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
27 March 2026
ASIF at EULAR: Connecting, Collaborating, and Raising Awareness
The ASIF team is delighted to be attending this year’s EULAR Congress (3-6 June in London, UK). This important event provides a unique opportunity for us to come together with friends, colleagues, and partners from across the international rheumatology community.
11 March 2026
LAMAS Report to Launch at PANLAR
LAMAS represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of the lived experience of axSpA, and its economic cost, in Latin America.
11 March 2026
ASIF Council Meeting: Registration Open
ASIF Members are invited to register today for ASIF's flagship event, which brings together representatives from organisations across the world to network, learn, and strengthen our collective impact.
ASIF programmes
27 May 2026
IMAP: Building the Next Phase Together
IMAP will collect evidence on healthcare services, diagnostic pathways and treatment use, whilst highlighting the burden of living with axSpA and PsA. It will also generate data on the economic costs of these conditions and will help strengthen patient organisations by providing robust evidence to support advocacy and awareness work.
11 March 2026
World AS Day 2026: Not Only Back Pain
This year's theme: Not Only Back Pain, shines a powerful light on the fact that axSpA is far more complex than most people realise. Access our free resources and add your event to our webpage.
11 March 2026
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
11 March 2026
Game changing app developed by ÖVMB
ÖVMB's new app combines evidence-based exercise therapy with elements of disease management, relaxation techniques, and structured knowledge transfer.
11 March 2026
Difficult-to-Manage Axial Spondyloarthritis
Prof Chan explains what 'difficult-to-manage' axSpA really means.
11 March 2026
Do Rheumatologists Know About the ASAS-EULAR Recommendations?
What do rheumatologists know about the ASAS-EULAR recommendations for management of axSpA?
11 March 2026
Staying Mentally Healthy in an Uncertain World
In our interconnected world, news of conflict and crisis—whether in Iran or other regions—reaches us instantly and constantly. For those living with axSpA, this continuous stream of distressing information can be more than just emotionally draining; it can have a direct impact on our physical health.
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.