The Spondylitis Association of America will produce and sponsor PSA announcements aimed at solving one of the most important issues related to Ankylosing Spondylitis – the long period of time that usually elapses between onset and diagnosis. A recent study indicated that on average between 7-10 years can elapse between onset and diagnosis.
In my own case, I believe that I began experiencing symptoms in early 2000, and despite seeing excellent doctors, I was not diagnosed with SA until 2009. The biggest issue created by the passage of time prior to diagnosis is that the patient receives no treatment, thereby experiencing damage and pain that can often be treated. And since SA is a systemic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its’ own cells – particularly in joints, tendons and ligaments.
The PSA will offer a link to an online assessment that can help to identify which people may have the disease, and to do so earlier. The online assessment, which you may use to self-screen, and to take to your doctor to discuss, can be found here: http://www.backpaintest.org/.
The press release from the SAA can be found here:
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