Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, painful, progressive inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting spine and sacroiliac joints, causing eventual fusion of the spine; it is a member of the group of the autoimmune spondyloarthropathies with a probable genetic predisposition. Complete fusion results in a complete rigidity of the spine, a condition known as bamboo spine.
In 40% of cases, ankylosing spondylitis it is associated with iridocyclitis (anterior uveitis) causing eye pain and photophobia (increased sensitivity to light). Other less common complications are ulcerative colitis, psoriasis and Reiter's disease.
More on [ Ankylosing spondylitis ]

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An AS Story - The personal experiences of living with Ankylosing Spondylitis, what it is and the reality of living with it.
Ankylosing Spondylitis - Fact sheet from American College of Rheumatology.
Ankylosing Spondylitis International Federation - World-wide roof organization, lists addresses and additional data of self-help societies of patients suffering from this or related diseases in 30 countries.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Research Studies - Provides information on the latest research studies being performed by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). Information is provided for how patients can become involved with the studies.
Arthritis MD: Ankylosing Spondylitis - Offers information about the disease, diagnosic criteria, and treatment options.
AS Support Group - Offers communication, medical and support centers for those with the disease.
eMedicine: Ankylosing Spondylitis - A comprehensive review, including the epidemiology, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Meta Description: [ Ankylosing Spondylitis - Ankylosing spondylitis is a distinct disease entity characterized by inflammation of multiple articular and para-articular structures, frequently resulting in bony ankylosis. The term ankylosing is derived from the Greek word ankylos, meaning stiffening of a joint, whil... ]
Health Factsheet from BUPA - Explains the causes, symptoms and treatment of the condition..
Meta Description: [ BUPA health factsheet - ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation of the joints of the spine, this can cause pain and stiffness in the neck and back ]
MayoClinic.com - Ankylosing Spondylitis - Offers an overview of the disease, along with links that lead to more information.
Meta Description: [ Ankylosing spondylitis — Comprehensive overview covers symptoms, causes, treatment and complications of this inflammatory arthritis. ]
MedicineNet: Ankylosing Spondylitis - Information, including causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options and areas of research.
Meta Description: [ Read about ankylosing spondylitis (a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints), which causes spinal pain and stiffness. As ankylosing spondylitis is a systemic rheumatic disease, it may also affect joints and organs. Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms include fatigue and p... ]
My Back Pages Regarding Ankylosing Spondylitis - Personal pages of Chris Gates telling of his experience with the condition.
Meta Description: [ Chris Gates tells of his experience with Ankylosing Spondylitis, commonly known as AS. Clinical explanations and personal reflections are presented. ]
National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society - Comprehensive resource for sufferers. Information about the disease, with practical advice on daily living and a must-do daily exercise schedule. United Kingdom.
Meta Description: [ A Positive Response to Ankylosing Spondylitis Answers & Practical Advice ]
Spine University: Spine School - A comprehensive guide targeted towards patients who suffer from the disease.
Spondylitis Association of America - Provides free access to peer-networking via bulletin boards, chat, ask the experts, support groups and educational materials. Membership available.
Washington University - Description of ankylosing spondylitis, and ideas for reducing symptoms.
Meta Description: [ The Department of Orthopaedics is actively involved in quality patient care, teaching, and research concerning bone and joint problems. Special areas of expertise include foot and ankle, hand and microvascular, hip and knee, arthritis, sports medicine. ]
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