I am a 32-year-old man with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). I found out I have this condition five years ago, after 8 years of misdiagnosis. AS is a condition similar to arthritis where one’s pelvis, spine, chest, and neck joints become inflamed and eventually fuse. It typically starts with unexplained hip pain and back stiffness, and in my case eventually built to debilitating pain. (further information available at http://www.nass.co.uk or http://www.spondylitis.org)

The discomfort is managed effectively with prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, but I must remain vigilant in maintaining my spine mobility and chest expansion. I have made progress over the past five years to regain my mobility, doubling my spine mobility through exercise and therapy. Five months ago I began my Bikram Yoga practice to continue my progression. In that time, my spine mobility increased more than in the previous five years of effort. The reoccurrence of flare-ups has halved and I have greater flexibility and range of motion than ever before. Even some of the damage from my football days is starting to wear away. I will continue with my Bikram Yoga practice into the future as a way of battling - and winning against - my disease.

– BLP