Welcome to Spondyloarthritis Awareness Month! Throughout this month, we are launching a comprehensive campaign to shed light on spondyloarthritis (SpA) and its impact on individuals’ lives.

But SpA Awareness Month isn’t just about recognition; it’s about action and support. Our mission is to empower individuals to recognize these indicators early on, facilitating timely diagnosis and effective management strategies.

About Spondyloarthritis and the Need for Awareness

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a complex disease with serious complications. It isn’t rare. It’s just not well-known. In fact, SpA affects more people than Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS) – combined. Yet, compared to these other diseases, it still does not have the same level of awareness among the public. SpA Awareness Month aims to raise awareness of Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) and other members of the SpA family of related diseases through education, support, and advocacy. And each May, during SpA Awareness Month and World AS Day, we edge a bit closer to growing awareness of the disease and its impact on those living with it.

World AS Day (Saturday, May 4, 2024)

On World AS Day, SAA and other SpA patient organizations worldwide, collectively promote awareness of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) by mobilizing members of our respective communities.

This year, the theme for World AS Day is Signs and Symptoms.

Axial spondyloarthritis – or axSpA – is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in your lower back, hips, and buttocks. Unlike other types of back pain, the pain and stiffness improve with movement and get worse with rest. Symptoms of axSpA typically first emerge between the age of 20 and 45.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

OTHER POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

MORE RESOURCES