Can ankylosing spondylitis cause chest pain?

In general, whether ankylosing spondylitis causes chest pain depends on the extent and severity of the condition. If the condition is mild and does not involve the costosternal joints, chest pain typically does not occur. However, if the condition is severe and involves the costosternal joints or thoracic cage, chest pain may develop. A detailed explanation is as follows:

If ankylosing spondylitis is in its early stage and the condition is mild, with inflammation mainly affecting the sacroiliac joints and lumbar spine without involving the costosternal joints or thoracic cage, patients may only experience low back pain and stiffness that improves with activity. In such cases, symptoms of chest pain typically do not appear.

As ankylosing spondylitis progresses, the inflammation may gradually spread to the costosternal joints and thoracic vertebrae, leading to involvement of the costosternal joints and calcification of thoracic ligaments, which can restrict thoracic cage movement. Patients may then experience chest pain, especially during deep breathing, coughing, or extending the chest. The pain may worsen under these circumstances. Some patients may also experience chest tightness and restricted thoracic movement.

To alleviate symptoms and slow the progression of ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to maintain proper standing and sitting posture in daily life and to avoid bending over or sitting for prolonged periods. Appropriate exercises such as back and chest muscle strengthening and thoracic expansion exercises, including deep breathing and standing against a wall, can help maintain joint mobility.