Inflammatory Arthritis Patient Information Pathway

This a guide to what information is available and might be useful for you at every key stage of your journey, from first symptoms to specialist care.

NASS provide information for people with ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis) (AS).

Step 1 : Recognising symptoms before seeking help

You may have symptoms but haven't yet talked to your GP.

• Look at our information on inflammatory back pain
• Try this online symptom checker

Step 2: Visiting the GP for the first time

• Read our page on the next steps to diagnosis before your GP appointment

Step 3: Seeing the specialist for the first time following referral

• See some of the difficulties in diagnosing AS
• Who makes up your rheumatology team
• Understanding the terms used

Step 4: Tests, treatments and information

• An overview of AS
• Assessments
• Read the NASS guides to living with AS
• Top tips for living well with AS

Step 5: Ongoing care

• More information on the medications used in AS
• More information on exercise including our free Back to Action guide to exercise
• How NASS Near You can support you
• Psychological impact of being diagnosed with AS
• Managing your AS at Work

Step 6: Long term disease and complications

• Be uveitis aware
• Check our information on inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis