Your SpAce - Flares

Coping with flares

Welcome to Your SpAce. Here we build skills together to live life with axial SpA.

Your SpAce is for anyone with axial spondyloarthritis (axial SpA), including ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’ve been living with the condition for years, Your SpAce is here to support you.

This page is focused on coping with flares. A flare up is a period of time when your symptoms feel worse. They can be unpredictable and it can take time to find things that help your flares. So this section shares ways to understand your flares and create a practical toolkit to cope with them.

We’re a community, so take your time watching the videos and do get involved in the comments sections. We can help each other by sharing experiences and advice.

To visit Your SpAce topics on fatigue and pain, follow the links below.

What are axial SpA flares?

Prepare for your flares

Track your symptoms with our symptom diary. This helps you understand your condition and spot ways to manage. It can also help when preparing for medical appointments. Download a copy to print.

Download a copy to complete on your computer. Simply download the document, open with your usual PDF reader, click on the text boxes to complete, and then save a copy.

Use our resource sheet to create your own flare toolkit. This sheet helps you remember what helps on good days or bad. Being prepared for flares can help you feel more confident in managing them. Download a copy to print.

Download a copy to complete on your computer. Simply download the document, open with your usual PDF reader, click on the text boxes to complete, and then save a copy.

If you like the NASS mood wristbands, you can order your own.
Please note, we can only post within the UK.

Ben and Wendy share how they cope with their flares

Axial SpA In-depth

Visit our My AS, My Life webpage for more detailed on axial SpA and how to manage different symptoms.

Find support from other people with axial SpA: Your SpAce meetups

Connect with others by attending one of our free online meetings. They’re relaxed and friendly. An opportunity to meet other people with axial SpA, get support and share experiences.

Upcoming meetups:

• Tues 5 Dec, 17.00: coping at Christmas. More info and book your place
• Tues 9 Jan 2024, 18.30: getting and staying active with axial SpA. More info and book your place

You can view all upcoming meetings and book your place.

If you’re new to Zoom, download our simple guide to Zoom.

Keep in touch

Sign up to our e-newsletter to keep up to date with upcoming events, NASS news, and personal stories from other people with axial SpA