Ankylosing Spondylitis Ayurvedic Treatment

This is an inflammatory disease affecting the spinal bones (vertebrae). Gradually the bones become fused together, resulting in reduced flexibility of the spine and abnormal body posture. Ankylosing spondylitis is incurable, but the symptoms can be reduced with appropriate management.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Signs and Symptoms

Low back pain, stiffness of lower back and hip region (more in the morning or after a period of rest/inactivity), radiating pain to neck region and fatigue are the common symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis. Later, the spinal bones get fused and result in kyphosis (outward bending of spine) or scoliosis (side-wise bending of spine). As a result, the normal body posture is altered.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Ayurvedic Analysis

When vata is aggravated and attacks asthi and majja, is called Asthimajja gata vata. This is characterised by asthishoola (pain in bones), sandhishoola (joint pain), adhyasthi (extra bone growth, fusion of bones), vinama (bended body posture) etc.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vitiation of vata in asthi (bones) and majja (bone marrow) is the cause of the disease.

Possible Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease

Extra bone growth along the spine, uveitis (inflammation of eye), fracture of spinal bones and heart diseases often develop in chronic cases of Ankylosing spondylitis.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Skin diseases, heart disease, diabetes etc are often associated with Ankylosing spondylitis. Consider the co-morbidities while planning treatment.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Symptoms can be managed by internal medication, rukshana (if ama is present), snehana (external/ internal/ both), swedana (mild), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation), vasthi (enema with decoction/ oil), lepana (external application of medicine over the affected part) etc depending on the state of dosha, chronicity of disease, occupation/ prakruthi/ place residence of the patient and several other factors. Associated stress can be managed with yoga/ meditation/psychotherapy.

Diet

Avoid skipping meals/ taking very less amount of food, curd, dry food, very cold/ hot food and spicy/ bitter/ astringent tastes. Take more whole grains, green vegetables, water, small fishes etc.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercises are indicated for those suffering from Ankylosing spondylitis. Rest or inactivity will worsen the symptoms.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Apply suitable oil all over the body before bath. Exercise regularly. Maintain a regular sleep-wake pattern. Eat healthy balanced diet. Drink sufficient water.

Importance of Diet

As it is an incurable condition, right diet can reduce the symptoms by pacifying the aggravated vata.

Lifestyle

Avoid the food items that cause aggravation of vata. Exercise regularly. Apply suitable oil over spine before bath. Quit smoking and limit the intake of alcohol. Use comfortable pillow/ chair while sleeping or sitting.