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Ankylosing Spondylitis Patient Education & Resources

Axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) refers to several inflammatory arthritis diseases that affect the spine, but may also affect other joints as well as organs. Learn more about this family of diseases, how they're diagnosed and treated, and how you can control them.

Living with axial spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) can create everyday challenges. There are two types: radiographic axSpA (also called ankylosing spondylitis or AS), which includes damage to the sacroiliac joints and spine that can be seen on X-rays, and nonradiographic axSpA (nr-axSpA), which does not include damage you can see on X-rays but may show up on magnetic resonance images (MRIs). Learn what to expect and find expert information, resources, support and more to help you manage your AxSpA and its symptoms.
Ankylosing Spondylitis - AxSpA Treatments Options for Axial Spondyloarthritis Adjusting to a New Spondyloarthritis Diagnosis

It is estimated that from 9 to 30 people out of 10,000 develop axSpA, fewer than previously believed.

25% of women with axSpA are misdiagnosed at first, and the delay to a correct diagnosis is longer for women than for men.

About 60% of people with nonradiographic 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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Treatment Options for Axial Spondyloarthritis

Whether you have ankylosing spondylitis or nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis, treatment can slow the disease and make you more comfortable.

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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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Questions to Ask Your Doctor When You Have AxSpA

Learn all you can about your diagnosis, therapies and any related conditions you might be at risk for. Download this checklist to help you communicate with your doctor about your axSpA.

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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.

News & Stories

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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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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Jed Finley: It's Manly to Admit Pain

One man shares his journey to acknowledging his ankylosing spondylitis pain.

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Living Well With Axial Spondyloarthritis

First Steps Toward Axial Spondyloarthritis Treatment

Learning you have a chronic disease can be confusing. Focus on these four things to start managing axial spondyloarthritis, including ankylosing spondylitis.

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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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Axial Spondyloarthritis and Body Image

Learn to keep a positive self-image if your posture and physical abilities change.

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Can a Brace Help Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Learn if braces help curvature in people with ankylosing spondylitis.

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More About Axial Spondyloarthritis

AS and Pregnancy Smoking Worsens AS Damage Women and Longstanding AS Patients at Risk for Other Conditions Expert Q&A: Can My Spine be Straightened? The First Medications for Axial Spondyloarthritis Track Your Axial Spondyloarthritis Symptoms

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track axSpA?
How is arthritis related to mental health?
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 should I prepare for joint surgery?

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

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