NASS was founded in 1975 at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases in Bath. Its members include people with AS, their families and friends together with physiotherapists, doctors and research scientists working on the problems of the disease.

The Society exists to:

• provide support, education and information about managing the social and medical aspects of AS;
• provide a forum to educate health professionals and the public in the problems of the disease;
• fund a small amount of research;
• influence governmental bodies and the National Health Service to provide improved treatment facilities;
• encourage and assist in the formation of similar societies in other countries.

To keep you fully up-to-date, the Society publishes a twice-yearly membership journal called AS News. This publication contains articles by doctors, research scientists, physiotherapists and sufferers themselves on various aspects of AS. It also features news from our branch organisations, our foreign sister societies and a correspondence section from members of the Society. Information and prices of our other publications are also listed. - return to top

Keep mobile with NASS Exercise Programmes

The experience of NASS members shows that effective management of the condition relies on a combination of anti-inflammatory drugs with a programme of regular and vigorous exercises designed to stretch ligaments and strengthen muscles to maintain mobility and good posture. To help you learn this necessary programme, the Society is building up a network of branches around the country. All of these are supported by physiotherapists who supervise regular exercise sessions for members after working hours. An audio cassette and a home-exercise video are also available for purchase. - return to top

Joining is easy

To join simply fill in the online form and pay using your credit card you can also complet the membership form and return it with a cheque/postal order made payable to NASS. - return to top