About World AS Day
Saturday 2 May
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.
ASIF members and supporters organise activities around the world to raise awareness of axial spondyloarthritis and related conditions. ASIF has 60 Patient Organisation Members from 45+ countries around the world.
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.
Connecting with each others, being together
On World AS Day, connect with others affected by axSpA. Join a virtual / face-to-face event, go for a walk with a friend, react to people’s social media posts or share your own stories with your community using #WorldASDay2026.
This Year’s Theme: Not Only Back Pain
Axial spondyloarthritis is often misunderstood as simple back pain, but it is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect much more than the spine. Alongside pain and stiffness, people living with axSpA may experience fatigue, reduced mobility, and related conditions such as uveitis affecting the eyes, inflammatory bowel disease affecting the gut, or psoriasis affecting the skin and more. Many of these symptoms are invisible, yet they have a real impact on everyday life.
Why This Theme Matters
AxSpA is complex and frequently missed. People often wait years for a diagnosis. Recognising the full picture helps shorten this journey. If symptoms last three months or more, it is important to speak to a doctor. A conversation can lead to referrals, earlier investigation and clarity. With timely diagnosis, the right treatment and support through movement, therapy and lifestyle choices, quality of life improves. Diagnosis and care matter.
Symptoms to Know
AxSpA affects much more than the spine. Symptoms often build slowly and can be confused with strain or routine aches. Knowing what to look for can support earlier diagnosis.
Common symptoms include:
- Back pain lasting more than three months
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
- Fatigue and disrupted sleep
- Pain in hips, buttocks, chest or heels
- Reduced mobility or difficulty bending
- Eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Gut issues linked with inflammatory bowel disease
- Psoriasis or skin changes
If these symptoms persist, particularly if you are under 40 years old, speak to a doctor. Early
investigation can make all the difference.
Find out more about common axSpA symptoms, associated conditions, and complete a Symptom Checker here.
