Introduction Symptoms Do's & don'ts

Causes Diagnosis Homoeopathic treatment

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of chronic (long lasting) arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. This condition primarily occurs in young adults (the average age of onset normally before age 35). AS causes inflammation of the spinal joints (joints between the vertebrae) and can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort.

AS generally starts from the sacro-iliac joint (the joint in the lower back) and then travels upwards affecting the lumbar, thoracic and cervical spine (neck). Occasionally the shoulder and hip joint is affected. It is more common in males as compared to females. The disease stops progressing after 10-15 years leaving permanent stiffness and might even give rise to deformity of the spine.

• The exact cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis is not known but most of the people affected by this disease share a common marker called HLA-B27. People who carry this marker are predisposed to develop this condition after some kind of bowel infection or urinary tract infection.
• AS tends to be Hereditary in nature
• Autoimmunity

• The symptoms may be intermittent or chronic in nature
• Lower back pain
• Stiffness in the back
• Loss of flexibility of the affected part of the spine
• Limitation of movement of the affected area
• Pain radiating from lower back upwards
• Diffuse radiating pain down one or both the legs
• Chest expansion reduced in thoracic involvement
• Pain and limitation of movement of shoulder and hip joint
• Joint deformities
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Eye inflammation (Iritis)
• Heart valve dysfunction (in advanced stages)

• Clinical examination generally reveals typical features
• Blood check: ESR
• HLA B27
• X rays and bone scans may reveal characteristic changes

• Sleep flat on the back on a firm mattress with a single flat pillow
• Learn appropriate exercises and do it regularly
• Rehabilitation therapies must be opted for
• Maintain good postures through abdominal and back exercises, proper sleeping and walking positions
• Perform breathing exercises to improve lung capacity
• Swimming acts as an aerobic exercise

Homeopathy has good scope in the treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis especially in cases where the pathology has not advanced too far. Medication provides the patient with significant relief in the pain and the stiffness associated with the disease. There is also improvement in the general symptoms associated with AS such as weakness, loss of appetite, fever, etc. Continued Homeopathic medication can also help in delaying the onset of complications. In advanced cases where structural changes in the joints have progressed, the medicines can offer significant pain control. Overall, the cases of AS respond well to Homeopathic medication; hence Homeopathy is definitely recommended for all cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis.