Some of you may know Michael Smith as Spenser23 on our message boards, as well as for his website, spondyville.com.

NOTE: Although the ABC 7 story lead emphasizes ankylosing spondylitis' effect on men, we do recognize that not only does the disease affect women, it can be just as debilitating in women as in men. Current data suggests that the ratio of men to women affected by AS is 3:1 or even 2:1.

The text version of the story is now available (with video to come): Click here

If you saw this segment, the following information may be of interest to you...

If you have not been diagnosed with spondylitis…
According to WebMD, back pain affects 80% of Americans at some point in their lives. Back pain comes in many varieties, including lower back pain, lower back pain with sciatica, middle back pain and upper back pain. The causes of back pain can include nerve or muscular problems, degenerative disc disease or arthritis. So, how do you know if you should suspect spondylitis?

First, review our chart on Mechanical vs. Inflammatory Back Pain. Which type do your symptoms correlate more closely to?

If you think your pain is inflammatory, review our section About Spondylitis to learn about the symptoms and diagnosis of spondylitis. If you are still concerned that your symptoms may be related to spondylitis, we encourage you to speak to your primary care physician. You may also want to seek out the care of a rheumatologist to evaluate your symptoms.

If you need help in finding a rheumatologist who is knowledgeable about spondylitis, SAA can help. We have compiled a list of rheumatologists that our Members recommend and we will be happy to supply you with a list of rheumatologists in your area.

In addition, SAA can provide you with an electronic version of our information packet about spondylitis.

If you would to receive list of member recommended rheumatologists in your area or a spondylitis information packet, please complete this form and we will email with information on how to obtain this packet.

If you have been diagnosed with spondylitis….
You've come to the right place. The Spondylitis Association of America is the only organization in the US dedicating 100% of its resources to education, support, advocacy and research for spondylitis patients.

SAA is the largest resource of information for people with spondylitis. Review the About Spondylitis and For Patients sections of our website to learn everything you can about managing spondylitis for the most optimum health.

In addition, SAA produces the largest library of publications and educational materials including books, brochures, DVDs and CDs, available in the Store section of the site.

SAA also presents educational events throughout the year. The Spondylitis Educational Seminars held around the country provide opportunities for patients and their families to interact directly with the leading experts in the field. In addition, SAA hosts live seminars on the Internet (webinars) for the spondylitis community to view from the comfort of their home.

SAA offers a variety of supportive programs including its network of educational support groups throughout the country and maintains a peer/mentor program to pair newly diagnosed patients with people who have more experience managing the disease.

SAA also hosts an online community through its Message Boards for people to connect, share information and find support as they are managing their spondylitis.

SAA is also active on social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter; these online communities provide additional avenues for people with spondylitis to connect with others who share similar experiences and keep updated on spondylitis news, research and events.

Membership has its benefits…
There are over 150 different types of arthritis. SAA focuses on just one - so that no one has to face spondylitis alone. Become a Member today and support the only organization that dedicates 100% of resources to education, support, advocacy and research for spondylitis patients.

As a member, you'll receive an annual subscription to our quarterly news magazine Spondylitis Plus with information specifically for spondylitis patients including the latest in spondylitis news, research, and information to manage spondylitis effectively. In addition, members receive access to the Member Area of the website which includes:

• Spondylitis Plus archive (dating back to January 2003)
• Recordings of Past Webinars
• Monthly Podcasts
• Member Recommended Rheumatologist Directory
• e-Book - Your Guide to Living with Spondylitis
• Audio/Video of Past Seminars