World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day 2023: World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day is typically observed on the first Saturday of May, but it is celebrated on the second Saturday if May 1 occurs on the first Saturday. This year, the date is May 6. You may be hearing about this disease for the first time and pondering what it is and why you’ve never heard of it. This previously uncommon disease has acquired prominence over the years, necessitating efforts to raise awareness of it. Ankylosing Spondylitis (A.S.) is an inflammatory form of arthritis that affects the back and pelvic joints and affects over three million individuals in the United States alone.
HISTORY OF WORLD ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DAY
Ankylosing Spondylitis is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The H.L.A.-B27 antigen is a specific human leukocyte antigen that causes an autoimmune or autoinflammatory response in the majority of patients with A.S. This disease is typically diagnosed based on the patient’s symptoms, supported by medical imaging and blood tests. Ankylosing Spinal Spondylitis is incurable. Treatments such as medication, exercise, physical therapy, and, in uncommon cases, surgery may alleviate symptoms and prevent their deterioration.
Aelius Galenus, also known as Galen, a Greek physician, surgeon, and philosopher in the Roman Empire, distinguished Ankylosing Spondylitis from Rheumatoid Arthritis centuries ago. A 5,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus was believed to contain skeletal evidence of the disease, but a subsequent report concluded that it was not a case of A.S. Bernard Connor published the first account of pathologic skeletal changes potentially associated with the disease in 1691. Benjamin Brodie was the first physician to document a suspected case of active A.S. in 1818.
David Tucker published a pamphlet in 1858 detailing the case of Leonard Trask, who suffered from severe spinal deformity due to Ankylosing Spondylitis. It was the first documented case of A.S. in the United States due to its undisputed description of the disease’s characteristics. Vladimir Bekhterev of Russia in 1893, Adolph Strümpell of Germany in 1897, and Pierre Marie of France in 1898 all provided adequate descriptions that allowed for an accurate prognosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Their surnames are now used as alternative names for Ankylosing Spondylitis.
HOW TO OBSERVE WORLD ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DAY
Learn more about A.S.
Investigate Ankylosing Spondylitis. As the disease is relatively obscure, it would be beneficial to understand its nature and how you can assist those who are afflicted.
Increase awareness of it
Observe the day by bringing attention to it. A basic social media post can have a significant impact.
Donate to a cause
Donate to an A.S.-related cause. Due to the chronic nature of the disease, few patients would be able to afford the treatment. Donate to a cause for A.S.’s assistance.
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5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Ankylosing spondylitis strikes at a tender age
A.S. typically manifests between the ages of 17 and 45, whereas other forms of arthritis manifest later in life.
A.S. may impact your vision.
It can cause a condition called Uveitis, which manifests as severe eye pain, impaired vision, and light sensitivity.
Ankylosing spondylitis occurs twice as frequently in men compared to women.
A.S. can result in a stooped aspect.
When A.S. affects the upper portion of the neck, significant kyphosis, the medical term for a bowed back, can result.
Smoking exacerbate Ankylosing Spondylitis
Smoking can exacerbate the symptoms of A.S.
WHY WORLD ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DAY IS IMPORTANT
It sheds light on the ailment
As the disease is still largely obscure, this day helps to raise awareness of it. This encourages more individuals who have not been diagnosed with the disease to get tested.
It offers psychological support to patients
Living with the disease is difficult enough; it is even more difficult to do so alone. This day helps them realise that they are not fighting alone.
It provides financial assistance.
As awareness of the disease and its effects increases, more contributions will be made to the cause. This facilitates increased funding for physicians to treat patients with AS.
WORLD ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | May 7 | Saturday |
| 2023 | May 6 | Saturday |
| 2024 | May 4 | Saturday |
| 2025 | May 3 | Saturday |
| 2026 | May 2 | Saturday |
