Morbus Bechterew and Ossification in SI Joint

Hey Docs,

I’m asking this for a friend of mine (male, 32), who’s got a mild morbus bechterew, i.e. no hyperkyphosis, almost pain-free except for 2-3 episodes each year, that can be easliy treated with Ibuprofen.

He was recently diagnosed with an inflammation and growing ossification in his SI joint, which also is a direct result of his morbus bechterew. While the inflammation can be treated with pills, the ossification will not be reversible.

Is there anything he can do training-wise, that will stabilize the SI joint area and help to reduce the pain? Any nutrional hacks for morbus bechterew patients?

Best Regards,
Jan

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I assume you are referring to ankylosing spondylitis.

We would not recommend specific/unique training approaches for this condition, but agree that he should train. I do not think you need to be worried about “stabilizing” the area as you have no reason to believe it is “unstable”

There are also no evidence-based nutritional interventions we’d recommend for this condition.

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Thanks for you answer, Austin!

Yes, I am referring to ankylosing spondylitis. Morbus bechterew is what we call it in Germany.

So, if I get you right, you basically say, he should run a basic strength routine, like e.g. the beginner prescription. Right?
Anything he should absolutely avoid doing?

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That would be a fine place to start, regulated to his tolerance.

And nope.