There are things that you can do to manage your disease if you have nr-axSpA. First of all, there are the decisions that you can make such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle (eating a healthy diet, exercising, not smoking). Talk to your rheumatologist about what diet and exercises might be best for you. Additionally, work with your rheumatologist on your treatment plan because medications may be recommended. There are things that you can do, partnering with your rheumatologist, to treat your nr-axSpA.

Dr. Hillary Norton is Medical Director of Santa Fe Rheumatology, a private practice in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Dr. Norton completed her internal medicine and rheumatology training at the University of New Mexico, and in addition to seeing patients, she is the Principal Investigator for numerous clinical trials. Dr. Norton’s passion is raising awareness for spondylitis as evidenced by her extensive media work related to this topic, and her partnership with the Spondylitis Association of America. She is an active contributor to the education and advocacy organization Creaky Joints. She is also an active member of the Spondylitis Research and Treatment Network. Dr. Norton has lectured worldwide on the topics of rheumatoid arthritis, AxSpa, and psoriatic arthritis.