 | NATIONAL ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS SOCIETY (NASS) |
NASS was founded in 1975 at the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic
Diseases in Bath. It is a society formed by people who have ankylosing
spondylitis (AS), their families, friends, physiotherapists and doctors,
together with research scientists working on the problems of the disease. The society provides support and both medical and social education about the
disease and its social and medical management. It also aims to provide a forum
to educate the professionals and the public in the problems of the disease. In
addition, it supports and funds a modest amount of research. It aims to
influence governmental bodies and the National Health Service in order that
better facilities for treatment should be provided, and to encourage improved
welfare of sufferers and their families. It also aims to encourage and assist
the formation of similar societies in other countries. To fight the stiffening process in the spine demands control of pain, for
which painkilling and/or anti-inflammatory drugs are available. But these only
have a limited effect unless they are supplemented by a programme of regular
and vigorous exercises designed to stretch ligaments and strengthen muscles, in
order to maintain mobility and good posture. Facilities for sufferers to learn this necessary programme are not always
available. The society therefore is constantly in the process of building up
branches, most of which are supported by physiotherapists who are prepared to
supervise regular exercise sessions for members after working hours. The
society also produces a Cassette tape and Video film, "Fight Back",
of a home-exercise programme. A NASS membership form is contained within this booklet. The annual
subscription entitles you to the society's twice-yearly journal, The NASS
Newsletter. It contains articles by doctors, research scientists,
physiotherapists, and sufferers, on different aspects of the disease. It
contains news from our branch organisations, our foreign sister societies, and
a correspondence section from members of the society. Lists and prices of our
other publications are given.
NASS
PO Box 179
Mayfield
East Sussex
TN20 6ZL  01435 873527
 01435 873027
 nass@nass.co.uk
 http://www.nass.co.uk/
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