Ankylosing Spondylitis

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Exact cause of ankylosing spondylitis is not known although some genetic, environmental and immunological factors may play a role.

1) HLA – B27 gene is strongly associated with ankylosing spondylitis but not everyone with this gene develops this condition.

2) People having certain other autoimmune disorders like crohn’s disease, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis are at increased risk of having ankylosing spondylitis.

3) Smoking and obesity are some factors that can lead to fast progression of the disease.

4) Men are more likely to have ankylosing spondylitis than females

5) It is most commonly seen in age groups between 20 - 40 yrs of age

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis can vary from person to person . Common symptoms are

1) Chronic Back Pain

Patients experience chronic lower back pain( esp lumbar region) that may go upwards involving the entire spine. The pain is worse in morning , rest and gets better with movement or exercise.

2) Pain and Swelling

Ankylosing Spondylitis may affect other joints like hips, knee , shoulders and it may lead to pain , swelling and stiffness in this joints

3) Fatigue

Patient experience fatigue which can be both mental and physical.

4) Difficulty in Breathing

In some cases of ankylosing spondylitis where there is inflammation between the joints of ribs and spine then it leads to reduced chest expansion , causing difficulty to breath

5) Loss of appetite and weight

6) Stiffness

Patient often has stiffness in affected joints

7) Reduced Movement

As the disease progresses there is decreased in the movement of body and thus it leads to difficulty bending forward, backward or sideways

Complications

1) Eye inflammation

50% of people having ankylosing spondylitis will suffer from iritis or uveitis and it produces symptoms like eye redness , pain , blurred vision , sensitivity to light

2) Restricted Movement

Due to fusion of spine movement will get restricted and it even make the person to get stuck in one position and cause severe disability

3) Osteoporosis

50% of people with Ankylosing Spondylitis have low mineral density that leads to osteoporosis

4) Gastrointestinal Disorders

Ankylosing spondylitis can also cause inflammation of GI tract thus increases the risk of diseases like ulcerative colitis , crohn’s disease

5) Cardiovascular Disorders

It also increases the risk of heart disorders like - Cardiomyopathy , ischemic heart disease , aortic valve disease

Prevention

1) Being physically active and doing regular exercise as it will help to maintain flexibility in the joints , reduce pain and stiffness

2) Eating a balanced meal and also including foods enriched with calcium and vit D e.g dairy products, sea food, nuts

3) Quitting Smoking

Homoeopathy and Ankylosing Spondylitis

Homoeopathy offers a holistic and individualised approach that aims to alleviate symptoms, slow disease progression, and improve overall well-being.Homoeopathy operates on the principle of "like cures like," wherein substances that cause symptoms in a healthy person are diluted and administered to stimulate the body's natural healing response. In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, homoeopathic remedies target the underlying imbalances in the body that contribute to inflammation and joint stiffness.

Homoeopathic medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis

1. Rhus Tox
   • Hot painful swelling of joints
   • Rheumatic pains at nape of neck , loins , extremities, better by motion , worse on rest
   • Soreness of condyles of boners
   • Patient cannot tolerate cold air as it makes the skin painful
   • Tearing pain in tendons , ligaments, fascia
   • Tingling and numbness in extremities
2. Cimicifuga
   • Aching pain in limbs and muscular soreness
   • Rheumatism affecting belly of muscles , especially large muscles
   • Choreic movements accompanied by rheumatism
   • Heaviness in lower extremities
3. Kalmia
   • Pains affect large part of a limb , several joints and pass through quickly
   • Weakness numbness and sense of coldness in limbs
   • Joints are red , hot and swollen
   • Pains are worse on leaning forward , motion, open air
4. Kali Carb
   • Back and legs give out
   • Uneasiness , heaviness and tearing in limbs and jerking
   • Tearing in limbs with swelling
   • Pain in lower back , thighs and hips
   • Complains are better by lying down
   • Patient gets difficulty while turning in bed
   • Sharp pain in the back extending up and down

Benefits of Homoeopathic Treatment

1. Individualised Care: Homoeopathy recognizes that each person is unique. A homoeopath will assess your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle to prescribe a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
2. Gentle and Natural: Homoeopathic remedies are derived from natural substances and are known for their minimal side effects. They work in harmony with the body, promoting self-healing and overall well-being.
3. Holistic Approach: Homoeopathy takes into account not only the physical symptoms but also the emotional and mental aspects of an individual. It aims to restore balance at all levels, providing comprehensive care.
4. Long-Term Relief: By addressing the underlying causes of Ulcerative Colitis,homoeopathy strives to achieve long-term relief and improved quality of life.

Consulting a Homeopath

At Sanjivani Homoeopathic Clinic, personalised treatment is provided to each patient through detailed case taking, proper diet and exercise recommendations, and lifestyle modifications, aiming for a permanent cure in ankylosing spondylitis.