5 Myths About Ankylosing Spondylitis in Black Patients

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.

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 adverse to doctors or choose to ‘suck it up.’

Myth 3: Only Men Have to Worry

Gents, you’re in the doghouse on this one, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Turns out, while AS does tend to affect men the most, women can still develop the condition.

Some research even indicates that AS affects women differently, causing them more peripheral joint issues with fewer inflammatory markers overall. Black women may be particularly affected if they are dealing with preexisting conditions like obesity and arthritis.

Myth 4: It’s Nothing More Than Back Pain

As much as sufferers might want AS to be simple back pain, it’s not. It’s actually far more complex. Again, AS is characterized by inflammatory back pain, which is typically worse in the morning and gets better upon moving. However, if left untreated, AS may end up causing structural damage, fusion of the spine, and even significant disability. This is why early diagnosis and intervention to prevent irreversible damage are so critical.

If your community is largely unaware of AS, that’s nothing new. But just remember: raising awareness about the distinct features of AS is the best way to keep people on their toes. Certain genes, infections, and immune system factors may all contribute to AS, but to this day, there are still no definitive causes.

Myth 5: Serious Disability Is Unavoidable

False! Some of the worst cases of AS do lead to disability, but the condition does not inevitably result in serious impairment. Thanks to awesome advancements like biologic medications and targeted physical therapy, you can effectively manage AS symptoms and stay functional throughout your life.

Getting diagnosed early, sticking to treatments, and keeping an eye out can all help slow the progression of the disease. The best prognosis comes with a team. People with AS will often visit rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to tackle all aspects of the condition.

At the end of the day, detecting, treating, and managing AS is all about separating truth from fiction. Unsure if you have AS? Diagnosed, but not sure where you stand with the condition and its progression? Don’t sweat it! Specialists know what to do. Get armed with the facts and approach your healthcare providers. They can use genetic testing, blood testing, and imaging studies to get a closer look.

And when it comes to treatment, you’ve got options. From meds like corticosteroids and antirheumatic drugs to improved diets, posture training, and even spinal fusion surgery, you should never lose hope. No matter the severity and symptoms, something can be worked out.

Keep your chin up (and your spine straight). You got this!