Living with Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), a condition causing chronic back pain, can be challenging. Unfortunately, diagnosing this inflammatory arthritis is also difficult. It's not always visible in imaging tests, making it a 'hidden' disease for many. Young adults often endure debilitating back pain and stiffness that significantly affects their quality of life before a diagnosis is even made.1
Understanding Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) Back Pain and Flares
REFERENCE:
J.A. Walsh, et al. Clinical Manifestations and Diagnosis of Axial Spondyloarthritis. J Clin Rheumatol. 2021 Dec 1;27(8):e547-e560.
REFERENCES FOR INFOGRAPHIC:
Garrido-Cumbers et at. The European Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Capturing the Patient Perspective - an Analysis of 2846 Patients Across 13 Countries. Current Rheumatology Reports 2019-21-19
A Winkler, et al. Update on Axial Spondyloarthritis. Mo Med. 2022 Jan-Feb; 119(1): 79–83.
R Barnett, et al. Understanding flare in axial spondyloarthritis: novel insights from daily self-reported flare experience. Rheumatol Adv Pract. 2021; 5(3): rkab082.
Max MH Teuwen, et al. Functional limitations of people with rheumatoid arthritis or axial spondyloarthritis and severe functional disability: a cross-sectional descriptive study. Rheumatol Int. 2024; 44(1): 129–143.