Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a concealed condition: in the early years, there may be nothing to show that you have it. It is only much later that the characteristic changes to the spine take place. Or you may be someone who does not develop a fused, curved spine. You may have some active disease in your spine but symptoms in other places like your hips, knees or feet.
AS is difficult to diagnose: we know the delay from symptoms starting to the right diagnosis can take many years. And it is only recently that effective treatments for people with severe AS have been developed. For all these reasons - and more - AS has remained hidden. NASS believes it is time for this to change.
The NASS campaign pledge is to work to improve the lives of people in the UK with AS by:
- raising awareness of AS among health professionals, decision makers and the general public
- improving access to prompt diagnosis, best current treatment and appropriate management for all
If we are to make good on our campaign pledge we need your help. There are around 200,000 people diagnosed with AS in the UK: acting together we can make a real difference to the experience of living with AS.
Join NASS and make your voice heard: the more members we have, the louder that voice will be.