AS

Ankylosing Spondilitis (AS) is the chronic inflammation in the spine and in surrounding joints. This inflammation causes pain and stiffness of these areas. Over time, this inflammation can cause the bones to fuse together, reducing pain but also reducing mobility.

My dad has had AS for as long as I can remember. He has dealt with the pain and stiffness of his spine, finding very little relief. With the advancement of diet and exercise in terms of a form a medicine, he has turned to alternatives to medication. The HLA-B27 gene (and marker for this disease) has recently been found in my own blood. 7% of the population have this gene but only 1% develop AS, however my risk is 6 times higher since my father does have the disease. So far, I have only had a handful of painfully stiff days; mostly in my hips.

http://www.disaboom.com/ankylosing-spondylitis/controlling-ankylosing-spondylitis-with-diet-and-exercise