Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Facts
Written by a leading expert who has lived with ankylosing spondylitis since age 12, this Oxford University Press guide covers diagnosis, treatment, and daily life for patients and families.
About This Book
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, yet it remains one of the more poorly understood diseases among the general public and even some healthcare providers. Dr. Muhammad Asim Khan, one of the world's foremost authorities on AS, wrote this guide with the express purpose of putting reliable information directly in patients' hands.
The book covers the genetic underpinnings of the disease, including the well-known HLA-B27 connection, as well as how AS is diagnosed, the range of symptoms it can cause beyond back pain, and how treatment has evolved over time. Dr. Khan writes with unusual authority because he has lived with ankylosing spondylitis himself since age 12, which gives his explanations a practical grounding that is rare in clinical writing.
Topics include the role of exercise and physical therapy, medication options from NSAIDs to biologics, the impact on fertility and pregnancy, and how patients can best advocate for themselves within the healthcare system. The writing is clear and designed to be accessible to readers without a medical background.
Published by Oxford University Press as part of the well-regarded Facts series, this book has served as a reliable starting point for newly diagnosed patients for over two decades.
Our Review
Dr. Khan's combination of clinical expertise and personal experience makes this book genuinely valuable. The information feels trustworthy without being overly technical, and the personal dimension helps readers feel less alone in their diagnosis. Because it was published in 2002, some treatment content is outdated, particularly around newer biologics and JAK inhibitors, so readers should pair it with current clinical guidelines or their rheumatologist's advice.
As a foundational text on ankylosing spondylitis, this book is a strong first read for patients and family members seeking to understand the condition. The updated 2023 edition covering axial spondyloarthritis is now available for more current treatment guidance.