Member since 1989

The ÖVMB, “Österreichische Vereinigung Morbus Bechterew“ (Austrian Ankylosig Spondylitis Patient Member Organisation), was founded in 1984.

We are dedicated to supporting those living with spondyloarthritis (SpA), -in Austria we say „Morbus Bechterew“.
Now we have 1500 members and our member fee is 28 Euros.

Our motto is „information, exercise, get together“.

The objectives of ÖVMB are: to safeguard common interests, to mediate friendly relations and the exchange of experience among the members, to maintain cooperation with doctors, therapists and social and health care organisations, provide information on medical, social and insurance law issues.

Every two Years we have a General Meeting. In 9 provinces, area of operation, are 9 leaders, ‘direktors’. All staff is volunteering. Our main office is in Vienna. Since 2020 our President is Josef Wibner.

Information’s for members are provided in the „Morbus Bechterew AKTIV“ magazine four times a year and through our homepage. About 4 times a year our members receive a newsletter, sent per e-mail and we have a section on our homepage for members only.

We know that one of the most important things you can do to manage SpA is to stay physically active and exercise. We have about 50 Therapy groups. They exercise once a week and have much fun together.

Much has changed rapidly in recent years in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. New therapies and drugs improve quality of life to an extent that was unimaginable just a few years ago. For ankylosing spondylitis patients, these drugs are a great relief. Many patients go to Bad Gastein to the „Gasteiner Heilstollen“ , a worldwide unique radon therapy health centre.