Does My Patient Have Axial Spondyloarthritis?

Back pain: It’s something that can have many causes. And tracking down that cause can be difficult.

What do you do if traditional treatments don’t work? What if the pain lingers for months — or even years? It’s time to consider screening for axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Key Resources

Diagnose axSpA with confidence — take advantage of high-quality educational content produced by experts in the field.
Introducing six on-demand presentations developed and presented by leading rheumatologists specializing in axSpA.

How to Diagnose AxSpA

Know the symptoms and signs

By Rheumatologist Soha Dolatabadi, MD

Introduction to AxSpA

Learn the fundamentals of this condition

By Rheumatologist Kristine Kuhn, MD, PhD

History Taking and Physical Examination

Why accurate history taking and thorough physical exams are critical

By Rheumatologist Soha Dolatabadi, MD

Spondyloarthritis Mimics

Is it axSpA or something else? Practice differential diagnosis and learn to distinguish axSpA from mimics

By Rheumatologist Abhijeet Danve, MD, MHS

Epidemiology and Clinical Features of Axial Spondyloarthritis

See how axSpA differs from other conditions

By Rheumatologist Mohamad Bittar, MD

A Clinician’s Guide to MRI in Axial Spondyloarthritis

The role of imaging in axSpA diagnoses

By Rheumatologist Walter P. Maksymowych, MD

Log In or Create an Account to Access Exclusive Content!

  • Recorded Spondylitis Webinars & Seminars featuring Experts in Spondylitis
  • Featured Articles from our Magazine, Spondylitis Plus
  • Downloadable Educational Brochures
  • Our Rheumatologist Directory
  • Your Complete Action Guide to Manage Spondylitis
  • SAA’s Online Spondylitis Community
  • Enter your Walk AS Off Steps

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Helping Your Patients Find Relief

Whether you’re a primary care physician or a rheumatologist, knowledge is power. And knowing what to look for in patients with lingering back pain is critical for diagnosis.

While inflammatory back pain and stiffness are hallmark symptoms of axSpA, the neck, shoulders, ribs, hips, knees, and heels can also be involved. Some may experience arthritis in joints of the arms and legs. Psoriasis, iritis/uveitis, enthesitis, intestinal pain and inflammation, and dactylitis can also occur.

Despite lack of awareness among the general public, axSpA is not rare; more than 3 million Americans have it. And on average, axial spondyloarthritis patients face a diagnostic delay of 7-10 years!

Here are some other axSpA facts you need to be aware of:

AXSPA IS A BROAD CATEGORY THAT INCLUDES TWO SUBTYPES

  • Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), in which bone changes or fusing in the spine can be seen on X-ray; and
  • Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), without characteristic bone changes or fusing seen on X-ray.

AS and nr-axSpA can be thought of as two ends of the spectrum of axial spondyloarthritis, and present with many of the same symptoms.

Read more about the two forms of axSpA

AXSPA CAN AFFECT MEN AND WOMEN DIFFERENTLY.

Women tend to experience more neck and peripheral pain (e.g., hips, shoulders, knees, heels), compared to men, who mainly tend to feel lower back pain.

AXSPA TENDS TO BEGIN IN YOUNG ADULTHOOD.

Although arthritis is often associated with older adults, axSpA is prevalent among younger populations. Most axSpA patients start experiencing symptoms before the age of 45.

AXSPA HAS A STRONG GENETIC CONNECTION.

The HLA-B27 genetic marker is closely associated with axial spondyloarthritis. In the U.S., the gene is found in about 85% of Caucasians and Hispanics with axSpA, and in about 60% of African Americans with axSpA. In the general population, however, the gene is found in only 7.6% of Caucasians, 4.5% of Hispanics, and 1% of African Americans. As such, the HLA-B27 gene can be a helpful clue when considering an axSpA diagnosis.

 

Here at the Spondylistis Association of America (SAA), our mission is to improve lives.

With your help, we can shorten the diagnostic delay and improve axSpA disease outcomes. We know that timely diagnosis and proper interventions can make all the difference. Here, you’ll find a collection of resources to help you better identify and manage axSpA in your patients.

Additional Resources

For Primary Care Physicians

Clinical Pocket Guide for AxSpA

Patient Educational Resources

Log In or Create an Account to Access Exclusive Content!

  • Recorded Spondylitis Webinars & Seminars featuring Experts in Spondylitis
  • Featured Articles from our Magazine, Spondylitis Plus
  • Downloadable Educational Brochures
  • Our Rheumatologist Directory
  • Your Complete Action Guide to Manage Spondylitis
  • SAA’s Online Spondylitis Community
  • Enter your Walk AS Off Steps

Log In or Join to Access This Exclusive Members Only Content