Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) affects approximately 1-2% of Australians, meaning roughly 250,000 to 500,000 people, though estimates vary, with some sources suggesting around 0.5% or 1 in 200, highlighting it as a relatively uncommon inflammatory condition primarily impacting the spine and joints, more common in men, typically appearing in young adults (15-40 years).
Ankylosing spondylitis affects about 1–2% of Australians. The disease usually first appears between the ages of 15–40 years and is about three times more common in men than in women.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is relatively rare. Older data estimate that 0.1 to 1.4% of the global population have AS. The condition is more common in people with a gene known as HLA-B27.
Dan Reynolds Has Ankylosing Spondylitis
The 37-year-old lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons has ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints, ligaments, and tendons of the spine.
Illness and death
According to his father, Biden was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis in 2001 after returning from service in Kosovo.
The name has recently changed to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) based on the 2009 ASAS classification criteria to better include early disease, theoretically before the occurrence of bony structural damage [2]. Initially it mainly affects the sacroiliac joints (SIJ), and, usually later, the spinal column.
This article recounts Australian cricketer Michael Slater's experience with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the spine and joints. Diagnosed early in his career after a bicycle accident revealed the HLA-B27 gene, Slater faced significant challenges, including pain and stiffness.
For years, Dan Reynolds, lead vocalist of the rock band Imagine Dragons, kept secret his struggle with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a chronic, potentially disabling disease.
Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes painful swelling of the joints. Dr. Lancer recommends that Kardashian try slowing down her lifestyle, as stress is a known trigger of psoriasis.
July 18, 2025
A new peer-reviewed study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that ivarmacitinib, a new medication known as a selective JAK1 inhibitor, may be a promising treatment for people with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
With modern treatments, AS does not normally affect life expectancy significantly, although the condition is associated with an increased risk of other potentially life-threatening problems. For example, AS can lead to: weakening of the bones (osteoporosis) spinal fractures.
It's estimated 8 in every 100 people in the general population have the HLA-B27 gene variant, but most do not have AS. It's thought having this gene variant may make you more vulnerable to developing AS. The condition may be triggered by 1 or more environmental factors, although it's not known what these are.
Regular measurement of BMD and vitamin D is important to prevent fractures that may cause vital complications and disability. Vitamin D is a potential factor in the pathogenesis of AS. Monitoring vitamin D levels may have benefits in controlling inflammation and disease activity.
Anyone can develop ankylosing spondylitis, but certain groups of people are more likely to have it, including: People younger than 40 (more than 80% of people with AS are diagnosed when they're around 30). Males.
Common chronic conditions
In effect, what this means is that, while some people with severe osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis may quality for assistance under the NDIS, others may not.
The top 5 worst autoimmune diseases are giant cell myocarditis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and type 1 diabetes. These diseases can cause a lot of harm and even death if not managed well.
Palindromic Rheumatism (PR) is a rare type of inflammatory arthritis PR typically affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. It's estimated to affect about 1 in 20,000 people.
Danson told Shepard he has had psoriatic arthritis for about 15 years, “which is no fun because it does mess up your joints.” Danson manages his recurring back and hip pain through meditation, breathing exercises, and diet.
List of people with ankylosing spondylitis
Flying can be exhausting, and with a disease like ankylosing spondylitis you may experience increased symptoms like fatigue, pain, inflammation, and lower immunity. Knowing this in advance can empower you to prepare well for a successful flight and trip.
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis isn't known, but genetic factors seem to be involved. People who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
Shane Warne's actual "last words" aren't definitively known, but his final public message was an eerie "Good night" on Instagram, hours before his death from a suspected heart attack in Thailand; privately, his friend Tom Hall shared Warne's excitement about giving him cricket memorabilia as gifts just before he passed, with Warne also reportedly eating Vegemite on toast.
Australian cricket legend Rod Marsh died at age 74 on March 4, 2022, from complications following a severe heart attack he suffered a week earlier while in Queensland for a charity event, eventually passing away in an Adelaide hospital. He had been placed in an induced coma before his death.
Even if you or a loved one are not affected by ankylosing spondylitis, many have become familiar with the disease as the affliction Imagine Dragon's Dan Reynolds and Motley Crue guitarist Mick Mars have battled the majority of their lives.