World AS Day is an annual day dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). It is celebrated across the world on the first Saturday of May.
Our members and supporters organise activities around the world to raise awareness of axSpA and related conditions. ASIF has 55 Patient Organisation Members from more than 45 countries around the world.
What is axSpA?
Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) is a progressive chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints that connect the lower spine to the pelvis.
Could it be axSpA?
The main symptom of axSpA is pain in the spine and sacroiliac joints, caused by chronic inflammation.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but almost always include:
- Symptoms which start before the age of 45 (can occur in children or rarely later in life)
- Persistent lower back pain for more than 3 months
- Pain and stiffness, which improve with activity and exercise and worsen with rest – especially overnight and morning stiffness that lasts 30 minutes or more
- Pain which responds well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (for example ibuprofen).
Check your symptoms using a free Symptom Checker here.
Aim of World AS Day
World AS Day is dedicated to people living with axial spondyloarthritis. AxSpA is a rheumatic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, also called ‘Morbus Bechterew’ in some European countries. It can lead to chronic pain, structural damage and disability.
Raising awareness
AxSpA affects millions of people around the world.
World AS Day aims to raise the profile of this disease and increase awareness of the impact it has on people’s lives, physically, mentally and emotionally.
World AS Day 2025 Theme
Axial spondyloarthritis (or axSpA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and stiffness in your lower back, hips, and buttocks. Unlike other types of back pain, the pain and stiffness improve with movement and get worse with rest. Left untreated, axSpA can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.
This year’s theme, "Lace Up for axSpA", encourages both awareness and action.
The imagery of lacing up symbolises the active effort needed to understand what it’s like to live with axSpA illustrating the daily challenges faced by those living with axSpA.