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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.

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.

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.

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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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