What is axSpA?
Axial Spondyloarthritis (also known as axSpA or axial SpA) is one of a group of inflammatory rheumatic diseases known as Spondyloarthritis that share clinical and genetic features.
AxSpA is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. This results in pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips and buttocks. It can also affect other joints in the body, as well as tendons and ligaments. It causes inflammation and can lead to chronic pain, and impairments in mobility.
Latest from ASIF
5 September 2025
23.7 million people reached
This year’s World AS Day campaign reached approximately 23.7 million people worldwide on social media. Read our Report.
5 September 2025
Highlights from the ASIF–ASOPAN World AS Day Event
Find out more about our exciting Spanish-language webinar for the axSpA community.
9 June 2025
ASIF Webinar: HCP Education
Read about and watch our insightful webinar exploring the role of patient organisations in HCP education.
ASIF programmes
9 June 2025
World AS Day
World AS Day 2025 raised international awareness of the everyday challenges faced by people living with axSpA. The campaign brings together people living with axSpA, patient organisations, HCPs and industry.
21 March 2025
IMAS
Dive into the numbers from the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) Global Report in our interactive webpages. With data from more than 5,500 patients from 27 countries across five continents, IMAS is the largest ever survey of axSpA patients. The report is now available to download in English, French and German.
21 March 2025
Patient Resources
What is axSpA? Treatment options, Living well with axSpA, Getting the most out of your rheumatology appointments, Building a partnership with your doctor – these are just some of the guides available for download on our Resources webpage. In addition to patient-focused guides, there is information about ASDAS and BASDAI, webinar recordings, videos and guides on exercise and movement and guides specifically for patient organisations.
From around the world
5 September 2025
Brazil’s 24th Medical-Social Meeting on Rheumatic Diseases
The Gruparj Petrópolis Institute hosted the 24th Medical-Social Meeting on Rheumatic Diseases in Petrópolis, Brazil in July.
5 September 2025
Global Remission Coalition
ASIF is a founding member of the newly-launched Global Remission Coalition (GRC), a platform for remission stakeholders to collaborate, advocate, and elevate the narrative about the value of remission to the patient, health systems and society.
5 September 2025
Go With Us
"Go With Us" is a unique experience where patients and caregivers around the world can virtually join the AiArthritis team as AiArthritis attend research conferences.
24 March 2025
Global Spondyloarthritis Summit
Registration is now open! Join us on May 2-3, 2025, for the Spondylitis Association of America’s 7th Annual Global Spondyloarthritis Summit—a free, virtual event bringing together top experts to explore the latest in SpA care.
Conferences and Events
About ASIF
Established in 1988, the Axial Spondyloarthritis International Federation is an international membership organisation representing patient associations around the globe specialising in the support of patients with axSpA with 56 Patient Organisation Members from 45 countries around the world.
ASIF’s Mission is to advocate globally to improve the lives of people affected by axial spondyloarthritis and related conditions. To grow, strengthen and empower our community, and to raise awareness around the world.