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The 7.4-year global average delay to diagnosis in axSpA is unacceptable.

A major barrier to getting an axSpA diagnosis is the lack of awareness among family doctors and other non-specialist HCPs.

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Axial Spondyloarthritis

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is an inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), sometimes knowns as Ankylosing Spondylitis or Morbus Bechterew, is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease. It primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis. The disease causes pain and stiffness in the lower back; but for some people also in the, hips, buttocks and higher up the spine.

Symptoms vary from person to person, but almost always include:

Symptoms which start before the age of 45 (often starting in the 20s or earlier)
Persistent lower back pain for more than 3 months
Pain and stiffness, which improve with activity and exercise and worsen with rest
Pain and stiffness that is particularly troublesome overnight and morning stiffness that lasts at least 30 minutes

Learn more about axSpA

ASIF

ASIF is an international membership organisation representing 55+ patient organisations from 45 countries around the globe that support people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

ASIF’s Mission: 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.

Learn more about ASIF

Lace up for axSpA

Living with axSpA can transform everyday tasks into real challenges. From bending down to lace up your shoes, to reaching into a high cupboard; from getting out of bed in the morning to turning to check for traffic before crossing the road – these challenges can be exhausting and often go unseen and are misunderstood.

The imagery of ‘lacing up’ symbolises the daily challenges faced by those living with the condition.

Lace up challenge

Take a photo or video of you tying your shoelaces – get some orange laces if you can – or you can use your regular laces. Post your photo or video on social media using #LaceUpForAxSpA and #EverydayChallanges.

Raising awareness together can help to show the world how small tasks can become big challenges for people living with axSpA.

Add something about your personal experience with axSpA – are you a rheumatologist or other HCP who treats people with axSpA or do you or a loved one have the condition?

You can add the following to your post:

I’m raising awareness about axial spondyloarthritis (#axSpA) by participating in #LaceUpForAxSpA.

You can add something about your story here.

Or use the following:

AxSpA is a chronic rheumatic disease that can cause severe pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips and buttocks and if left untreated can cause permanent damage to your spine. The pain often gets worse with rest and often appears before the age of 40.

Find out more at asif.info

Lace up for axSpA was the theme of World AS Day 2025. While World AS Day may be over for another year, the challenges continue and so does our work! There is never a deadline for raising awareness, so Lace up for axSpA and post you photo on social media today!

Learn more about World AS Day and lace up for axSpA

Learn more about ASIF and our work