The Canadian Spondylitis Assocation is now operating as the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association
Dear CSA Community,
We are excited to announce that in line with updated medical terminology and your feedback, the Canadian Spondylitis Association (CSA) is changing its operating name to the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA). This change will help us to better represent those affected by the range of conditions included in spondyloarthritis (SpA).
“This is an important step in ensuring that all Canadians impacted by a form of SpA have a welcoming community they can turn to for information and support. Too many people suffer in silence, unsure of their diagnosis and their options,” says Dr. Elie Karam, Chair of the CSA.
Spondyloarthritis includes a number of inflammatory arthritis diseases with common features, such as painful inflammation of the spine, eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
Dr. Karam explains that, “to drive more awareness among patients and the healthcare community, and ultimately shorten times to diagnosis and treatment, we must first acknowledge the diversity within this family of related rheumatic diseases. We need to build a stronger, cohesive voice for patients, and together we will do just that.”
SpA diseases include:
- Axial Spondyloarthritis (radiographic and non radiographic) (axSpA)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Enteropathic Arthritis (EnA)
- Reactive Arthritis (ReA)
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis/Juvenile Onset SpA
- Peripheral Spondyloarthritis (pSpA)
- Undifferentiated SpA
The CSA is launching a redesigned website where you can find access to support and information, new tools and information (such as the new Benefit-Risk Assessment Tool for Arthritis Medications), and an improved user experience. Responsive and accessible, the site will better represent who we are and how we support Canadians living with Spondyloarthritis.
While we are proud of our new name and website, there is much work to be done. CSA is dedicated to the SpA community and ensuring that patients receive the timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment they need to live well.
We invite you to connect with us directly, subscribe to our mailing list and follow CSA on social media. As always, we are here to ensure you are not alone on your journey. We vow to work hard to provide you withthe latest information, peer connections and support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Elie Karam
Chair, Board of Directors