Because it’s more than just arthritis.
The AS Collective exists to shift the narrative around Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis. Through advocacy, education, and collective action, we aim to raise awareness, promote accommodations, and build a supportive community for those navigating life with these often misunderstood conditions.
I’ve never heard of this!
And neither have most of the people who receive a diagnosis.
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and pelvis—but it’s much more than just “back pain.” Over time, inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and fusion (yes fusion. Your bones fuse together) of vertebrae, leading to reduced mobility and severe physical limitations. Fusion can happen outside of the spine also! Large joints, ribs, and even smaller joints have been known to be affected.
AS is part of a broader category of conditions called Axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), which also includes non-radiographic forms that may not show on X-rays but are just as painful and disabling.
Ankylosing Spondylitis and Axial Spondyloarthritis are systemic inflammatory conditions that affect far more than just the spine and joints. Inflammation can impact the eyes, tendons, cause eye inflammation (uveitis), GI tract, heart, and lungs. It’s not just back pain—it’s a whole-body disease that affects physical health, emotional well-being, and quality of life.
Please feel free to download and share our informative PDF on AS! Share with family, friends, coworkers, and anyone else who may be interested in learning more about AS.
