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 6, 2023)

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 Moving for axSpA.

Exercise has been shown to optimize physical and mental health. For those living with spondyloarthritis, regular exercise can help improve posture, stiffness, pain, fatigue, breathing capacity, and overall function. Exercise can take the form of any number of physical activities. So, this World AS Day, we are encouraging “movement”! Get moving by finding a physical activity you enjoy. And remember, even just a few small steps each day can lead to an improvement in symptoms. Check out our Morning and Evening Stretch segments from our Back in Action, Again Exercise program.

MORNING STRETCH

EVENING STRETCH

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