Spondyloarthritis Resource Center Provides Information And Tips For Dealing With Chronic Back And Joint Pain

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 8, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MyHealthTeams and UCB today introduce the Spondyloarthritis Resource Center within MySpondylitisTeam, the social network for people living with spondyloarthritis (SpA). Spondyloarthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects the spine and can affect the joints of the arms and the legs. In some people, spondyloarthritis can also affect the skin, intestines and eyes. The most common symptoms of the disease include lower back pain, stiffness, joint pain and fatigue. The Spondyloarthritis Resource Center is designed to increase awareness about spondyloarthritis, help people recognize symptoms to get a diagnosis sooner, and equip people with questions to ask their doctors.

Spondyloarthritis is an underdiagnosed condition. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 1% of Americans are living with spondyloarthritis, with most people first experiencing symptoms in their 20s or 30s – yet many take a long time to get a correct diagnosis. It's common for chronic back pain patients to wait as long as 10 years between symptom onset and spondyloarthritis diagnosis, according to a 2016 study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology.

"Providing resources that help people experiencing SpA symptoms better understand what's happening, talk to their doctor about it, and explore potential solutions empowers patients and may help them get to a diagnosis sooner," said Emmanuel Caeymaex, Head of Immunology and Executive Vice President, Immunology Patient Value Unit, UCB. "Providing these resources in the context of a social network where people are seeking trusted information and authentic connection ensures we're reaching the right people, at the right time, with the right message."

Featured content within the Spondyloarthritis Resource Center includes:

• An interactive quiz that helps people identify symptoms related to spondyloarthritis
• A discussion guide that helps them talk with their doctor about the symptoms
• An infographic that explains key information about the condition
• A step-by-step illustrated guide to exercises for better posture, which can help relieve discomfort

"Every day we see that people are taking an active role in managing their health, and providing them with the tools to better understand and address a disease like SpA is an important part of our commitment to members," said Eric Peacock, co-founder and CEO of MyHealthTeams. "Teaming with a global biopharmaceutical leader like UCB, with a focus on patients living with spondyloarthritis, is hugely valuable to MySpondylitisTeam members, and it's a great example of how social networks serve as a powerful two-way communications channel between the industry and consumers."

MySpondylitisTeam has attracted more than 15,000 registered members since its debut earlier this year. In addition to the web, MySpondylitisTeam and the new Spondyloarthritis Resource Center are available via native mobile app for both iOS and Android.

About Spondyloarthritis
Spondyloarthritis is a family of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases impacting joints and the spine, which are chronic, painful and progressively debilitating conditions, where ongoing inflammation and disease progression leave patients with reduced mobility and functionality, as well as joint stiffness and crippling pain in affected areas.

About MyHealthTeams
MyHealthTeams believes that if you are diagnosed with a chronic condition, it should be easy to find and connect with others like you.  MyHealthTeams creates social networks for people living with a chronic health condition.   More than 1.5 million people have joined one of the company's 29 highly engaged communities focusing on the following conditions: Crohn's and colitis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, fibromyalgia, pulmonary hypertension, spondylitis, eczema, hyperhidrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, irritable bowel syndrome, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, epilepsy, hemophilia, depression, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, COPD, chronic pain, migraines, food allergies, obesity, HIV, PCOS, endometriosis, breast cancer and autism.  MyHealthTeams' social networks are available in 13 countries.

About UCB
UCB, Brussels, Belgium (www.ucb.com) is a global biopharmaceutical company focused on the discovery and development of innovative medicines and solutions to transform the lives of people living with severe diseases of the immune system or of the central nervous system. With more than 7,500 people in approximately 40 countries, the company generated revenue of €4.2 billion in 2016. UCB is listed on Euronext Brussels (symbol: UCB). Follow us on Twitter: @UCB_news

SOURCE MyHealthTeams

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