Feeling stiff as a board? Dealing with pain in your back or joints that just won’t seem to go away?
If so, you might just be dealing with something called ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Now, if you haven’t heard of AS, no sweat. It’s a rather funny-sounding condition that most people have to say twice to fully get. But make no mistake, AS can get pretty serious if left unaddressed.
What is it?
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects your spine and sacroiliac joints around your pelvis. This leads to pain and stiffness. In some cases, it can even cause your spine to fuse. While AS can affect anyone of any race, it likes to hit men the most. Aside from that, it’s still a largely rare and lesser-understood condition.
That said, it never hurts to know what’s what. No matter where you look, there are a lotta myths and misconceptions surrounding the prevalence, symptoms, and outcomes of AS, especially when talking of Black patients.
Here are five myths about AS that every Black man or woman should know.
Myth 1: Kids Don’t Have to Worry
A main myth about Ankylosing Spondylitis is that it only affects adults. False. AS can manifest in children and adolescents as well. According to various journals of rheumatology, AS is not uncommon in young teens, making it a tricky diagnosis.
In fact, its symptoms are often overlooked or misattributed to growth spurts. So, if you’ve got a young whippersnapper who is complaining of morning stiffness, back pain, and stooping over, consider getting a check-up.
RELATED: 5 Steps to Slow Ankylosing Spondylitis Progression
Myth 2: Only the Spine is Impacted
Sure, Ankylosing Spondylitis mostly affects the spine, but it can also hit other joints and even organs in the body. Studies have shown that AS may affect peripheral joints like your hips, shoulders, and knees, and has even been known to cause issues with the eyes, heart, and gastrointestinal tract.
Sometimes referred to as “extra-articular manifestations,” these issues may go unrecognized among Black patients, especially if you’re
