A Diagnosis is Just the Beginning: 2nd Annual Spondyloarthritis In America Survey

By Editorial Team

Living each day with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a battle: people with both ankylosing spondylitis (also called radiographic AxSpA) and non-radiographic AxSpA must fight to be heard and understood. From seeing multiple doctors to getting tests done over and over again, to trying new treatments that may not even provide relief – there is no other way to put it: those who live with AxSpA are in a battle.

The confusing journey of a diagnosis

We heard from people who live with ankylosing spondylitis, non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and undifferentiated axial spondyloarthritis. Of the respondents, 67 percent reported having ankylosing spondylitis (AS), 9 percent reported having non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-AxSpA), and 9 percent reported having generalized spondyloarthritis (GS). However, 15 percent of respondents were unsure of their diagnosis and reported being diagnosed with something else.

Data shows that people were misdiagnosed with low back pain (80%), spinal disc issues (61%), muscle spasms (51%), osteoarthritis (50%), depression (49%), fibromyalgia (49%) and spinal stenosis (43%)

There is no easy way to put it: the journey to a diagnosis can be really hard. The average time between symptom onset and a proper diagnosis is about 13 years. That means 13 years of seeing different doctors and getting different tests, all while having lots of pain, fatigue, brain fog, and more. The vast majority of respondents – 92 percent – saw more than 1 healthcare provider before their diagnosis, and 18 percent of respondents saw 10 or more doctors before their diagnosis.

Quotes from those living with spondyloarthritis expressing that finding a diagnosis was “exhausting, mentally draining, and confusing.

A diagnosis does not mean relief

A diagnosis often means that it is time to start treatment for debilitating symptoms: of those who responded to our survey, 95 percent reported back pain, 92 percent reported fatigue, and 86 percent reported swollen and stiff joints. But oftentimes, people undergoing treatment do not find the relief they were hoping for.

Of those with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, only 4% feel their symptoms are controlled, and of those with AS, only 7% feel symptoms are controlled.

Trying all types of treatments

In addition to taking prescription medicines, respondents have tried many other treatments and lifestyle changes to manage their symptoms. Nearly a quarter of respondents (24 percent) shared that they have tried to change what they eat, including trying the keto diet, vegan diet, and going gluten-free, low-fat, and more. Not only have people changed their diets, but 48 percent of respondents changed their exercise habits: they have tried aquatic therapy, yoga, bike riding, stretching, pilates, and even lifting weights.

When biologics and the other prescription drugs are not providing relief, respondents try other methods – and they are willing to make significant changes to their daily life.

To find symptom relief, patients have tried drinking more water, taking vitamins, stretching, avoiding alcohol, exercise, reducing stress, and CBD oil.

When surgery is unsuccessful

Those who took our survey have also tried surgery to find symptom relief. Just over a third (36 percent) of all respondents have had surgery to help with their symptoms. The most common surgery that people tried was a laminectomy, reported by 13 percent of respondents. But sadly, many reported surgical procedures did not relieve their symptoms.

Chart showing that 53% of people found joint replacement surgery successful, 40% found osteotomy with fusion successful.

The impact on careers, finances, and mental health

Living with a condition that causes unpredictable and chronic pain has significant effects on respondents' quality of life. Our respondents need support: 54 percent of respondents need emotional support, 53 percent need help with household duties, and 38 percent need support with shopping for essentials. But sadly, only 30 percent of people with AS and 25 percent of those with nr-AxSpA* feel their family and friends take their pain seriously.

Since receiving a formal diagnosis, respondents shared both positive and negative effects on mental health. Some appreciated the relief of finally receiving a diagnosis and a reason for their pain. But sadly, the impact is negative for the majority of respondents. They report increased depression and anxiety, feelings of isolation and withdrawal from everyday life, and a need for more mental health support.

Data shows that 69% of respondents feel that their condition has negatively impacted their work and career, and 44% report a significant negative impact on their finances.

Spondyloarthritis affects every aspect of a person's life, but those who live with it aren't alone. This community is here to provide support, validation, and a space to just vent. There is power in sharing chronic illness stories, and AnkylosingSpondylitis.net will continue to provide a place for just that.

The Ankylosing Spondylitis/Axial Spondyloarthritis In America 2020 Survey was conducted online from March through July of 2020. Of the 1,181 people who completed the survey, 787 were people who have been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, 289 people who were classified as generalized spondyloarthritis, 105 were people diagnosed with non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis, and none were caregivers of people with ankylosing spondylitis/axial spondyloarthritis.