Posture and Ergonomics with Ankylosing Spondylitis

June 15, 2025 Clive Burkinshaw

Posture, Ergonomics & Daily Tips for Life on the Road with Ankylosing Spondylitis

This post is part of my AS pain relief series.

Living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) means constantly adapting — especially when it comes to posture and how you go about daily life. For me, as an HGV driver, that means paying close attention to how I sit, move, eat, and rest. Little things make a big difference when you’re managing a condition like AS.

When we talk about ergonomics, we’re really just talking about how to set things up — like your seat, bed, or workspace — so your body’s supported and you’re not adding strain without realizing it.

Posture Starts with the Chair

Whether I’m behind the wheel or on the sofa, posture matters. I keep the backrest as upright as possible to stop that gradual forward slump. If you let it go, it becomes your normal — and that can lead to more pain and faster stiffening.

For daily management tips, check out How I Manage Daily Pain with AS.

AS is unforgiving when it comes to slouching. Keeping the spine straight isn’t about vanity — it’s about slowing down the fusion and protecting your future movement.

Micro-Movements Matter

Even while driving, I make sure I don’t sit completely still. I rotate my wrists, stretch my arms, flex my ankles — all small moves that keep blood flowing and muscles engaged.

I keep a grip strengthener in the cab too — nothing fancy, just something to keep my hands and forearms from locking up. Every couple of hours, I pull over, walk around the truck, loosen up my shoulders and legs. If something’s tightening, I deal with it straight away.

You can read more about how I stay flexible in Mobility and Stretching with Ankylosing Spondylitis.

Fuel Your Body Right

What you eat matters. Diet plays a bigger role than most people think. I’ve learned over time to avoid sugar, greasy foods, and anything that sets off inflammation. Everyone’s triggers are different, but sugar is my worst one.

If you’re not sure where to start, check out this plant-based list of anti-inflammatory foods that can help support your joints and calm inflammation naturally, like ginger, turmeric, nuts, seeds, and colourful veggies.

Before long shifts, I make sure I’ve taken the right vitamins — joint support, energy, immune function. I do still drink coffee (those night shifts, hey!), but I keep it sugar-free and sensible.

Support Beyond the Seat

When I’m not in the truck, I still pay attention to how I rest. A decent mattress and a supportive pillow are essential — nothing too soft. You want your head level, not propped up to avoid straining the neck and upper back.

Sometimes I lie flat on the floor for a few minutes just to “reset” my spine. And I make time to do basic core exercises like planks and sit-ups. A strong core makes everything else easier — posture, movement, pain control.

This lifestyle takes effort, sure — but once you build it into your routine, it becomes second nature. These small changes, like how you sit and how you move, give you a bit more control over a condition that otherwise takes the reins.

We’ll dig deeper into some of these topics in future posts — like core strength, supplements, and diet. But I hope this gives you a few practical things to try, especially if you’re also out on the road or stuck sitting for long hours.

You’re not alone in this. And there’s always something you can do to help your body — even in the cab of a truck.