Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA or AS) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It affects 1 in 200 of the UK adult population—more than the 1 in 600 who have multiple sclerosis (MS) and the 1 in 350 who have Parkinson’s disease.
Axial SpA (AS) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It is a painful and progressive long-term condition for which there is no cure. Symptoms present in late teens to early twenties and may include: slow or gradual onset of back pain and stiffness over weeks or months rather than hours or days; early-morning stiffness and pain that wears off or reduces with exercise; persistence for more than 3 months vs. short attacks; feeling better after exercise and worse after rest; weight loss, especially in the early stages; fatigue or tiredness; feeling feverish and experiencing night sweats.
If you think these symptoms could apply to you or a loved one, learn more about Axial SpA including Ankylosing Spondylitis at www.bit.ly/WhatisaxialSpA
The National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society is the only charity in the UK dedicated to transforming AS care in the UK by building awareness, improving care and empowering the community.
