What Is Spondyloarthritis?

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is not a single disease—it’s a family of chronic, inflammatory conditions that primarily affect the spine, joints, and where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. These conditions can also impact other parts of the body, including the skin, eyes, digestive tract, and cardiovascular system.

SpA is considered an autoimmune or immune-mediated disease, meaning the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, triggering widespread inflammation.

Types of Spondyloarthritis

Spondyloarthritis is generally divided into two main categories: axial and peripheral.

Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA)

Axial SpA primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis). It includes two forms:

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS): Inflammation that leads to visible changes on X-rays, and in some cases, the fusing of vertebrae over time

  • Non-Radiographic Axial SpA (nr-axSpA): Similar symptoms to AS, but without visible joint damage on X-rays (though changes may appear on MRI)

Both forms can cause severe pain, fatigue, and mobility challenges.

Peripheral Spondyloarthritis (pSpA)

Peripheral SpA involves inflammation in joints outside the spine, such as the knees, ankles, feet, or hands. Conditions within this category include:

  • Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Inflammatory arthritis linked with psoriasis

  • Reactive Arthritis: Triggered by infections, especially in the gut or urinary tract

  • Enteropathic Arthritis: Occurs in people with inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis

  • Undifferentiated SpA: When symptoms don’t fit neatly into any one category, but still clearly show signs of spondyloarthritis

Who Is Affected?

SpA can affect people of all ages and genders but commonly begins between the ages of 15 and 35. The condition is often associated with the HLA-B27 gene, though not everyone with this gene will develop the disease—and not everyone with the disease has the gene.

Many people go undiagnosed for years due to overlapping symptoms with other forms of back or joint pain.

Symptoms to Look For

Symptoms vary widely but may include:

  • Chronic back or hip pain that improves with movement

  • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes

  • Fatigue that isn’t relieved by rest

  • Pain or swelling in peripheral joints

  • Eye inflammation (uveitis)

  • Digestive issues

  • Reduced flexibility or spinal mobility

Diagnosis Challenges

Getting an accurate diagnosis can be frustrating and slow. Many people with SpA go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for 7–10 years. That’s why spreading awareness—especially among primary care providers and young people—is so important.

Living with SpA

These are not conditions that go away. They are lifelong, often invisible, and frequently misunderstood. SpA can deeply affect physical movement, work life, relationships, and mental health.

But with the right treatment plan, support system, and understanding, many people with SpA go on to live full, meaningful lives.

The AS Collective’s Mission

At The AS Collective, we’re here to bridge the awareness gap. Our goal is to ensure that no one facing Spondyloarthritis ever feels alone, invisible, or dismissed. We believe in:

  • Support through community

  • Strength through education

  • Collective action for awareness and change