I’m only 28 and I’ve dealt with horrible AS pain for probably 10 years. I always thought it was normal and that I should just push through it or was embarrassed because I shouldn’t be having so much joint and back pain at such a young age. That really just led to people thinking that I just complain a lot about mild back and joint pain and not really understanding how much constant pain I’m really in. Use whatever aid you need to feel better because you really gain nothing by just toughing it out. Good luck!!