Myths & Facts About Ankylosing Spondylitis and Spondyloarthritis

❌ Myth: “It’s just back pain.”

✅ Fact: AS and axSpA are systemic autoimmune diseases. They can affect the spine, eyes, joints, skin, gut, and more—and they can be just as debilitating as MS or Lupus.

❌ Myth: “Only men get AS.”

✅ Fact: AS can affect people of any gender. While historically underdiagnosed in women, research now shows that axSpA is just as common—though it may present differently.

❌ Myth: “You don’t look sick.”

✅ Fact: Spondyloarthritis is often invisible. Chronic pain, fatigue, stiffness, and inflammation can deeply affect daily life—even if someone “looks fine.”

❌ Myth: “If your X-ray is clear, it’s not AS.”

✅ Fact: Non-radiographic axSpA doesn’t show up on X-rays, especially in the early stages. MRIs and clinical evaluation are often needed to detect inflammation.

❌ Myth: “AS only affects the spine.”

✅ Fact: Inflammation can appear in joints, tendons, eyes, bowel, skin, and even the heart. It’s a full-body disease, not just a spinal issue.

❌ Myth: “You just need to stretch or exercise more.”

✅ Fact: While movement can help manage symptoms, AS is not caused by inactivity. It’s an inflammatory disease that often requires medication and medical support.