"We support all efforts to develop treatments for this disease, since spondylitis can dramatically affect people’s lives," says Jane Bruckel, RN, executive director of SAA. "We are encouraged when pharmaceutical companies invest the resources and time to find a treatment for spondylitis."
Ankylosing spondylitis, which is also known as AS, is an arthritis of the spine that typically strikes both men and women in their late teens and 20s. The SAA estimates that at least 300,000 and likely one million Americans suffer from the disease, making it more prevalent than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.
Unfortunately, many people with spondylitis go undiagnosed for years, and end up suffering long-term spinal damage. In severe cases, untreated spondylitis can lead to fusion of the spine and/or a significantly stooped posture.
There is no cure yet for spondylitis, but its effects can be successfully managed with medication and a daily program of stretching and strengthening. Currently, there are several drugs being used to relieve symptoms.
Early warning signs of spondylitis include:
- Gradual onset of lower back pain before age 35
- Early morning stiffness of the spine
- Pain and stiffness worsen with immobility
- Pain and stiffness improve with physical activity
- Symptoms persist longer than three months.
"Early symptoms may differ between men and women," says Bruckel. "Some women feel pain and stiffness in their necks rather than their lower backs."
People with these symptoms are encouraged to seek help from their physicians, who may refer them to a rheumatologist. They also can learn more about the disease and treatment options by visiting the SAA Web site at www.spondylitis.org.
About the Spondylitis Association of America
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) was founded in 1983 as a non-profit organization committed to finding a cure for ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases, and to empowering patients to live life to its fullest potential. Today, SAA is the largest resource in the U.S. for people seeking information on the disease. The SAA publishes Straight Talk on Spondylitis, the only comprehensive book for patients about this disease. For more information, visit the Web site at www.spondylitis.org or call toll free 800.777.8189.