Resources for Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis, including juvenile-onset spondyloarthritis (JSpA), is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect children and adolescents under the age of 16. At the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association, we understand the unique challenges faced by young people living with these conditions, as well as the concerns of their families and caregivers. This resource page is designed to provide clear, reliable information about juvenile arthritis—including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and daily living support—to help young patients and their families navigate their journey with confidence and hope.
Featured Resources
Webinars
w/ Dr Dayna Lee-Baggley
w/ SPARCC
Resources for people with Juvenile Arthritis
Advocating for yourself
What is it and why should you do it? Advocacy. It can be a scary word and an even scarier thing to do. What does it truly mean to advocate? Sure, the dictionary says it’s “public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy,” but how does that...
A guide to Navigating Information on the Internet
It can be daunting researching medical information online. It’s easy for a quick google search of your symptoms to lead you to spend hours on your phone, doom scrolling through articles that leave you believing worst-case scenarios and crawling with anxiety about...
Spoon Theory and Talking to Loved Ones
Has someone ever asked you what it feels like to live with a spondyloarthritic condition and you’re just at a loss for words? Sometimes it feels like SpA is impossible to explain and people on the outside will never understand. Some say “if you know, you know” but in...
Using a Body Map to Describe your Symptoms
Drawing how you visualize your condition can be extremely powerful. Art can be used as a therapy and has shown to lead to increased quality of life ⁽¹⁾. It can also help healthcare professionals understand the experience of health and illness ⁽¹⁾. Additionally, art...
Learn to navigate your post secondary education while living with Spondyloarthritis.
Learn to navigate your post secondary education while living with Spondyloarthritis.Navigating post-secondary education in itself can be challenging. Moving away from home, making new friends, declaring a major and balancing your social life, relationships and school...
Time Management
Let’s be real, young adults tend to have busy lives, whether it’s school or work, social events or family obligations, many of us have a full schedule. It can be difficult to manage this when adding doctor’s appointments, medical procedures, flare ups and everything...
Sara’s – Young Adult Feature
I want every young person to know that arthritis doesn’t have to derail your life. Ten years ago, after graduating with a degree in Kinesiology at the age of 21 I was feeling excited and optimistic about my future. I was hired for my first full time job as a research assistant and I was loving my new position.
Maryssa’s Story – Young Adult Feature
My journey with arthritis started at only 2 years of age. Random rashes turned into inexplicable sore joints and fatigue. Years and many medical appointments later, I was (finally) diagnosed at the age of 11 with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis as well as...
Katie’s Story – Young Adult Feature
“God gives challenges to those who are strong enough to overcome them” ~ Unknown It was a particularly bad flare, not too long ago, when my mom turned to me quite randomly and asked, “do you remember what it feels like to not have back pain?” My response, “no.” As...
Additional Resources
AxSpA Virtual Patient Forum – 2024
Did you Participate in the forum? Give your feedback.
EnA vs AxSpA: Understanding the Differences and Finding Hope
Living with an inflammatory condition that affects the spine, joints, or other parts of the body can be challenging and confusing. With conditions that share many overlapping symptoms, it’s natural to wonder what makes each condition unique. Understanding the...
AxSpA Discussion Guide
Ready to take an active role in your Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) journey? This discussion guide will help you prepare for a productive appointment with your rheumatologist.
Watch the Facebook Live Event on AxSpa by Reader’s Digest Canada
Did you miss the exciting Facebook Live event on Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)? Watch the Facebook Live Event on AxSpa by Reader's Digest Canada. If you or someone you know is affected by this debilitating disease, this is a must-watch. Join Matt Walther from...
10 Tips for Minimizing Morning Stiffness in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA):
Amir Nekooei, a CSA member living with AxSpA, has suggested 10 Tips for Minimizing Morning Stiffness in Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA) and provide a daily boost. Axial pondyloarthritis (AxSpA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause consistent pain and...
Downloadable Resources & Guidebooks
The Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association has developed guidebooks on AxSpA and PsA to provide information and tools for you. In addition to being a valuable resource to you, these are also excellent pieces to share with your family and friends to gain a better understanding of your condition and how it can impact your life.
2022 SPARCC Patient forum
Join us for the 2022 Spondyloarthritis Patient Forum in conjunction with the Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada – and our very special guests, Dr. Robert Inman, Dr. Nigil Haroon and Laura Passalent.
Learn About Spondyloarthritis with Our Comprehensive E-Learning Course
Spondyloarthritis eLearning CourseUse this Education module for people with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), now reffered to as Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA)Are you looking for a comprehensive understanding of spondyloarthritis? Look no further than UHN’s online course....
Exercise for people with AS
This video shows you how to do exercises to improve your posture and strengthen your body. If you feel any discomfort, stop and consult a physical therapist. The exercises include stretches, rotations, and simple movements to work different parts of your body and...
Spondyloarthritis & Physical Activity (2022)
Come join the CSA with Physiotherapist Laura Passalent to learn more about the role that physical activity plays in living with and managing Spondyloarthritis.