This article will discuss seven ways to advocate and spread awareness for ankylosing spondylitis.
Learn More About Ankylosing Spondylitis
Being informed about ankylosing spondylitis is important for helping others understand the impact that the condition has. More than 3.2 million Americans have spondyloarthritis, an umbrella term for inflammatory arthritis that attacks the spine and includes ankylosing spondylitis. The condition causes symptoms like pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the spine that can worsen during flare-ups. There is no known cure, but treatments can help manage pain.
You can find helpful information from the Spondylitis Association of America and the National Institutes of Health.
Join a Support Group
Joining a support group is a great way to connect with a community of friends and family members of individuals with ankylosing spondylitis. Support groups provide a social outlet to discuss victories and pitfalls of experiencing ankylosing spondylitis and undergoing treatment. They also serve as a hub to share helpful resources like recommended healthcare providers, therapists, and exercise programs.
Post on Social Media
Posting on social media can help spread awareness of ankylosing spondylitis since many people may have never heard of the condition. People can use social media sources as resources for reading news and learning new information. Posting on social media also spreads awareness within your direct community of family, friends, and acquaintances to educate others about your condition.
Share Resources With Loved Ones
Providing resources to friends and family members can help spread awareness and education about ankylosing spondylitis. The Spondylitis Association of America website is a great place to start sharing facts about ankylosing spondylitis and ways to get involved in supporting education and research.
Participate in Awareness Events
Awareness events can help educate people about ankylosing spondylitis and fundraise money to support research efforts. Awareness events include fundraising dinners, races, and other community outreach events.
Donate to Research
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not fully known, and there currently is no cure for the condition. Treatment focuses on decreasing inflammation and managing pain. Donating to research organizations, like the Spondylitis Association of America, which funds studies that investigate the effects of potential new treatment options, can help scientists and healthcare providers better understand and treat it.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may also be able to participate in research studies that track responses to treatment for ankylosing spondylitis to gauge the overall effectiveness of certain medications. The Spondylitis Association of America has a list of research opportunities conducted by various health organizations with contact information to help you get actively involved in supporting research efforts.
Become an Advocate
Advocating for awareness of ankylosing spondylitis is important for increasing awareness within your community and on a larger scale. Advocating for ankylosing spondylitis can help enact important changes in healthcare organizations and legislation to improve treatment options for those with ankylosing spondylitis and support funding for research.
Summary
Raising awareness about ankylosing spondylitis is important to educate others about the condition. Connecting with others with ankylosing spondylitis may help form a community support system. You can raise awareness about ankylosing spondylitis by learning about the condition, joining a support group, posting on social media, sharing resources with loved ones, participating in awareness events, and donating to research.
A Word From Verywell
Living with ankylosing spondylitis can be difficult at times, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Joining or creating a support group can help build a supportive community while raising awareness for ankylosing spondylitis can help connect you with others to help you better manage your condition.
