Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine or back. In AS, the joints and ligaments along the spine become inflamed. The inflammation produces pain and stiffness that usually begins in the lower back or buttocks, and may progress into the upper spine, chest and neck. Over time, the joints and bones (vertebrae) may grow together (fuse), causing the spine to become rigid and inflexible. Other joints, such as the hips, shoulders and knees may also be affected. AS is a systemic and Rheumatic disease, which means it may affect organs.
CAUSES
Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, there is a strong genetic or family link. Most, but not all, people with spondylitis carry a gene called HLA-B27. Although people carrying this gene are more likely to develop spondylitis, it is also found in up to 10% of people who have no signs of the condition.
AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
According to Ayurveda, Rheumatic pains are due to formation of toxins in the body called "Ama". According to modern science, these toxins can be corelated with auto-antibodies which are body's own defence system destroying body's own tissues. These toxins are known as "aama" in Ayurvedic terminology. So the concept of treating Ankylosing spondylitis is digesting the " aama" by giving herbs like Curcumin, Aamvatantak Ras, etc. Controlling the vata is also very important, after clearing the "Aama". Vata- the kinetic energy of the body is regulated by regular massage with Ayurvedic oils and consumption of Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines are helpful to digest the "aama" in managing pain and inflammation.
Sometimes the pain is quiet acute in ankylosing spondylitis. This painful condition in Ankylosing spondylitis and inflammation needs to be tackled quickly. So the herbal combination of various herbs which work instantly for painful joints is given.
There are very common herbs for painful joints which work insantly. The herbs are like Dry Ginger, Guggul, Turmeric (curcumin), Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Sallaki (Boswellia), and Giloy (Tinospora). The extracts of these herbs are more effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of joint pains including ankylosing spondylitis.
Constipation must be avoided at any costs in Ankylosing spondylitis. Constipation leads to vitiation of Vata, which may increase bouts of increased pain.
SYMPTOMS
Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.
The areas most commonly affected are:
LIFESTYLE
Besides seeing your doctor regularly and taking your medications as prescribed, here are some things you can do to help your condition.
HOME REMEDIES
CAUSES
Although the cause of ankylosing spondylitis is unknown, there is a strong genetic or family link. Most, but not all, people with spondylitis carry a gene called HLA-B27. Although people carrying this gene are more likely to develop spondylitis, it is also found in up to 10% of people who have no signs of the condition.
AYURVEDIC VIEW OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
According to Ayurveda, Rheumatic pains are due to formation of toxins in the body called "Ama". According to modern science, these toxins can be corelated with auto-antibodies which are body's own defence system destroying body's own tissues. These toxins are known as "aama" in Ayurvedic terminology. So the concept of treating Ankylosing spondylitis is digesting the " aama" by giving herbs like Curcumin, Aamvatantak Ras, etc. Controlling the vata is also very important, after clearing the "Aama". Vata- the kinetic energy of the body is regulated by regular massage with Ayurvedic oils and consumption of Ayurvedic medicines. These medicines are helpful to digest the "aama" in managing pain and inflammation.
Sometimes the pain is quiet acute in ankylosing spondylitis. This painful condition in Ankylosing spondylitis and inflammation needs to be tackled quickly. So the herbal combination of various herbs which work instantly for painful joints is given.
There are very common herbs for painful joints which work insantly. The herbs are like Dry Ginger, Guggul, Turmeric (curcumin), Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Sallaki (Boswellia), and Giloy (Tinospora). The extracts of these herbs are more effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of joint pains including ankylosing spondylitis.
Constipation must be avoided at any costs in Ankylosing spondylitis. Constipation leads to vitiation of Vata, which may increase bouts of increased pain.
SYMPTOMS
Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.
The areas most commonly affected are:
- The joint between the base of your spine and your pelvis (sacroiliac)
- The vertebrae in your lower back
- The places where your tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses), mainly in your spine, but sometimes along the back of your heel
- The cartilage between your breastbone and ribs
- Your hip and shoulder joints
LIFESTYLE
Besides seeing your doctor regularly and taking your medications as prescribed, here are some things you can do to help your condition.
- Stay active - Exercise can help ease pain, maintain flexibility and improve your posture.
- Heat fomentation - Heat applied to stiff joints and tight muscles can ease pain and stiffness. Try heating pads.
- Don't smoke. If you smoke, quit. Smoking is generally bad for your health, but it creates additional problems for people with ankylosing spondylitis, including further hampering breathing.
- Practice good posture. Practicing standing straight in front of a mirror can help you avoid some of the problems associated with ankylosing spondylitis.
HOME REMEDIES
- Mix powder of long pepper, black pepper, and dried ginger root in equal quantities. Take 1 teaspoon of this powder with lukewarm water, twice a day.
- Mix powder of fenugreek seeds (Methi), dry ginger and turmeric in equal quantity. Take one teaspoon of this mixture twice a day with lukewarm water.
- Massage with sesame oil twice a day. Massage will help you to improve blood circulation, reduces inflammation, stiffness and pain of the joints.
- Mix paste of four peeled garlic clove to 20 ml of mustard oil and heat on low flame, for 1-2 minutes. After cooling, massage the affected joints with this oil for getting relief from pain and swelling.
- Garlic milk, it is helpful to reduce inflammation, stiffness and pain of the joints.
- Garlic Milk : Ingredient
- 2 crushed garlic cloves
- 1 glassful of skimmed milk.
- ½ teaspoon turmeric powder.
- Boil all above mentioned ingredient till the milk remains half in quantity. Now, add 1-2 tsp of honey (according to taste) and drink with chewing cooked garlic before going to bed at night.
