National Health Council — Voluntary Health Agency Guide

Spondylitis Association of America

For 25 years, the Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) has been the only non-profit organization in the U.S. dedicating 100 percent of its resources to the spondylitis community. SAA is committed to increasing awareness of spondylitis, providing information and support to patients and their families, and funding research to uncover the cure.

SAA produces the most comprehensive library of spondylitis resources available -- including books, videotapes, CDs and brochures; a 600-page website with interactive message boards; a quarterly news magazine and a network of nationwide educational support groups to educate and support people living with this chronic illness.

SAA's Mission: To be a leader in the quest to cure ankylosing spondylitis and related disease, and to empower those affected to live their lives to the fullest.

About the condition(s):

Spondylitis is the term used to refer to a group of chronic, inflammatory diseases that generally strike young people between the ages of 17 and 35. Typically, spondylitis causes pain and stiffness and, in the most severe cases, can result in a total fusion of the spine and/or neck, leading to disability. Although spondylitis primarily affects the spine, it is not uncommon for the disease to impact the joints of the shoulders, hips, knees and feet, as well as cause inflammation of the eye. More rarely, because spondylitis is a systemic (whole body) condition, other organs such as the heart and lungs can also become involved.