What should I do now?
There is an age-old adage that knowledge is power. By learning what you can about AS and related diseases, you empower yourself in your own treatment. If you have specific questions regarding spondylitis and the symptoms, diagnosis, medications and treatment of this family of diseases, we provide the information on our site in the about spondylitis section.

We here at SAA also provide a wealth of educational materials that can help you better understand spondylitis and its treatment. Click here to view what we have to offer.

Also, in this section of the site, you can read information regarding how exercise, posture and diet can help in the treatment of spondylitis. There is a section on alternative treatments that may be of interest to you as well.

Another step to take is to locate a rheumatologist if you have not done so. Rheumatologists are physicians who are experts in the area of rheumatic diseases, of which spondylitis is a part. Note that a rheumatologist is just one individual that can help with treatment. Other properly trained people can help you. See our medical team section for more information.

Want more lifestyle tips and daily living suggestions for people with spondylitis? Then our book, Straight Talk On Spondylitis is a perfect resource. You can click here for a sneak preview of the book, or click here to buy now.

You are not alone
SAA is not just an organization, but a part of a larger network of support. There are spondylitis support groups all over the country that can be a great source of information and assistance. On our site, we provide SAA message boards where you can share stories, ask questions and talk with others who can relate to your experience.

There is also our Peer Network Program. We can help you get connected with someone who has experience managing their spondylitis. Click here for more information.

Know that SAA is here for you. If you ever have any concerns, you can contact us directly at:

Remember: This is your organization. Send us an email regarding what you would like to see addressed and how we can assist you and your loved ones continue on this journey together.

If you wish to support SAA and become part of our community, we suggest that you become an SAA member. When you join, you'll gain access to our Member Area where you can share stories, browse the archive of our information packed publication, Spondylitis Plus and read how athletes cope with AS. But that isn't all. By joining SAA, you'll be supporting important research efforts and helping to raise awareness of spondylitis. Click here for details.

For Family and Friends
Family members and friends can be affected indirectly by spondylitis because of the pain and fatigue it can cause in the individual. It is sometimes hard for those who do not have spondylitis to relate to those that do. By helping educate those who are not afflicted, we hope to ease the strain on relationships that this disease can cause. We urge family and friends to learn about spondylitis as well so that they can raise their awareness and, on some level, understand what those with spondylitis must endure day to day. Besides the information on spondylitis posted on our site and our message boards, we also provide links to sites from around the internet that contain valuable information on support (see below).

http://bbs.spondylitis.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi -- Spondylitis Association of America's message boards are set up for parents, spouses and significant others of people with spondylitis.

www.wellspouse.org -- The Well Spouse Foundation is an association of spousal caregivers.

www.asiblingssite.com -- A site for siblings of children who are chronically ill, run by a young woman whose brother has a spondyloarthropathy.

www.thearc.org/siblingsupport -- The Sibling Support Project is a national program dedicated to the interests of brothers and sisters of people with special health and developmental needs.

www.theacpa.org -- American Chronic Pain Association offers support and information for patients with chronic pain.

www.paincare.org -- The National Foundation for the Treatment of Pain is an organization dedicated to providing support for patients who are suffering from intractable pain, their families, friends and the physicians who treat them.

www.48friend.org -- Friend's Health Connection is a nonprofit support network that connects people with similar health problems.

www.thefamilycaregiver.org/ -- The National Family Caregivers Association is a grass roots organization created to educate, support, empower and speak up for those who care for chronically ill, aged or disabled loved ones.

www.caregiver.org -- The Family Caregiver Alliance provides information resources on long-term care.