What does ASIF mean in INTERNATIONAL

Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is an inflammatory type of arthritis that specifically affects the joints in your spine, such as the sacroiliac joints or facet joints. It can cause lower back pain and stiffness, as well as other symptoms such as fatigue, weightloss, fever, and night sweats.

The most common symptom of AxSpA is low back pain and stiffness that typically begins in young adulthood. Other symptoms can include fatigue, being easily tired; weight loss; loss of appetite; fever; night sweats; structural changes in the spine from sacroiliitis; eye inflammation; pain and swelling in other areas such as the hips or shoulders; and enthesitis which is a condition where ligaments, tendon or joint capsules become inflamed at their attachment points to bone.

Treatment for AxSpA may include medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine, biologic agents like adalimumab or certolizumab pegol, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications such as exercise, healthy eating habits, relaxation techniques, etc.

If you think you may have AxSpA it's important to seek medical help from a rheumatologist. A rheumatologist is specifically trained to diagnose and treat diseases that affect the musculoskeletal system including conditions like Axial Spondyloarthritis.

The diagnosis of AxSpa requires several key elements including signs/symptoms consistent with this condition, objective tests to support inflammation (such as imaging studies or lab tests), exclusion of other causes of back pain and usually certain genetic markers found through blood testing.

Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for people with AxSpa by helping to reduce pain levels, improve flexibility and mobility, increase muscle strength and endurance, decrease fatigue levels, improve balance & posture and increase quality of life overall!

Managing your disease effectively requires a combination of treatments which often includes medications along with lifestyle changes such as regular exercise & healthy eating habits tailored specifically for you by healthcare professionals in order for you achieve greater control over your symptoms. Other helpful strategies include stress management techniques & learning how best to advocate for yourself when dealing with healthcare providers.

Currently there is no known cure for axial spondyloarthritis but research continues to provide new treatment options that can help individuals living with this condition achieve better symptom control while improving overall quality of life.