Far too many people living with spondyloarthritis (SpA) spend years searching for answers. In fact, it takes an average of 7–10 years from the first symptoms to an accurate diagnosis. That’s time lost, pain endured, and damage done — but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Spot the Early Signs
If you or someone you know has experienced any of these symptoms, don’t wait — talk to your doctor and ask for a referral to a rheumatologist.
Remember: Chronic pain isn’t normal — and ignoring the signs can delay diagnosis and treatment.
The Costs of a Delayed Diagnosis
Every year without answers can mean:
The earlier SpA is identified, the sooner you can begin a treatment plan tailored to you — reducing inflammation, easing pain, and protecting your future mobility.
Get Resources and Support
You’re not alone, and you don’t have to live with unanswered pain.
Early detection and treatment are key to slowing disease progression and improving quality of life. Help reduce the delays to a diagnosis.
Episode 111 | Part 1: Mind-Gut Connection in Spondyloarthritis: Rethinking Chronic Pain Through a Psychological Lens
Dr. Antonia Repollet explores how the gut-brain connection, trauma, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) shape the experience of chronic pain and offers practical strategies to help people with spondyloarthritis build resilience and regain control.
Episode 106 | Rewiring Chronic Pain: How Pain Reprocessing Therapy Can Transform Spondyloarthritis Care
Eileen Filliben, JD/MBA, shares how Pain Reprocessing Therapy helped transform her health, and how it may help people with spondyloarthritis change the way their brain responds to pain.
Episode 65 | Podiatric Care: Enhancing Foot Health for Spondyloarthritis Patients
Dr. Lindsey Cherry, Specialist Podiatrist in Rheumatology, discusses how spondyloarthritis can impact your feet and how a podiatrist can help.
Episode 53 | Your Stories: Conversations with a Physical Trainer Living with SpA
John Frazier, physical trainer, and author of the book Through the Pain, discusses his journey with AS and how it has impacted his own physical fitness and his work with others.
Episode 23 | Behavioral Therapy for Pain Management
Dr. Afton Hassett, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and principal investigator at Chronic Pain and Fatigue Research Center, discusses behavioral strategies and interventions for pain management.
Episode 20 | Pain Management for Spondyloarthritis with Dr. Clauw
Daniel Clauw, MD, rheumatologist, and internationally recognized pain researcher, discusses pain management for spondyloarthritis.
The webinar on Medical Cannabis & CBD for Juvenile Spondyloarthritis (JSpA) was led by Dr. June Chin, a practitioner of integrative medicine that specializes in neuromuscular medicine, cranial osteopathy, and acupuncture. This webinar included an overview of Cannabis and CBD, their therapeutic qualities and common side effects.
The Science of Pain: What You Need to Know
In this article, learn about the different types of pain and how they are treated; how and why pain occurs; holistic management strategies; and self-care and coping strategies.
Read the full article Examining Flares in Spondyloarthritis
A flare can be defined as the acute worsening of symptoms. Flares are generally thought to be due to increased activity of the underlying disease although this cannot always be demonstrated objectively. Read the full articleChronic Pain: More Than Words
“Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.” In this Spondylitis Plus article, we explore the ways in which chronic pain can be physically and psychologically traumatizing for those whose lives have been disrupted and compounded by fear, anxiety, and feelings of isolation.
Members can read the full article Kodi Smit-McPhee
with Dr. Rob Overbaugh, MD
When it comes to managing pain, where do you start when a patient comes to you?
with Dr. Rob Overbaugh, MD
Are different types of pain treated differently?
with Dr. Daniel Clauw, MD
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