About the Spondylitis Association of America
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is a non-profit organization that was the first and remains the largest resource for people affected by spondylitis. Through their efforts, they help advance education, research and treatment for ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and related diseases. Literally thousands of people visit their website (www.spondylitis.org) seeking information, support and most of all, hope. For over 25 years SAA has dedicated all of its resources to help improve the lives of people coping with spondylitis. For more information go to www.spondylitis.org
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An Overview of Spondylitis
Spondylitis (pronounced spon-d-lie-tiss) is the name given to a group of chronic or long lasting diseases also called Spondyloarthritis (spon-dyl-oh-arthritis) or Spondyloarthropathy (spon-d-low-are-throp-ah-thee). These diseases are forms of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affect the spine, although other joints and organs can become involved. Spondylitis, unlike many other rheumatic (arthritic) conditions, affects young adults and commonly begins before the age of 35. Prominent researchers have stated that AS affects at least 1 in every 200 adults (approximately 0.5%) making it as common as rheumatoid arthritis.