Ankylosing spondylitis generally affects young men between the ages of 15 and 45. Symptoms are stiff backbone and low back pain. Signs and Symptoms Symptoms of arthritis depend upon the type of arthritis that is present. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and improve joint mobility. Exercise is perhaps the most important of these, whether it is some form of stretching, isometrics, or simple endurance exercise.
Exercise prevents the muscles from shrinking.
Inactivity encourages both loss of muscle tone and bone deterioration. Too much exercise, however, will cause more pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. One form of exercise that's effective and soothing is hydrotherapy, or movement done in water. Doctors highly recommend swimming, too. But remember, hydrotherapy, or any form of exercise, should never produce pain.