Spondyloarthritis Ayurvedic Treatment

A group of inflammatory conditions that cause arthritis is called spondyloarthritis/ spondyloarthropathy. It causes inflammation at the point of attachment of tendons and ligaments to bones. This condition causes several other problems like low back pain, eye diseases, arthritis of joints in arms/ legs etc. The major types of spondyloarthropathies are ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis and enteropathic arthritis. Genetics may play a major role in the manifestation of this condition. It is not a curable disease, and hence only symptomatic care is available.

Spondyloarthritis Signs and Symptoms

People with spondyloarthritis experience back pain, fatigue, arthritis of other joints other than limbs, indigestion, sausage fingers (swelling of tendons of fingers or toes), osteoporosis, redness/ swelling/ pain in eyes, skin rashes etc.

Spondyloarthritis Ayurvedic Analysis

Vatashonita is characterised by swelling/ pain/ redness of joints of legs or arms, skin problems etc. It may gradually spread to other joints. Vata and rakta are the major dosha that have vitiated. It usually affects those at tender ages, having tender body, living a sedentary lifestyle etc. Gradually, it affects other organs like heart, eyes etc if left untreated.

Spondyloarthritis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Common causes are incompatible food, unaccustomed food, over consumption of sour/ salty/ alkaline food, food that cause burning sensation in stomach during or after digestion, travelling a lot with legs hanged, day sleep, stress etc.

Possible Complications of Spondyloarthritis Disease

Major complications are inflammatory bowel diseases, Uveitis (inflammation of eyes), inflammation of aortic valve in heart, psoriasis etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other conditions like inflammation of heart valve/ eye, arthritis, skin diseases etc before planning treatment.

Spondyloarthritis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medications are provided for symptomatic management as well as pacification of vata and rakta. If ama is present, remove it with medication and therapies. Common procedures are rukshana (for removing ama), snehana (oil massage/ consumption of lipid formulation of drugs/ both), swedana (sudation- eg: steam bath, dhanyamla dhara), virechana (purgation), vasthi (enema with suitable medicines), lepana (external application of powdered drugs), ashchotana (eye drops), netra seka (irrigation of eyes with suitable medicine) etc.

Diet

Include more whole grains, green and leafy vegetables, fruits having sweet taste, buttermilk etc in diet. Reduce the consumption of heavy ton digest food, sour/ salty/ pungent foods, excess intake of food, curd, pickles etc.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise is recommended to perform as per the guidance of physician. Yoga, meditation, pranayama etc are also effective.

Spondyloarthritis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Take healthy food having all the six tastes. Avoid sedentary habit, day sleep and long journey/ sitting with legs hanged. Exercise regularly. Limit the consumption of alcohol. Apply suitable oil all over the body before bath. Reduce the consumption of cold, dry, spicy, heavy to digest food.

Importance of Diet

Choose the right diet with the help of physician. Certain food items can worsen the symptoms- eg: curd, peas, ice cream, Bengal gram etc. Follow the right food pattern during and after treatment for better results.