Ankylosing spondylitis is an inherited form of arthritis that affects men and women between the ages of 17 and 35. It is more common than multiple sclerosis, cystic fibrosis, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined.
There are three very good sites with information of different kinds. These include the Spondylitis Association of America (www.spondylitis.org), the Ankylosing Spondylitis International Foundation (ASIF) [www.asif.rheumanet.org], and www.allaboutbackandneckpain.com.