Myths About Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an autoimmune, potentially disabling, inflammatory arthritis of the spine. It is chronic and cannot be cured, but rather managed, and typically presents in men under 45.  

“Myths about AS are harmful because it prevents patients who may have symptoms of the disease from seeking care because they don't fit the typical mold of what an ‘ankylosing spondylitis patient’ looks like,” says Nilasha Ghosh, MD, Rheumatologist at Hospital for Special Surgery.

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Written by:

Hilary Weissman

Hilary Weissman has been a health writer for the past 6 years. She was a senior copywriter at WW (Weight Watchers) before joining GoodRx and was also a copy editor in S&P Global’s structured finance ratings group for 3 years prior.

Reviewed by:

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP

Mera Goodman, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to practicing medicine, she worked as a management consultant.

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