Axial Spondyloarthritis Patient Education & Resources

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) refers to certain inflammatory arthritis diseases that affect the spine and sacroiliac joints, including ankylosing spondylitis. Learn more about these diseases, how they're diagnosed and treated, and what you can do to help control them.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints, where the spine meets the pelvis. It is characterized by chronic back pain and stiffness and, over time, can lead to changes in posture and mobility. AxSpA includes two main subtypes: ankylosing spondylitis (AS), where inflammation and damage are visible on X-rays, and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), where inflammation is present but no visible damage appears on X-rays and is often diagnosed through MRI or other tests.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment Options for Axial Spondyloarthritis Adjusting to a New Spondyloarthritis Diagnosis

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An estimated 9 to 30 people per 10,000 develop ankylosing spondylitis, fewer than previously thought.

Getting a correct axSpA diagnosis typically takes four to six years — longer for women than men.

About 19% of people with non-radiographic axSpA develop ankylosing spondylitis within 10 years.

Spondyloarthritis Family

Learn about this complex group of diseases that affect the spine, how they differ and why they’re hard to diagnose.

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Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects the spine and the sites where tendons attach to bone.

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Treating Ankylosing Spondylitis

Learn about medications as well as nondrug therapies used to tamp down inflammation and get ankylosing spondylitis under control.

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When Back Pain Means You Have Axial Spondyloarthritis

Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints and can have many causes. Take this quiz to find out if it could be from this complex form of arthritis, which affects the spine and pelvic joints.

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Newly Diagnosed - Ankylosing Spondylitis

Living Well With Ankylosing Spondylitis

Rick Phillips has been living with chronic illness much of his life, so when he was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), he was able to put it in perspective, even though he didn’t know what it was. In this video, Rick discusses how he was finally diagnosed, what he does to manage his AS, and he offers some great advice for others who are newly diagnosed.

Living Well With Axial Spondyloarthritis

Understanding Delays in AS Diagnosis

DEI award allows Dr. Maureen Dubreuil to research ankylosing spondylitis diagnosis delays.

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6 Self-Care Tips for AxSpA

Healthy habits help you manage your axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), including ankylosing spondylitis.

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Ankylosing Spondylitis Raises Risk for Other Conditions

People who have had ankylosing spondylitis a long time and women with the disease are at higher risk of conditions affecting the skin, eyes and intestinal system. Learn more about the conditions.

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Webinar: Inflammatory Arthritis: Challenges and Solutions

Learn how inflammatory arthritis may affect your body, head to toe. This webinar was made possible with support from Amgen, Bristol Myers Squibb and Novo Nordisk.

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More About Axial Spondyloarthritis

AS and Pregnancy Smoking Worsens AS Damage Understanding Delays in AS Diagnosis Expert Q&A: Can My Spine be Straightened? The First Medications for Axial Spondyloarthritis Can a Brace Help Ankylosing Spondylitis

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track axSpA?

What lab tests are needed to monitor your arthritis?

What's the best diet for axSpA?

How can I improve my sleep and fatigue?

What are some neck and back exercises to try?

How do I cope with an arthritis flare?

Help & Support

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands axSpA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Get the Help You Need

Recently Diagnosed?

If you were recently diagnosed, you may feel overwhelmed and alone. Get tips that can help you manage your disease.

Helpful Tips & Resources

Get Connected with a Community

Connecting with others in your local community who understand what it's like to live with arthritis is life-changing. Find a connect group near you to make new friends, share tips and get support.

Living Well With Inflammatory Arthritis

Get connected in-person to create achievable health goals and learn management and treatments options specific to your disease.

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Resources & Tools

Your Exercise Solution Videos Your Health, Your Coverage Walk With Ease E-books Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Educational Webinars Ease of Use Products Become an Advocate Pain Management Resources

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