Ankylosing spondylitis is considered a disability. And, no, you do not have to be a full-time wheelchair user to qualify. If your condition makes any part of your job difficult and there is a way to assist you in doing that part, go to your HR department and ask for it.
Half of people with AS manage some type of instability on the job. Between 10% and 20% of people with AS encounter some kind of work disability, especially if their jobs are physically demanding. Nearly one in seven AS patients must scale back or change their work due to the disease.
It is a rare disease, there is no cure, and you will end up in a wheelchair.
Advanced Ankylosing Spondylitis
If you have more advanced AS, your doctor may tell you that your spine has fused. That happens when new bone grows between some of the small bones that form your spine, joining them together. The more this happens, the less movement you have in your spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the conditions in the SSA's Listing of Impairments. This document provides details on medical conditions that may impair a person's ability to work, qualifying them for SSDI. AS falls under section 14.00, which is called “Immune System Disorders — Adult.”
In some cases, ankylosing spondylitis can be debilitating and lead to disability, according to the SAA. Over time, the inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis can cause the vertebrae of the spine to fuse together. In severe cases, when this happens, the spine can curve and cause a stooped position.
Can the Weather Affect Ankylosing Spondylitis? Factors such as cold weather, humidity, high heat, and wind may act as triggers that change or even worsen symptoms. Treatment and a healthy lifestyle may help offset the effects of these changes.
Almost all people with ankylosing spondylitis can expect to lead normal and productive lives. Despite the chronic nature of the illness, only a few people with ankylosing spondylitis will become severely disabled.
The most prevalent quality of life concerns included stiffness (90.2%), pain (83.1%), fatigue (62.4%), poor sleep (54.1%), concerns about appearance (50.6%), worry about the future (50.3%), and medication side effects (41%).
Some foods can trigger ankylosing spondylitis, so it's important to avoid certain foods to prevent inflammation. These include foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar; processed foods, dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and others.
Dan Reynolds Has Ankylosing Spondylitis
Prior to learning of his AS, Reynolds was diagnosed with a type of inflammatory bowel disease called ulcerative colitis when he was 21. “That should have been an indication that I was prone to these autoimmune diseases,” Reynolds told Practical Pain Management magazine.
Back pain and stiffness are usually the main symptoms of AS. You may find: the pain gets better with exercise, but does not improve or gets worse with rest. the pain and stiffness is worse in the morning and at night – you may wake up regularly during the night because of the pain.
Swimming and walking are great options if you have ankylosing spondylitis. Try the exercises in this pull-out once a day, starting off slowly and building up the number of repetitions gradually.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms may gradually worsen as you age. The condition is rarely disabling or life-threatening. Still, symptoms like joint pain may interfere with your ability to do the things you love. Early interventions can ease inflammation and pain.
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the axial spine that can manifest with various clinical signs and symptoms. Chronic back pain and progressive spinal stiffness are the most common features of the disease.
Early symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include back pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic, inflammatory disorder and a rare form of arthritis. Triggers for ankylosing spondylitis include infections (gastrointestinal infections, urinary tract infections [UTIs], and respiratory infections), heavy physical activity, work stress, emotional stress, and pregnancy.
U.S. FDA Approves Pfizer's XELJANZ® (tofacitinib) for the Treatment of Active Ankylosing Spondylitis.
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) can vary from person to person, but usually develop slowly, over several months or years. AS usually first starts to develop during later teenage years or early adulthood. The symptoms may come and go, and improve or get worse over many years.
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.
If you suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is covered under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and you may be eligible for their funding to utilise our support services. The eligibility and level of funding will depend on the severity of your functional disability and needs.
Because joint disorders often keep you from working, you might be able to apply for Social Security disability benefits for Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is one of the spine disorders that qualify for disability. Consult with the SSA's guide to see if you qualify under the listing for ankylosing spondylitis.