A puzzling backache could indicate a variety of issues. It could be the result of overuse or a minor injury, or it could be a symptom of Axial Spondyloarthritis.
Axial Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory condition of the axial skeleton that, if left untreated, can cause severe discomfort and, in some cases, full disability. It’s also a highly heritable condition, so those who come from a family with a history of arthritis are more likely to get it.
Axial Spondyloarthritis usually develops in early adulthood, and it’s been dubbed “the disease of the young” by some. Most patients have a 7-year diagnosis delay, according to research, owing to the fact that Axial Spondyloarthritis only manifests itself as persistent pain in the lower back during the first few years. However, by this time, the disease would have advanced to the point of permanent damage.
For this reason, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. (J&J) has teamed up with the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Rheumatology Association (PRA), and the Axial Spondyloarthritis Association of the Philippines (ASAPh) to raise awareness about Axial Spondyloarthritis and encourage patients with symptoms to seek medical treatment.
The significance of catching the disease at an early stage
The lack of awareness among the public and the lack of familiarity with the disease among primary care providers have resulted in fewer referrals to specialists and delay in diagnosis of patients.
“Together with DOH, PRA, ASAPh, and J&J, we conducted a lay forum last July 22 entitled Inflammatory Back Pain: Ating Suriin, Ating Alamin! to educate more Filipinos about chronic and debilitating conditions such as Axial Spondyloarthritis. We frequently distribute reference materials too, so that more people would become aware of the complications that follow this chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease if not acted upon immediately. It is also PRA and ASAPh’s plea to make medications more accessible to patients in need,” added Dr. Reyes.
“Axial Spondyloarthritis is fairly common and so are its symptoms,” said Dr. Bernadette Manapat-Reyes, chair of the Philippine Rheumatology Association for Spondyloarthritis. “The most common symptom is prolonged pain in the lower back. Some people also experience pain in the hips, swelling of joints, episodes of eye inflammation, and even weight loss.”
“We know Axial Spondyloarthritis has an early onset, but life doesn’t have to stop when it happens,” said Dr. Erwin Benedicto, head of Medical Affairs at Johnson & Johnson (Philippines), Inc. “If you have been experiencing symptoms of Axial Spondyloarthritis, it is very important that you see a specialist immediately. You shouldn’t delay this because the disease can be crippling if left unchecked.”
“Axial Spondyloarthritis is a lifelong condition that may affect you differently at different times. Creating a treatment plan with your rheumatologist can greatly help in dealing with the challenges that come with living with Axial Spondyloarthritis.”
“While there is no permanent cure for Axial Spondyloarthritis, its symptoms can be managed and the speed of its progression can be reduced with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.”
Axial Spondyloarthritis can be controlled with regular exercise and physical treatment in the best-case scenario. In addition to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics, patients can be treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and injectable biologics.
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