To mark Ankylosing Spondylitis Day, Pain Free Odisha, in collaboration with Health Village Hospital, organised a Walkathon in Bhubaneswar aimed at spreading awareness about Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) — a chronic and often underdiagnosed inflammatory condition that primarily affects the spine and pelvis.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from citizens of all age groups, including patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and fitness enthusiasts. Held in the spirit of promoting community health, the walkathon served as a platform to educate the public about the early symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis, the importance of early diagnosis, and non-surgical treatment options.
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints. It typically begins in early adulthood and, if left untreated, can lead to spinal fusion, limited mobility, and long-term disability. Despite affecting a significant number of people in India, AS is often misdiagnosed as general back pain or posture-related discomfort.
Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath, a leading pain management expert and advisor to Pain Free Odisha, said,
“Ankylosing Spondylitis can severely impact a person’s quality of life if not addressed early. Awareness is the first step. Through this walkathon, we want people to recognise that persistent back pain should never be ignored.”
The event highlighted three key pillars of Ankylosing Spondylitis care:
Doctors at Pain Free Odisha also stressed the role of non-surgical interventions in improving the lives of patients with chronic spinal conditions. These include regenerative therapies like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) injections, minimally invasive procedures, and personalised physiotherapy programs.
Educational materials were distributed during the event, and volunteers engaged with the public to explain the signs and symptoms of AS. Many participants expressed appreciation for the initiative, noting that such efforts help remove stigma and misinformation around chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
“We are committed to making Odisha pain-free—not just through treatment, but through consistent public education and preventive care,” added Dr. Rath.
The Walkathon concluded with a short awareness talk and an interactive Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to speak with pain management specialists about their concerns and symptoms.
