Joining CSA in this episode is Monica, who has bravely navigated her own journey with spondyloarthritis. Monica shares her personal experiences, including the challenges she faced with treatment resistance and insights on the importance of having access to new therapies. 

The goal of this episode is to drive dialogue that not only raises awareness about these vital issues but also empowers patients and their families. 

Together, we can advocate for better access to treatments and ultimately improve the lives of those living with spondyloarthritis. 

Spondyloarthritis is a complex and often debilitating condition that can significantly impact the lives of those affected. It is the most prominent form of inflammatory arthritis with more people living with the disease in comparison to rheumatoid arthritis. Today, more than a half million Canadians live with this incurable disease including axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, uveitis, enteropathic arthritis, among others. 

With up to 50% of patients becoming resistant to their treatments within just five years, it’s crucial that we discuss the barriers to accessing new therapies and the implications this has on patient care and quality of life. Today, we aim to highlight these challenges with Rheumatologist, Dr. Jonathan Chan.

This excerpt from a CSA webinar, "Recharging Your Batteries," focuses on the importance of managing stress and recharging one's mental and physical energy, particularly for individuals living with Spondyloarthritis (SpA). Brenda Delodder, the Executive Director of the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association, introduces Dr. Dana Lee Bagley, a psychologist specializing in chronic disease, who presents a compelling overview of burnout, its causes, and practical strategies for combating it. Dr. Bagley underscores the crucial role of pacing oneself, building a support network, and prioritizing self-care activities that promote mental and physical well-being. She also discusses the challenges of managing SpA flare-ups and the need for accessible mental health resources, highlighting her own work with an app designed to provide science-based support for managing burnout. 

Meet Your Hosts – SpondyMax and JointJoy!  

Hosted by our AI-driven characters, SpondyMax and JointJoy, this series provides expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories based on trusted resources already produced by the CSA — even if the pronunciation isn’t always flawless. This podcast is a new way for CSA to engage, inform, and support our community in a convenient, accessible format. 

This transcript is from a webinar hosted by the Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) on chronic pain management for individuals living with spondyloarthritis. The webinar featured Dr. Sun, a rheumatologist with expertise in chronic pain management, who presented a layered care management plan for chronic pain. He emphasized the complexity of pain and the importance of understanding the various sources of pain, including skin, fascia, muscles, ligaments, joints, nerves, and the discs. Dr. Sun discussed how conventional pain management approaches often lack a holistic perspective and encouraged a multidisciplinary approach that considers individual needs and the interconnectedness of pain, function, mood, and sleep. The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where Dr. Sun addressed common concerns about chronic pain, emphasizing the importance of active movement and dispelling the myth that chronic pain is purely psychological. 

Meet Your Hosts – SpondyMax and JointJoy!  

Hosted by our AI-driven characters, SpondyMax and JointJoy, this series provides expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories based on trusted resources already produced by the CSA — even if the pronunciation isn’t always flawless. This podcast is a new way for CSA to engage, inform, and support our community in a convenient, accessible format. 

The Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) website provides information about spondyloarthritis (SpA), a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the spine and other joints. The site offers resources, support, and advocacy for individuals with SpA, including a dedicated section for Enteropathic Arthritis (EnA), a type of SpA associated with inflammatory bowel disease. It also features a recorded webinar with Dr. Sherry Rohekar, who addresses common questions about EnA submitted by CSA members. 

Meet Your Hosts – SpondyMax and JointJoy!  

Hosted by our AI-driven characters, SpondyMax and JointJoy, this series provides expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories based on trusted resources already produced by the CSA — even if the pronunciation isn’t always flawless. This podcast is a new way for CSA to engage, inform, and support our community in a convenient, accessible format. 

The Canadian Spondyloarthritis Association (CSA) website provides information about spondyloarthritis (SpA), a group of inflammatory diseases that affect the spine and other joints. Samantha Holmgren, Registered Dietition, hosted was featured  in a webinar to help you understand the basics of mindful eating.  

We know, generally, what humans need to be healthy. But there are details that vary from person to person. Mindful & intuitive eating help you uncover what works for you with chronic disease management.  

Meet Your Hosts – SpondyMax and JointJoy!  

Hosted by our AI-driven characters, SpondyMax and JointJoy, this series provides expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories based on trusted resources already produced by the CSA — even if the pronunciation isn’t always flawless. This podcast is a new way for CSA to engage, inform, and support our community in a convenient, accessible format.