The bad news is that AS is not curable, you are going to have it the rest of your life.

The great news is the fact that you are so young, and once you get any inflammation under control, you can lessen the effects of this disease, by regular exercise. Follow your rheumatologists recommendations, and stay as active as you possibly can.

Try not to bend your neck back like that, it is not good for your spine.

Best of luck to you.

Never, never lean your head back.

As the others have said, you  need a good doctor to guide you and worl out a pain management plan. The excercise is good, though perhaps you could be guided by a physio to ensure you are getting the most of what you are doing? As is not cureable, but can be manageable, but you need help.Good luck

Ashash, I'm really sorry that you're having to deal with this much pain at your age. But you're starting in the right direction. However, I'd really suggest a couple of things:

1. Get a great rheumatologist who can guide you through all of your options for AS - exercise, medication (you really want to reduce that inflammation, which will lessen the pain), and other methods of helping you deal with this pain.

2. I'd suggest trying a half hour of exercise at least 5 days a week. That may make a big difference.

AS is not currently curable, although some people feel that they've been able to get into remission for a period of time. These are things that you should absolutely be able to discuss with your doctor - you have options for lessening the pain.

P.S. I understand the neck pain, but mine has decidedly improved since starting treatment with Humira (it didn't really start working until the third dosage). Good luck!

Have you been diagnosed with AS? Try Advil. It is the only thing that ever made a dent in my pain before starting Enbrel. Find a good rheumatologist with AS experience and work with him/her to find ways to manage your pain. If you do have AS be thankful that you know what it is now, before it has done permanent damage. As hard as it seems, try to move your stiff joints often in full range of motion exercises. The more you move the less you fuse. Good luck!

Have you been diagnosed with AS?