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With COVID-19 hitting the U.S. at peak flu season, it’s no wonder some confusion has ensued. 

How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu and the Coronavirus

Flu vs. Coronavirus

Flu or Coronavirus? Here's How to Tell the Difference

Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis takes some detective work, especially because so many health problems cause similar symptoms. Our guide helps you spot the clues so you can get the treatment you need. 


9 Sneaky Conditions That Mimic RA

Conditions that Mimic RA 

9 Conditions That Mimic RA

Is discharge normal? What about soreness? Here’s what to look out for—and when to give your doctor a call. 

Nipple Issues: When to Worry, When to Wait

Common Nipple Issues

What's just as important as knowing what's not normal when it comes to breast health? Knowing what it is! 

black and white image of topless woman from behind

7 Signs of Healthy Breasts

There could be a number of things going on in your body and brain that make sex feel like a low priority item.

Too Tired for Sex?

Low Sex Drive

Genital herpes is quite common, but a great deal of stigma still exists surrounding the virus. Know the facts from the falsehoods.

10 Myths About Genital Herpes

Something sank its teeth into you? We'll help you figure out what type of insect, chigger, or spider might be to blame. 

What Is That?! How to ID 8 Common Bug Bites

Adopt these 10 heart-smart tips now to lower your risk for having a heart attack in the future.

10 Ways to Prevent a Heart Attack

Heart Attack Prevention

A diagnosis of acid reflux no longer means saying goodbye to all of your favorite fruits. These super foods are an important part of a healthy diet. Fruits are usually low in fat and rich in the sort of fiber that can protect against acid reflux.

Low-Acid Fruits for Acid Reflux

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Arthritis & Joints

You got the basic facts about your condition from your doctor, but what you really want is an up-close look at how it all plays out IRL. We asked Charis Hill to share what it’s really like living with ankylosing spondylitis.

Really Honest Answers: Charis Hill Shares Their Journey With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Really Honest Answers AS: Charis Hill

Really Honest Answers About Ankylosing Spondylitis

Your doctor is good for a lot of things, but sometimes the info you need is more personal, less pain management. We asked Hillary Wool of Brooklyn, NY, to share what it’s like—*really* like—to live with this challenging condition.

Really Honest Answers: Hillary Wool Talks About Living With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Really Honest Answers AS: Hillary Wool

Hallie Levine

People with ankylosing spondylitis don't usually become professional dancers. Alicia Graf Mack did that and more. 

She Became a Top Ballerina...and Had No Idea She Had AS

Lara DeSanto

Are the back pain and exhaustion that come with ankylosing spondylitis making it hard to do your job? Relief is here.

10 Tips for Getting Through the Workday With Ankylosing Spondylitis

AS Workday Tips

10 Tips for Getting Through the Workday With AS

Lambeth Hochwald

Caring for a new baby can wreak havoc on even the strongest backs. Here are some best practices to support your spine.

5 Back Care Tips for New Moms With AS

New Moms With AS

Stephanie Stephens

Rheumatologist Hillary Norton, M.D., has spent her career caring for people with ankylosing spondylitis—including herself. 

When Your Doctor Has Ankylosing Spondylitis, Too

Rheumatologist With AS

Most of us have back pain at some point—90% of us, in fact—and it has lots of potential causes. Ankylosing spondylitis is one of them. Here’s how to know if AS might be behind yours.

black and white photo of nude woman with shadow going down spine

Could That Back Pain Be Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Low Back Pain vs. AS

Marjorie Korn

Osteoporosis is a common side-effect of this form of arthritis. But an array of foods and supplements can keep your body strong.

Your Bone-Friendly AS Diet Is Here

Bone-Friendly AS Diet

Emily Shiffer

These familiar movers-and-shakers prove that you can sing, dance, entertain, and even rock out with ankylosing spondylitis.

Famous Performers Who Have AS

Performers With AS

Judi Ebbert, PhD, MPH, RN

Pain Management

If you've recently been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, you're probably anxious to know your prognosis. Here's what you can expect.

Doctor explaining ankylosing spondylitis to woman.

What's Your Ankylosing Spondylitis Prognosis?

What is the Prognosis for People Living With Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Stephanie Wood

"Ankylosing spondylitis only affects white men." FALSE—but we've got the truth about this misconception (and more).

6 Common AS Myths You Can Let Go

AS Myths

6 Top Myths About Ankylosing Spondylitis You Can Let Go

Megan McMorris

Fitness & Exercise

Strengthening your back will go a long way to easing pain and staying on top of ankylosing spondylitis.

8 Moves for a Healthier Back

Back-Friendly Moves for AS

8 Exercises for a Healthier Back

Real talk from people with AS about how their partners always have their back.

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6 Ways to Support Your Partner With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Pamela Kaufman

Charis Hill didn’t think women were at risk for ankylosing spondylitis. Then she got her diagnosis.

Charis Hill holds a cane and looks off camera.

Star Athlete Turned AS Patient Advocate

From Star Athlete to Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Advocate

Having a chronic illness can be a tough adjustment—but managing the pain doesn't have to be. With ankylosing spondylitis, you've got plenty of options.

Everything You Need to Know About Treating AS

AS Treatment

Let's Talk About Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ashley Romereim has been taking oral pain medication for her ankylosing spondylitis since she was a teenager. Now, a surgically implanted spinal stimulator has reduced her low back pain and cut her oral pain meds in half.

‘Internal TENS Unit’ Brings AS Pain Relief for This Former Powerlifter

Spinal Stimulation & AS 

A Surprising Solution to Decades-Long Back Pain  

Charis Hill

Along with Zach Kornfeld three YouTube partners, he'll try anything. Now he's trying a healthier life with ankylosing spondylitis.

"Try Guy" Zach Kornfeld Talks AS

How an AS Diagnosis Made YouTuber Zach Kornfeld Happier

Just as important as your medical team and medication regimen is your practice of self-care. Sometimes this means choosing the right workouts, and sometimes it’s about prioritizing your priorities. At the end of the day, remember that you matter more than your condition.

Woman sitting, thinking, and holding a fallen leaf.

While You’re Treating Your AS, Treat Yourself, Too

Self Care for AS 

Self-Care for Ankylosing Spondylitis: You Matter

K.J. Ramsey, MA, LPCC, NCC

K.J. Ramsey was diagnosed with AS in her 20s — she was afraid and in pain, with no idea what the next decade would bring. If only she could go back and talk to that 20 year old...

After a Decade of Disease: This is What I Would Tell My Younger Self

Living with AS

Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Letter to My Younger Self

Find out how this scientist roams Mars while also living with ankylosing spondylitis in our compelling interview with Dr. Tanya N. Harrison, Ph.D.

A Martian With Ankylosing Spondylitis

"Representation Matters:" This Scientist With Ankylosing Spondylitis Works On Mars

For a smooth journey — from security to baggage claim — here’s what you should know about plane travel with ankylosing spondylitis.

Tips For Flying With Ankylosing Spondylitis

AS & Traveling

Just Plane Flying With Ankylosing Spondylitis: On Travel Day

Carmen Roberts, M.S., R.D., L.D.N.

Food & Nutrition

Diet can't cure AS, but there are foods you can eat to help minimize your joint pain and swelling — and some that can make it worse. Choose wisely.

Cooking healthy food to help ankylosing spondylitis.

How Diet Can Help Ankylosing Spondylitis

Diet & AS 

Ankylosing Spondylitis: How Diet Can Affect Your Condition

The first lines of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis are physical therapy and exercise, but if you need something more, consider these options.

Smiling physical therapist working with female patient's hip.

Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Options

Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis and How to Treat It

Jane Langille

New guidelines can help you find the best treatment options for ankylosing spondylitis and related conditions.

Woman working with physical therapist using a walker.

Best Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Do you have that place you can go that makes you feel like you? The place where your chronic illness doesn't matter. For Charis, that place is Burning Man. 

Woman holding up heart-shaped hands in the desert.

At Burning Man She Could Be Herself Again

Finding Home With Chronic Pain at Burning Man

If you live with ankylosing spondylitis, these are the best — and worst — exercises to help you improve flexibility and posture.

How To Maintain Mobility With AS

Best and Worst Workout Moves for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Healthy Recipes

Maintaining a social life with ankylosing spondylitis isn’t easy — but potlucks can be a great way to spark new friendships and rekindle old ones. 

How Potlucks Became My Social Life With AS

How Potlucks Became My Social Life With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Malaika Hill

Many people with ankylosing spondylitis also develop an eye condition called uveitis. Here's what you need to know.

Ankylosing Spondylitis and Eye Health

How Ankylosing Spondylitis Affects Your Eye Health

Ricky White, RN turned writer and stay-at-home dad, talks about life with ankylosing spondylitis, finding gratitude, and making sure to feed the kids.

Everyday Life With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Maximizing Everyday Life With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Find out which types of arthritis are most likely to be passed down through your family, and how lifestyle changes may help you prevent them.

Family picture with cell phone camera at picnic.

Arthritis: What Role Does Heredity Play?

What is the Role of Heredity in Risk for Arthritis? 

Ankylosing spondylitis sometimes requires surgery to help ease the pain of the condition. Here's how to decide if surgery is necessary.

When Is Surgery Appropriate for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

A person with ankylosing spondylitis may have stiffness and pain at the base of the spine. These are the tests, scans, and exams you'll need to get a diagnosis.

Doctor with x-rays diagnosing a patient with ankylosing spondylitis. 

Diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis

Learn how to navigate diagnosis, treatment, and daily life with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare and painful condition that afflicts men and women of all ages.  