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Copyright 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007
Synonyms of Ankylosing Spondylitis
- AS
- Bechterew disease
- Bechterew Syndrome
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Marie-Strumpell arthritis
- Marie Strumpell Disease
- Marie-Strumpell Spondylitis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Spondyloarthropathy
- Von Bechterew-Strumpell Syndrome
Disorder Subdivisions
General Discussion
Ankylosing spondylitis is a progressive inflammatory disease that typically becomes evident during early to mid adulthood. The disease is characterized by inflammation (arthritis), stiffness, and pain of various joints of the spine and potential loss of spinal mobility. It may involve joints between the spine and the pelvis, known as the sacroiliac joints; joints within the spinal column of the lower back (lumbar spine), the upper back (thoracic spine), and the neck (cervical spine) to varying degrees; as well as joints of the limbs, particularly the legs. Progression may spontaneously subside at any stage of involvement; however, in some individuals, all regions of the spinal column may eventually become involved.
Many affected individuals develop lower back and hip pain that may be more severe at night and after rest. In addition, there is often associated stiffness of affected regions in the morning. In some cases, those with involvement of joints joining the ribs with the spine (costovertebral joints) may have a limited ability to expand the chest to take a deep breath. In addition, in some affected individuals, other associated findings may include recurrent inflammation of the colored region of the eyes (acute iritis), leakage of the aortic valve resulting in a backflow of blood into the lower left chamber (ventricle) of the heart (aortic insufficiency or regurgitation), and/or other abnormalities.
The exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known. However, researchers suggest that genetic, immunologic, and/or environmental factors may play some role.
Organizations related to Ankylosing Spondylitis
- American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association, Inc.
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe MI 48021
Phone #: 586-776-3900
800 #: 800-598-4668
e-mail: aarda@aarda.org
Home page: http://www.aarda.org/
- American Juvenile Arthritis Organization
Arthritis Foundation, National Office
1330 West Peachtree Street
Atlanta GA 30309
Phone #: 404-872-7100
800 #: 800-568-4045
e-mail: help@arthritis.org
Home page: http://www.arthritis.org
- Arthritis Foundation
P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta GA 30357-0669
Phone #: 404-965-7627
800 #: 800-283-7800
e-mail: arthritisfoundation@arthritis.org
Home page: http://www.arthritis.org
- AutoImmunity Community
None
None None None
Phone #: (91-9) -552-9057
800 #: N/A
e-mail: bandrews@autoimmunitycommunity.org
Home page: http://autoimmunitycommunity.org
- Autoimmune Information Network, Inc
PO Box 4121
Brick NJ 08723
Phone #: 732-664-9259
800 #: N/A
e-mail: autoimmunehelp@aol.com
Home page: http://www.aininc.org
- European Society for Immunodeficiencies (ESID)
c/o Dr. Bodo Grimbacher (ESID Board Member)
Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology
Department of Medicine, University Hospital Freiburg
Hugstetter Strasse 55
Freiburg None D-79106
Phone #: +31- 73--6992965
800 #: N/A
e-mail: info@esid.org
Home page: http://www.esid.org
- Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center
PO Box 8126
Gaithersburg MD 20898-8126
Phone #: 301-251-4925
800 #: 888-205-2311
e-mail: ordr@od.nih.gov
Home page: http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/Default.aspx
- KickAS.org
11688 North Sage Brook Road
Oro Valley AZ 85737-7342
Phone #: 520-544-3023
800 #: N/A
e-mail: kickas@gmail.com
Home page: http://www.kickas.org
- MUMS (Mothers United for Moral Support, Inc) National Parent-to-Parent Network
150 Custer Court
Green Bay WI 54301-1243
Phone #: 920-336-5333
800 #: 877-336-5333
e-mail: mums@netnet.net
Home page: http://www.netnet.net/mums/
- Madisons Foundation
PO Box 241956
Los Angeles CA 90024
Phone #: 310-264-0826
800 #: N/A
e-mail: getinfo@madisonsfoundation.org
Home page: http://www.madisonsfoundation.org
- NIH/National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Information Clearinghouse
1 AMS Circle
Bethesda MD 20892-3675
Phone #: 301-495-4484
800 #: 877-226-4267
e-mail: NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
Home page: http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info
- National Ankylosing Spondylitis Society
RCN 272258
Unit 0.2, One Victoria Villas
Richmond Surrey Intl TW9 2GW
Phone #: 020- 89-48 9117
800 #: --
e-mail: nass@nass.co.uk
Home page: http://www.nass.co.uk
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