Beyond the Back Pain: Managing the hidden Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Event Agenda: 

• Registration 
• Welcome  
• Opening Address  
• The AS-Eye Connection: Understanding and Preventing Acute Uveitis  
• The Gut-Spine Axis: Navigating Subclinical Gut Inflammation and IBD in AS Psoriasis and 
• Beyond: Managing Overlapping Skin Conditions in AS Patients  
• Break  
• Q & A Keynote  
• Free Breakfast & Lunch 

When most people hear the term Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), they think of back pain. But AS is far more than spinal conditions. It is a systemic autoimmune disease that can affect the eyes, gut, skin, chest wall, and even mental well-being making it one of the most misunderstood and delayed-to-diagnose conditions in India. 

Patients often wait 7 to 10 years for a confirmed diagnosis, during which ongoing inflammation may cause irreversible damage. AS commonly affects young adults between 17 and 35 years of age, with symptoms such as persistent morning stiffness, chronic back pain that improves movement, fatigue, and reduced mobility. 

On World Ankylosing Spondylitis Day, Antar Dhwani is bringing together leading specialists and patients in Ahmedabad for an expert-led session focused on understanding the complete spectrum of AS and the importance of multidisciplinary care. 

The session will begin with Dr. Bhowmik Meghnathi, who will discuss the need for a cohesive treatment approach involving multiple specialists for better long-term AS management. 

The ophthalmology discussion will focus on AS-related eye inflammation (uveitis/iritis), which affects nearly 40% of patients due to the HLA-B27 link. Experts will explain early warning signs such as sudden eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity, and how prompt treatment helps prevent serious complications like glaucoma and cataracts. 

The gastroenterology segment will explore the strong connection between AS and inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Discussions will also cover gut health, NSAID-related stomach irritation, and anti-inflammatory dietary approaches that may help manage flare-ups. 

The dermatology session will highlight the relationship between AS and psoriatic conditions, helping patients identify important skin and nail changes, while also understanding the difference between autoimmune skin flares and medication-related rashes. 

Whether you are newly diagnosed, living with AS for years, supporting a loved one, or trying to understand unexplained chronic back pain, this event aims to provide clarity, expert guidance, and a supportive community experience. 

Why This Theme Matters 

• Debunking Myths: Many people dismiss the early morning stiffness and persistent aches as routine back pain. 
• Invisible Symptoms: The campaign emphasizes tracking less visible struggles like extreme fatigue, reduced mobility, and associated conditions such as uveitis (eye inflammation) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 
• Early Diagnosis: The ultimate goal of the campaign is to raise awareness so patients can get diagnosed earlier and access effective specialty treatments before irreversible damage occurs. 

Who can attend:  

• Patients living with Ankylosing Spondylitis 
• Recently diagnosed patients 
• Young adults with unexplained back pain 
• HLA-B27 positive individuals 
• Patients with recurring uveitis or gut issues 
• Those with related spondyloarthropathies 
• Caregivers and family members 
• General physicians and physiotherapists 

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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