Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vertigo: What Is the Relationship?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis. The most common symptoms of inflammation affect the joints and typically involve pain, stiffness, and swelling. Some people with ankylosing spondylitis develop digestive problems, a rash, or eye inflammation.

While vertigo (a dizzy, spinning sensation) is not the most well-recognized effect of ankylosing spondylitis, people with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher than usual risk of experiencing vertigo, especially as the condition progresses over time.

This article explains the relationship between vertigo and ankylosing spondylitis, how you can try to prevent it, and what treatments might help if you have vertigo or any balance problems with ankylosing spondylitis. 

Connection Between Ankylosing Spondylitis and Vertigo 

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic disorder that causes inflammation of the joints. It can also cause vertigo, dizziness, problems with balance, and trouble waking.

People with this condition can have diminished core stability, which means that the body as a whole is less stable than normal, making it difficult to maintain balance.

The severity of these problems varies among people with ankylosing spondylitis. Each type of physical instability or sense of imbalance can amplify the effects of the others, leading to further impairment of balance and worsening feelings of dizziness. 

Risks 

In general, the different aspects of diminished balance that can develop with ankylosing spondylitis are caused by inflammation in various areas of the body. People who have ankylosing spondylitis are at risk of having poor balance and posture, both at rest and during activity.

One study found that balance was impaired with both forward and backward movements and side-to-side movements.

Inner Ear Inflammation

Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to inflammation in the inner ear. Researchers used vestibular testing to determine how participants with ankylosing spondylitis scored. These are tests used to assess the inner ear function of balance.

In the study, people with ankylosing spondylitis were found to have lower than normal vestibular system functioning. This is known to cause vertigo, dizziness, and trouble with balance. 

Joint Inflammation

Gait, which describes a person’s form, balance, and strength while walking, is also affected by ankylosing spondylitis. This is thought to result from joint inflammation, stiffness, and deformity.

Gait can also be impaired by vertigo and dizziness, and problems with gait can worsen dizziness. 

Treatment and Management of Vertigo With Ankylosing Spondylitis 

Treatments can reduce your feelings of vertigo and dizziness and improve your balance. 

Physical therapy is a key treatment for vertigo. This involves balance exercises, gait training, and exercises specifically designed to reduce vertigo. You can work with a physical therapist and, under their direction, practice the exercises at home on your own. 

Prevention 

Ankylosing spondylitis can be managed with medication to help reduce inflammation and prevent the progression of joint stiffness and malformation. Treatment can potentially prevent vertigo by reducing inflammation in the inner ear and preventing the balance issues that are caused by joint involvement. 

Research suggests that people with ankylosing spondylitis be tested for balance and core stability and that exercises to improve these skills should be a standard part of physical therapy and rehabilitation for ankylosing spondylitis.

Summary 

Several risk factors can make you prone to vertigo, dizziness, and balance problems if you have ankylosing spondylitis. The joint inflammation, stiffness, and potential deformity caused by this condition can impair gait, which can interfere with your balance and cause a feeling of vertigo and dizziness.

Additionally, inflammation of the inner ear can lead to vertigo, balance problems, and dizziness. Screening for these issues can identify them early so treatment can be started. Prevention includes using medication to control ankylosing spondylitis and participating in physical therapy. 

A Word From Verywell 

You can have a good quality of life with ankylosing spondylitis. Medication, physical therapy, and staying active can all help maintain your ability to function and can reduce the pain or discomfort that this type of inflammatory arthritis can cause.