low impact work

Posted May 18, 2017 by Karlie 1150

It is up to the person

Posted May 18, 2017 by kelly cannell 500

Many people with this disease are able to work. It helps to have a understanding employer. Take regular breaks. If sitting for long periods get up and move often. An easy low impact job is usually better long term.

Posted May 19, 2017 by Kylie Frost 2120

I work a desk Job, I would say at this point I would not be able to work a labor job or standing all day position. I just could not personally.

Posted May 19, 2017 by Tamra 1750

Every one is different. I find staying active helps. I have standing desk that has been a life saver. Once fusion of other than tail bone happens, jobs would be limited. Affected organs also would limit jobs.

Posted Jul 24, 2017 by 1000

Yes, whatever they are comfortable doing

Posted Aug 31, 2017 by BigStu111 12832

Yes, with restrictions on lifting. Any Sales Representative positions.

Posted Sep 6, 2017 by Daniel Wilson 2010

They can work in any field they want, depending on how their Ankylosing Spondylitis is for them. I would think work with heavy items that one got to carry is not wise. The % of people with AS that can work in any field I think is about 60%

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Luciano Scariano 2600

Yes they can depending on there situation not everyone is the same
Only work to what your body allows
Light work is best
Desk work is the worst cause you can't move around

Posted Sep 7, 2017 by Carol 600

I work, though others may not be able. I did entertain a disability retirement until agreeing to biologic regiment, made all the difference and allows me to continue working

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Sal 4050

Yes, Motivation,proper Diet Plan,Social Media Constancy

Posted Sep 21, 2017 by Rana Navid Anwaar Khan 3945

Lavori pesanti non possono svolgerli
Lavori di ufficio si ma con stacchi per dare mobilità alla colonna e alle anche

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by Silvia 2500

People can be affected differently by AS, different stage of the illness and also different response with the treatment. Also depending on how the illness has already affected their life, their mobility or strength.

Then also they are different type of work which some might help and other might suits better someone and the condition. Therefore, everyone will have a different way of living with AS.

Sedentary job may need a special care of taking breaks or trying to move the joints as much as possible, while active job may help it my need special care on carrying weight for exemple. But in both case posture and range of motion is a must.

It is also possible to adapt or adjust a place of work for exemple as having a higher desktop to be working standing up.

Posted Feb 16, 2018 by Laeti 3570

Yes. It often depends on the severity of the disease and the type of work involved, number of hours

Posted May 31, 2018 by Colleen 2550

Translated from portuguese Improve translation

Can work, as long as not to load weight, do not stay too long in the same position and not make any effort.

Posted Aug 10, 2017 by Andressa 1050

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Yes, without weight and work load

Posted Aug 14, 2017 by Luz 901

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Can, depends on the symptoms and sequelae of each.

Posted Aug 15, 2017 by Adriana 1000