On the occasion of Ankylosing Spondylitis Day, Pain Free Odisha, in collaboration with Health Village Hospital, proudly organized a Walkathon in Bhubaneswar to raise awareness about this chronic and often misunderstood condition. The event witnessed active participation from patients, caregivers, medical professionals, and members of the community — all walking together to spread the message of early diagnosis, lifestyle care, and long-term management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS).
Understanding Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints — the areas where the spine connects with the pelvis. If left untreated, AS can cause the vertebrae in the spine to fuse, leading to stiffness, hunched posture, reduced flexibility, and chronic back pain. Despite being a relatively common condition, Ankylosing Spondylitis is still not widely recognized by the public, resulting in delayed diagnosis and improper treatment in many cases.
This makes public awareness campaigns like this Walkathon essential to spreading information about chronic back pain, its causes, and effective non-surgical treatment methods.
The Role of Pain Free Odisha in Managing Chronic Pain Conditions
Pain Free Odisha has long been at the forefront of educating people about chronic pain management. Under the leadership of Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath, an internationally acclaimed pain management specialist, the initiative continues to promote non-surgical treatment options for spine-related disorders, arthritis, and neuropathic pain.
At Pain Free Odisha’s Back Pain Clinic, patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis and other spinal disorders receive personalized, evidence-based care that includes:
Advanced Interventional Pain Procedures
Posture correction and physiotherapy guidance
Lifestyle counseling and long-term pain monitoring
Regenerative therapies such as PRP and Stem Cell treatments
The Health Village Hospital in Bhubaneswar, where these services are provided, is equipped with world-class facilities and pain specialists who treat conditions like Back and Spine Pain, Joint Pain, Neuropathy Pain , and Osteoarthritis
Highlights from the Walkathon
Highlights from the WalkathonThe Walkathon, held on Ankylosing Spondylitis Awareness Day, took place along a scenic stretch of Bhubaneswar starting from Health Village Hospital, Nayapalli , drawing participation from over 100 individuals. It was not only a fitness event but also an educational opportunity. Volunteers distributed pamphlets, doctors answered questions, and interactive sessions helped people understand how early diagnosis and regular care can slow the progression of AS and drastically improve quality of life.
During the event, Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath emphasized the importance of recognizing early warning signs like:
- Chronic lower back pain lasting more than three months
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Limited spinal flexibility
- Eye inflammation (a common secondary symptom of AS)
“When diagnosed early, Ankylosing Spondylitis can be managed effectively with a combination of interventional pain therapies, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments,” said Dr. Shovan Kumar Rath. “Awareness is the first step toward relief.”
Why Public Awareness Matters
Despite the growing number of people affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis in India, awareness about the condition and its treatment options is still low. Many individuals attribute their symptoms to aging or poor posture, delaying care until the condition has advanced. Events like the Walkathon play a critical role in bridging the knowledge gap and encouraging those with persistent pain to seek expert help.
Pain Free Odisha is committed to educating the public and providing non-surgical pain relief through advanced interventional procedures. Whether it’s back pain, arthritis, sciatica, or neuropathy, the goal is always the same: a pain-free, active life.
Our approach combines evidence-based treatments, personalized care plans, and cutting-edge therapies like PRP and regenerative medicine to restore mobility and improve quality of life. Through awareness campaigns, expert consultations, and modern diagnostics, we aim to empower individuals with knowledge and access to the right pain solutions—without relying on long-term medications or surgery.
Because at Pain Free Odisha, we believe that relief is possible, and everyone deserves to live without pain.
