1. Fable: Ankylosing Spondylitis Is a Uncommon Situation
The reality is, ankylosing spondylitis might be extra widespread than beforehand thought.
Ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily impacts the backbone (although different areas of the physique will also be affected), is one sort of spondyloarthritis.
That mentioned, the SAA notes that these estimates are based mostly on older information that didn’t embody all varieties of spondyloarthritis. They estimate that future analysis would probably put the precise numbers of spondyloarthritis at round 6.4 million U.S. adults or extra.
2. Fable: Ankylosing Spondylitis Is Primarily a Concern for Males
Ankylosing spondylitis impacts each sexes, Dr. Hadler says.
3. Fable: Ankylosing Spondylitis Is All the time Identified From Again Ache
It’s really arduous to diagnose ankylosing spondylitis based mostly solely on again ache as a result of again ache is so widespread. “Hardly anybody goes one 12 months with out a backache,” Hadler says. Though some individuals persist in on the lookout for solutions for his or her persistent again ache, others might dismiss it, not realizing it might be an indication of a extra severe situation. As a result of ankylosing spondylitis may have an effect on different elements of the physique, the prognosis may very well come from one other drawback, Hadler notes.
4. Fable: Ankylosing Spondylitis Solely Impacts the Again
Continual again ache is certainly a quite common clue in making a prognosis, since ankylosing spondylitis primarily impacts the backbone — however it could actually additionally have an effect on different joints, together with the shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, and toes. Irritation from ankylosing spondylitis may have an effect on different elements of the physique, such because the digestive system or the eyes, resulting in a situation known as uveitis.
5. Fable: Relaxation Is One of many Greatest Methods to Fight Ankylosing Spondylitis Ache
The again ache related to ankylosing spondylitis differs from different varieties of again ache in that it worsens with relaxation and will get higher with exercise. Being energetic is definitely top-of-the-line issues you are able to do on your ankylosing spondylitis, says Elyse Rubenstein, MD, a rheumatologist at Windfall Saint John’s Well being Heart in Santa Monica, California.
“I like to recommend train routine and bodily remedy,” Dr. Rubenstein says. Ask your physician about particular workout routines that may be good for you, and think about working with a bodily therapist who will help you design a stretching and strengthening program that’s particularly tailor-made to your wants.
6. Fable: You Shouldn’t Take Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medication (NSAIDs) if You Have Ankylosing Spondylitis
Some individuals are hesitant to take NSAIDs for ankylosing spondylitis as a result of they’ve heard that these medicine can upset the abdomen. Nevertheless, NSAIDs are literally the commonest ache reliever prescribed for individuals within the early phases of the situation, Rubenstein says.
7. Fable: Ankylosing Spondylitis All the time Ends in a Fused Backbone
A fused backbone happens solely in late phases of ankylosing spondylitis, Rubenstein notes. For some individuals, the situation by no means progresses that far. Following your prescribed remedy plan, which ought to embody each train and drugs, will help your prognosis.
In case you have persistent signs or progressive injury to your backbone, Hadler provides, a rising variety of newer medicine could be very efficient. Speak to your physician about all the signs you’re experiencing and ask which remedy choices might assist delay or forestall illness development.
The Takeaway
- Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily impacts the backbone, however it could actually additionally affect different joints and organs. Regardless of misconceptions about ankylosing spondylitis, it’s not particularly uncommon and may it have an effect on each sexes equally.
- Individuals usually take NSAIDs to cut back ankylosing spondylitis irritation and ache, and staying energetic somewhat than resting might assist handle signs.
- Ankylosing spondylitis doesn’t at all times attain its late phases and trigger a fused backbone, so it’s vital to talk to a health care provider about drugs that may assist forestall or sluggish illness development.
Extra reporting by Katherine Lee.
