Official Charity Partner
NASS is the only UK registered charity dedicated to AS
Axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA) is a painful, progressive form of inflammatory arthritis where the main symptom is back pain. Axial spondyloarthritis is an umbrella term and it includes both ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and Non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
One in 200 of the adult population in the UK have axial SpA (AS).
It mainly affects the spine but can also affect other joints, tendons and ligaments. Other areas such as the eyes and bowel can also sometimes be affected. It’s a life-long condition that can affect people differently at different times. In some cases, it can lead to the individual bones which make up your backbone fusing together. Axial SpA (AS) is also characterised by periods of intense pain, known as flares, which can last for weeks at a time. 59% of people with axial SpA also report suffering mental health problems.
The National Axial Spondyloarthritis Society (NASS) is the only UK charity entirely focused on axial SpA (AS). For over 40 years they have been providing specialist support, advice and the most up-to-date information to empower everyone with axial SpA (AS) to manage their treatment and to stay in control of their lives. They are driven to ensure that health professionals around the country deliver tailored and timely care to every patient, every time.
“We simply will not rest until we reduce the current 8.5-year delay to diagnosis, and we will continue to fund research in seeking every possible way to help beat axial SpA (AS).”
Exercise is the single most important thing you can do to help yourself when living with axial SpA (AS). As well as the natural link with the race name, our partnership will promote the importance of exercise in treating axial SpA (AS), which can help improve mobility, flexibility and reduce stiffness.
“We are really excited to partner with the Montane Spine Race,” says NASS CEO Dr Dale Webb. “Our partnership will help to raise vital awareness of AS.”
“Alongside medication, exercise is the cornerstone of treatment for AS,” says Raj Mahapatra, NASS Chair – who completed the Montane Summer Spine Race in 2022. “The fitter and more flexible you are, the more able you will be to deal with the stiffness and pain. Whether you walk a mile a day or take on a bigger challenge, it’s important to find what works for you. Do something you enjoy and push yourself whenever you can. We’re thrilled to partner with the Montane Spine Race.”
For further information visit NASS.