About AS

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis. It mainly affects the lower back. Other joints and other parts of the body are sometimes affected.

The links below answer the questions people with AS most frequently ask and contain practical advice on things that will help you manage the condition more easily:

• AS Questions
  

• AS Normal Life

• AS Advice
  
  
• Residential course for AS patients in Bath

• AS Support

• AS Exercises

• The Spine

• Definition of AS

• Bath Indices (a set of measurements used by rheumatology professionals to assess disease activity in patients)

• Fact Sheets - A new resource for people with AS covering exercise, lifestyle and medical issues. Click on the title below to access the current fact sheets:
  
  • Anaesthesia & AS
  • Blue Badge Parking Scheme
  • Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
  • Government Work Schemes & Programmes
  • Pilates
  • Tai Chi
  • TENS Machines
  • Uveitis (also known as Iritis) for patients

 

• Patient Guides

• A Guide to Benefits
• A Guide to Disability Living Allowance (DLA)

• Personal Experiences - excerpts from AS News
  • Joint Replacement Surgery
  • AS Residential Course at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Disease, Bath