What is Axial Spondyloarthropathy (AxSpA)?
AxSpA is a persistent (chronic) arthritic (rheumatic) disease of unknown cause. It mainly affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints.
Can AxSpA affect joints other than the spine?
AxSpA can sometimes affect joints other than the spine causing pain, stiffness and swelling. It can also affect tendons and ligaments at the site where they attach to the bone, such as the Achilles tendon, where it attaches to the heel.
Can AxSpA affect your organs?
It is possible that AxSpA can affect organs in the body and the main organs it can affect are:
- Eyes: 30-40% of people with AxSpA will develop uveitis / iritis which is inflammation in the front part of the eye between the cornea and the lens. If you have red, sore eyes that are painful and sensitive to light you should see an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) within 24 hours.
- Bowels: Patients with AxSpA have a greater chance than average of developing inflammation in the bowels. Should you notice any change in your bowel habits please see your GP.
- Heart: AxSpA can increase the risk of developing heart disease, caused by chronic inflammation. Therefore patients with AxSpA should maintain a healthy diet, have regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks and stop smoking. Making these lifestyle changes will also help keep the bones strong and prevent osteoporosis.
- Lungs: In some people with AxSpA the rib joints at the back, where they attach to the spine, become inflamed, stiff and even fused. Inflammation around the ribs can cause pain that can be confused with cardiac angina or pleurisy.
Anyone experiencing chest pain should seek medical attention to rule out a more serious condition.
AxSpA Clinic
The aim of the AxSpA clinic is to support a person living with AxSpA to optimise opportunities to live an active and independent life.
Attending AxSpA clinics on a regular basis is highly recommended to increase or maintain your physical function, manage your pain and identify changes in disease activity.
The clinic appointment will involve:
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Performing at least annual assessments to monitor range of movement, posture, disease activity and physical functioning
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Identifying any concerns regarding medication and pain management
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Reviewing blood monitoring results
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Giving advice and education on AxSpA
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Providing treatment programmes specifically for the needs of the patient which can include exercises to maintain or improve range of movement, strength and posture
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Advice on self-managing exercise
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Raising any concerns to the multi-disciplinary team
Format of the AxSpA clinical appointment
The appointment with the specialist physiotherapist will be 40 minutes long.
You will continue to see the Consultant Rheumatologist or Consultant Physiotherapist at every alternate appointment.
The frequency of appointments will depend upon how well-controlled your AxSpA is and your current medications.
You should bring to the appointment:
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Blood book
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Completed BASDAI
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Medication list
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Any questions you may have
AxSpA exercise group
Every Tuesday 10am to 11am held at the Minerva Health Centre gym.
Anyone with a diagnosis of AxSpA who is fit to exercise can attend as regularly as they like.
The group is led by a clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and is designed specifically to stretch and strengthen joints affected by AxSpA.
Please telephone if it’s your first session to check the group is running on 01772 777 600.
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
If you have some concerns, questions or need advice on our services, you can contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on 0800 234 6088 or email the PALS Team.
Feeling low and need someone to talk to?
Call 0800 915 4640
Monday to Friday 7pm - 11pm Saturday to Sunday 12pm - Midnight
Call 0800 953 0110 24 hours a day, seven days a week
This leaflet is available in alternative languages and formats upon request. Please speak to a member of our staff to arrange this.