Overview

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes chronic inflammation of the spine. The sacroiliac joints located between the base of the spine and pelvis are the structures that usually become inflamed in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). This inflammation medically known as sacroiliitis is one of the first signs of Ankylosing spondylitis. Inflammation often occurs in the joints that connect the vertebrae (the bones that make up the spinal column) the condition is called spondylitis. 

Certain people with AS suffer from severe chronic back and hip pain and stiffness. Others have milder more intermittent symptoms. Long-term inflammation may lead to the fusing of the vertebral column. As a result of the gradual fusion of vertebral segments by newly formed bone, the spine may become inflexible. This condition is known as ankylosis.

Causes

Variations in the human leukocyte antigen-B gene account for approximately 95% of AS cases. (HLA-B). This altered or mutant gene produces a protein known as HLA-B27 which increases the risk of illness. Nonetheless AS is uncommon in the majority of people who have mutant HLA-B genes. Actually, 80% of children who inherit the faulty gene from an AS parent do not develop the disease. So far about 60 different genes have been linked to the disease.

Symptoms

AS symptoms can come and go over time. Each person may have slightly different symptoms. Among the symptoms that could occur are:

• Back pain usually gets worse at night and causes stiffness in the morning while you sleep. 

• Hunching in response to back pain (bending forward relieves the pain) spine that is rigid and erect 

• Loss of appetite if the rib-to-spine joints are impacted making deep breathing difficult. 

• Obesity and joint pains are some of the commonly encountered symptoms

Ayurvedic View

Kati graha -The condition in which kati means spine of lumbo sacral region and graha means stiffness is present is ankylosing spondylitis.Aggravaed vata dosha takes sthana (settles in kati pradesha does dushti (vitiation) of asthi vaha srotas (bone and nearby bone supporting structures,which results in pain,stiffness and impaired fuction of lumbar spine.Ayurveda way of approach is to bring dosha back to prakruta awastha (balance state), rehabilitate the affected part by ayurvedic panchakarma treatment.

Ayurvedic Treatments

Udhwarthanam   Pizzhichal   Upanaha   Swedanam   Virechanam   Kashayadhara   Matravasti   Prishta vasti

Naturopathy Treatments

Acupuncture   Spinal bath   Spinal spray   Spinal Compress   Mud therapy   Manipulative therapy, Chromotherapy   Yoga therapy