Spondylitis Association of America

The Spondylitis Association of America (SAA) is a national, member-directed, non-profit organization dedicated to empowering persons living with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) through education, advocacy and support for patients, families and health professionals. Spondylitis is the most overlooked cause of persistent back pain in young adults and can affect over one million adults nationally. Established in 1983, the SAA takes a proactive, leadership role in promoting, funding and conducting research into the causes of AS. In 1988, in collaboration with National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and ten major medical centers and universities in North America, the SAA co-founded the North American Spondylitis Consortium (NASC) to lead the North American fight in uncovering the genetic causes of spondylitis and related diseases. Among other educational activities, the SAA produces a bi-monthly newsletter and other publications.