Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease that affects the axial skeleton, causing severe pain, stiffness and fatigue. The disease typically starts in early adulthood, a critical period in terms of education and beginning a career path.
What is the difference between ankylosing spondylitis and spondyloarthritis?
Axial spondyloarthritis can be considered a subset of spondyloarthritis that affects primarily the axial joints (the joints of the spine, chest, and pelvis). Ankylosing spondylitis is generally considered a specific subset of axial spondyloarthritis.
What does axial spondyloarthritis feel like?
Nr-axSpA leads to symptoms like pain and stiffness in the lower back and spine, as well as possible pain in the neck, hips, and buttocks. Other symptoms include pain at night, stiffness upon waking, fatigue, and loss of mobility.
Can axial spondyloarthritis go away?
Remission is unlikely in non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis without biologic therapy. Adding certolizumab to background therapy can lead to significant improvements in disease activity compared to placebo, researchers find.
Is axial spondyloarthritis autoimmune?
Doctors and researchers still have a lot to learn about the what causes axial spondyloarthritis. “It’s a combination autoimmune and inflammatory disease, meaning the innate and adaptive immune systems [the body’s first- and second-line defenses] are both involved,” explains Dr.
Does spondyloarthritis cause bone spurs?
Axial spondyloarthritis, or AxSpA, is a type of spondyloarthritis that affects mainly the spine and pelvic joints. Unlike other kinds of arthritis, AxSpA does not destroy cartilage or cause bone spurs or resorption. One of the hallmarks of the condition is new bone formation.
Is spondyloarthritis an autoimmune disease?
Spondyloarthritis is currently allocated to the autoimmune diseases, but classifies as an autoinflammatory disease based on a strong inflammatory component and lack of a female preponderance.
How do you test for an axSpA?
To diagnose AxSpA spectrum conditions, a medical history is typically taken, including any symptoms that the person may be experiencing, as well as a family history of symptoms. A physical exam is done, and differential diagnosis is made. Back pain due to inflammation is different than general back pain.
How is axial spondyloarthritis diagnosed?
1 Axial spondyloarthritis is usually diagnosed by a combination of symptoms, imaging scans, and blood test results. 2 Negative results on imaging tests, such as X-rays, do not rule out an axial spondyloarthritis diagnosis. 3 Early diagnosis can allow prompt treatment that helps minimize symptoms and maintain function.
What is axial spondylarthritis (spa)?
CHICAGO— Axial spondylarthritis (SpA) is now the preferred name for a set of diseases including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), an inflammatory disease of the sacroiliac joints and spine.
What is the difference between radiographic and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis?
Radiographic axial spondyloarthritis is sometimes called ankylosing spondylitis, which refers to a later stage of the condition where bones in the spine fuse to one another. Radiographic and nonradiographic axial spondyloarthritis are considered to be the same condition in different stages, with the nonradiographic form being an early stage.
Is there a cure for axial spondylolisthesis?
There is no cure for axSpA, but treatment aims to: Relieve pain and stiffness in the back and affected areas. Keep your spine straight. Prevent joint and organ damage. Preserve joint function and mobility.
