Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, overtime can cause some of vertebrae to fuse together, a process referred to as ankylosis. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, there may be difficulty to breathe.

According to Ayurvedic science, Ankylosing Spondylitis is understood as vata disorder affecting the asthi (bone) and majja (bone marrow). The imbalance causes inflammation, stiffness, decreased density and deformity of the spine.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Signs and symptoms typically begins in early childhood. Overtime, symptoms might worse, improve or stop at irregular intervals. Following symptoms may occur:

• Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hip, that worsen in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
• Swelling and pain in shoulders, knees and ankles
• Neck pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty to breathe deeply
• Swelling and redness of eyes

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis has no known specific causes, though genetic factors seem to be involved. People who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at higher risk of developing the disease. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition.

Risk factors of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Sex - Men are more likely to develop Ankylosing Spondylitisthan women.
• Age - Disease usually manifest in young adult, with the first symptom becoming evident in the third decade.
• Heredity - Most people who have Ankylosing Spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene. But only some people with the gene develop the condition.

Complications of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• In severe Ankylosing Spondylitis, new bones forms a body’s attempt to heal. New bones gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae and those parts of spine become stiff and inflexible.
• Reduced lung capacity and function
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Compression fractures - In some people bones thin in the early stages of Ankylosing Spondylitis. Weakened vertebrae can crumble and increase the severity of stooped posture. Vertebral fractures can put pressure over the spinal cord and nerves.
• Heart problems

Importance for timely treatment in Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Ankylosing Spondylitis, is a disease that has no cure. But the timely diagnosis and treatments can lessen the symptoms and possibly slows the progression of the disease.

Modern perspective- management of Ankylosing Spondylitis

• General measures - aims to relieve pain, stiffness, improve spine mobility, delay complication and spinal deformity.
• Medications (topical pain medicines and oral analgesics including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, NSAIDs; TNF blockers)
• Local corticosteriods injections
• Physical therapy
• Surgery

Ayurvedic treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is understood as a vata disorder that affects the asthi (bone) and majja (bone marrow) dhatus (bodily tissues) of the body. The imbalance of these causes inflammation, stiffness, decreased density of bones and deformity of the spine. Treatment aims at pacifying this vitiated vata dosa through both internal medication and external applications. External procedures include periodic Ayurvedic panchakarma therapies to improve movements and to relieve stiffness. Early diagnosis and treatment is the only key to control the symptoms and to slow the progression of disease. Regular exercise, pranayama, diet and lifestyle are also important factor for effective management of the condition.

At Amala, we provide long term treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis, with regular follow ups, assessing the stage of disease and condition of the patients.

Diet in Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Intake food sources high in calcium such as dark leafy vegetables, broccoli, low fat dairy products, almonds, etc.
• Herbs and spices that has anti inflammatory property can be used. Such as garlic, ginger and turmeric.
• Avoid red meat, high fat diet and processed food.

Lifestyle in Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Stay active - exercise can help ease pain, maintain flexibility and improve posture.
• Maintain a healthy posture.
• Maintain a healthy body weight.
• Don’t smoke. Symptoms get worse in people who smoke as the age progresses.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Manage stress with yoga and meditation.
• Practise Pranayama (breathing exercise) regularly, that helps in increasing lung capacity and lessen up the chances of breathing difficulties.
• Exposure to sunlight - Vitamin D allows body to absorb calcium and it’s a vital nutrient for healthy bones.

Best Yoga postures for Ankylosing Spondylitis

In Ankylosing Spondylitis, regular physical movement helps in maintaining fitness, flexibility and good posture. Yoga and pranayama (breathing exercise) along with physiotherapy improves the efficiency of treatments. Breathing exercises (pranayama) helps in increasing lung capacity and lessen up the chances of breathing difficulties, also keeps your mind relaxed and healthy.

• Child’s pose (Balasana)
• Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana)
• Cobra pose(Bhujangasana)
• Mountain pose (Tadasana)
• Cat- Cow pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana)
• Staff pose (Dandasana)