Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is an inflammatory form of arthritis which mainly affects the spine, but can also cause pain and/or swelling in the shoulders, neck, chest/ribs, hips, lower back and buttocks. Sometimes, the eyes are also affected and the disease is linked to other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis.
It is estimated that 0.1-0.2% of people in Ireland are living with AS, with a similar number for non-radiographic axial SpA. The disease is 2-3 times more common in males.
One of the major challenges experienced by people with AS is the length of time it can take to receive a diagnosis. This delays effective treatment and increases the risk of long-term damage.
As ankylosing spondylitis advances, it can affect a person’s ability to work. It is estimated that a third of people with AS may be unable to work at all. Around one in six may need to make changes to their working life in order to continue working.
