Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare, autoimmune disorder.
It is a chronic form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the base of the spine, bones and joints. It has also been referred to as Bekhterev’s disease.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive condition, causing minor symptoms in the beginning and then gradually causing more harm as the person ages. There is no cure for the condition, only a systemic treatment plan to reduce the symptoms as they present themselves, as well as the progress of damage caused by inflammation. As the condition progresses, the bones of the spine slowly fuse together, limiting movement and range of motion. Along with the inflammation, the condition can be extremely painful.
Ankylosing spondylitis normally affects individuals in their 20s and 30s. Mick Mars, one of the most highly paid guitar players of all time and guitarist/songwriter for the mega band Motley Crue, was diagnosed with the disease when he was 17 years of age.
In the beginning, a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis really didn’t hamper Mars’ lifestyle. Unlike other members of the band, he was not a hardcore partier and mostly attended functions when it was related to a band event.
Mars, almost 10 years older than his band mates, joined the Crue when he was in his late 20s. He had already been dealing with his condition for close to a decade and had made up his mind to not let it stand in the way of his goals. He wanted to be in a band, play on stage and make music.
A chronic condition was not going to be his downfall.
Almost 40 years later, Mars has achieved all of those goals — including a few extra — without being victimized by a condition that can bring others to their knees. Mars has lost almost 3 inches of height due to the disease and his spine is noticeably bent, but he is still going strong and moving forward with a new set of goals and milestones in the making.
Mars realized early that if he wanted to keep up with his fellow musicians, he had to maintain control of his condition. While Neil, Lee and Sixx were outdoing one another in every way possible in their personal lives, Mars chose to find ways to ensure he would be able to keep up with them on stage.
Over the years, ankylosing spondylitis has caused Mars to become more stationary on stage, and at times, use a stool. However, it hasn’t touched his ability to play. Even through to the last note of the Motley Crue Final Tour, Mars hit every note with a smile.
The Crue’s touring days are over, but Mars is continuing to make plans with the other members as well as move forward on a possible solo project.
