What is axSpA

"axSpA" stands for "axial spondyloarthritis. 
It's a term used to talk about diseases that cause inflammation in the spine. The "axial" part means it affects the central part of your body, like your spine. And "spondyloarthritis" means it's a type of arthritis that affects the spine and its joints.

So basically, axSpA includes conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS), where the spine gets stiff and painful, and also non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr-axSpA), where there's similar pain and stiffness but no visible damage on X-rays.

They use this term to group these conditions together and help doctors understand and treat them better. It's like a way to talk about all these spine-related arthritis problems in one go.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that mainly affects the spine. It can make your back really stiff and hurt a lot. Imagine feeling like your back is really tight and hard to move, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time.

Apart from back pain, it can also make other joints, like your hips and shoulders, ache and feel stiff. Sometimes, it can even affect your eyes, causing redness and pain.

The pain from ankylosing spondylitis can be pretty bad. It can make it hard to do everyday things like bending over, lifting stuff, or even just sitting for a long time. And because it’s a chronic condition, meaning that one has to learn to live with it, it can affect your mood and make you feel tired and frustrated.

But that’s not all. Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause other health problems. For example, it can lead to problems with your posture because it can make your spine curve forward, giving you a hunched-over appearance. It can also affect your lungs and make it harder to breathe, although this is less common.

Overall, ankylosing spondylitis can really impact your quality of life. It can make it tough to do the things you enjoy, like playing sports or spending time with friends and family. But with the right treatment and support, many people can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *