What is AS?
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis which affects over 71,000 people in the UK. Ankylosing means the stiffening of a joint, caused by the fusion of bones or fibrous parts. Spondylitis means inflammation of the vertebrae (spinal bones).
Painful symptoms of AS are associated mainly with the spine although other joints can also be affected, as can other organs such as the eyes, bowel, heart and lungs. In the early stages of the disease it is difficult to form a true diagnosis as other conditions can present with similar symptoms.
Further information
For further information about AS, please visit the National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society (NASS) website