Van Nuys, CA (PRWEB) March 11, 2011
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a crippling form of arthritis that typically strikes young individuals in their teens and twenties, occasionally even earlier. Left untreated, it causes pain, disability and can ultimately trigger the spinal vertebrae to fuse together forming one brittle bone, typically in a stooped over position.
There is no cure for AS. But there are effective treatments that can greatly enhance quality of life and boost the chances of a positive outcome. The key to obtaining these treatments is early diagnosis.
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) has developed a validated online questionnaire (http://www.BackPainTest.org) that will aid evaluate a person's likelihood of having AS, so that they may well seek a diagnosis and pursue appropriate, life-changing treatment. "Early diagnosis is crucial, so you can get the patient on a treatment regimen and control the symptoms…and alter the progress of the disease," said Dr. John Reveille, director of the division of rheumatology at The University of Texas Well being Science Center at Houston and a leading researcher in the field.
ABCNews.com also interviewed SAA member Steve Haskew and his daughter Kate. Both are affected by ankylosing spondylitis but face far diverse prognoses due to the fact Steve remained undiagnosed for years while Kate was diagnosed rapidly and was able to begin life altering treatment just before the disease progressed. The write-up can be discovered here: http://abcnews.go.com/Wellness/bamboo-spine-ankylosing-spondylitis-hits-prime-life-affecting/story?id=13080195&page=1
To date, a lot more than 10,000 men and women with chronic low back pain have taken the test at http://www.BackPainTest.org and downloaded info to assist them seek definitive diagnosis.
About Ankylosing Spondylitis
Spondylitis is the term employed to refer to a group of chronic, inflammatory illnesses that normally strike young men and women between the ages of 17 and 35. Generally, spondylitis causes discomfort and stiffness and, in the most severe circumstances, can result in a total fusion of the spine and/or neck, leading to disability. Even though spondylitis primarily affects the spine, it can also affect the joints of the shoulders, hips, knees and feet, as well as cause inflammation of the eye. Far more rarely, due to the fact AS is a systemic (entire body) condition, other organs such as the heart and lungs can also become involved.
About the Spondylitis Association of America
The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is the only nonprofit organization in the US dedicating all of its resources to enhancing the lives of people with ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases. Established in 1983, SAA is committed to growing awareness of spondylitis, offering info and support to patients and their families, and ultimately, working to uncover a cure for the illness.
SAA produces the most comprehensive library of spondylitis resources available in the US -- which includes books, DVDs, CDs, brochures and other publications an 800-page interactive website a quarterly, advertising-free of charge news magazine, and a network of nationwide Educational Support Groups to educate and support folks living with this chronic illness.
At the forefront of each main milestone achieved in spondylitis education, research and advocacy, you will locate the Spondylitis Association of America.
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