Ankylosing Spondylitis

Introduction

Human body is made up of 206 bones. Bones form the skeleton system, providing a rigid framework that supports the body’s weight and allows for upright posture. Bones are vital , living tissues that protect internal organs and facilitate movement. As we age, bones undergo several changes including decreased bone density, increased brittleness and altered bone structure. This can give use to various bones related diseases like osteomyelitis , osteopenia, osteoporosis etc.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine , causing pain, stiffness and reduced mobility over time. It often begins in the lower back and can progress to other areas like the neck and hips.

In severe cases, Ankylosing spondylitis can lead to the fusion of spinal vertebrae, resulting in a hunched posture. The disease has a peak onset in the second and third decades with a male : female ratio of about 3:1.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis has no known specific cause, though genetic factors seem to be involved. In particular, people who have a gene called HLA-B27 are at a greatly increased risk of developing Ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The onset is usually insidious , over months, or years with recurring episodes of low back pain and marked stiffness. Symptoms are most marked in the early morning and after inactivity and are relieved by movement. 

  • The lumbosacral  area is usually the first and worst affected region.
  • Some patients present with mainly thoracic or neck symptoms.
  • Disease tend to ascend the spine slowly and eventually , after several years, the whole spine may be affected.

Complications

  • Ankylosis of spine
  • Spinal rigidity 
  • Secondary osteoporosis, predispose to spinal fracture.
  • Secondary spinal cord compression.
  • Respiratory problems 
  • Eye inflammation called uveitis 
  • Heart problems

Investigations

  • Detailed history 
  • Physical examination 
  • Laboratory findings like ESR, CRP
  • Radio graphic picture of the typically ‘Bamboo’ shaped spine.

Ayurvedic concept of Ankylosing Spondylitis

According to ayurveda, all diseases are starting with involvement of improper digestive fire. By various unsuitable diet habits with improper lifestyle leads to as Mandagni. It results in formation of proper  digestive material and goes circulating in the body. These substances are called as ‘Ama’ in ayurveda. During circulation when get suitable place to lodge, it affect that part and resulting into disease. Such diseases called as Samarogas 

Mandagni leads to samarogas and inflammatory substances leads to bony ankylosis. Therefore, the theory of Ama , it’s production and developing any inflammatory or immune disorders by disturbing normal body physiology. This gives a ways to understand the Ankylosing spondylitis pathway’s according to ayurveda by involvement of Ama with the dominant Doshas.

Living with Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ayurvedic treatment can help to control Ankylosing spondylitis to a large extent , but there are also many things you can do to help improve your symptoms-

  1. Keeping active- Regular exercise is good for the range of movement of your back and to stop your spine from stiffening.
  2. Work- You may need some changes to your working environment or roles you carry out especially if you have a physically demanding job.
  3. Sex and pregnancy- Sex may be painful . If it is, try taking some painkillers before hand and experiment with different positions.
    Usually pregnancy doesn’t cause any special problems for the mother or baby, though it’s symptoms may not ease during pregnancy. 
  4. Sleep- Good quality sleep can help you manage pain better.
  5. Diet and nutrition- Try to have a balanced diet.
    Calcium is very important to make strong bones. The best forms of calcium are-
    • dairy products such as milk, cheese and yogurt.
    • Calcium riched milks made from soya, rice or oats.
    • Fish that are eaten with the bones 
  6. Stop smoking.

Ayurvedic treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a very serious problem which has to be taken care before the disease causes irreversible damage.So, boolchandayurveda provides you a complete ‘Ankylosing Spondylitis Care Pack’ for the successful treatment of Ankylosing spondylitis to relieve pain and stiffness and prevent or delay complications and spinal deformity. ‘Ankylosing Spondylitis Care Pack’ is the combination of various natural and effective herbs which are 100% pure and free from chemicals , additives and preservatives. These are safe to use as these are free from side effects.

Ankylosing Spondylitis Care Pack

Dosage

  1. Joint care- 1 scoop of powder with luke warm water after meals in morning time.
  2. Calcium iron compound special- 2 tablets with luke warm water after dinner.
  3. Curcumin gold- 2 capsules with plain water in evening time(around 5 pm)
  4. Trayodashang guggul- 2 tablets with luke warm after meals in morning time. 
  5. Bone and nervine supplement- 1 scoop of powder with luke warm water after dinner.

Product description

  1. Joint care- Joint care is a herbal product prepared by Boolchand ayurveda for managing Ankylosing spondylitis. A key ingredients i.e Ajamoda (Apium graveolens) is known for its anti- inflammatory and analgesic properties.By reducing pain and inflammation, it can improve joint mobility and flexibility. In ayurveda, joint care is believed to help balance Vata and kapha doshas, thereby addressing the root cause of the condition. It also helps in the digestion and elimination of ‘Ama’ a toxin byproduct of incomplete digestion, which is thought to contribute to inflammation and pain.
  1. Calcium iron compound special- Calcium iron compound special is a potent anti – inflammatory ayurvedic remedy used for the treatment of a multitude of diseases of bones and joints. The main ingredients of this herbal formulation of boolchand ayurveda with their benefits are given below- 
  • Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora)-A potent anti- oxidant and reduces pain and swelling 
  • Haridra (Curcuma Longa)- Being anti inflammatory in nature, turmeric reduces inflammation of the joints.
  • Mustak(Cyperus rotundus)- It promotes digestion. 
  • Chavya( Piper retrofractum)-A powerful digestive herb which promotes digestion and alleviates constipation, bloating , abdominal pain and distension 
  • Maricha (Piper nigrum) – Maricha enhances gut health and also relieves pain and inflammation.
  • Tejpatta (Cinnamomum tamala)- The bay leaf is used for preventing and managing joint pains.
  • Vankshalochana(Bambusa arundinacea)- The extract of young bamboo tree is extremely useful in promoting bone, teeth and joints.
  1. Curcumin capsule- Curcumin capsules derived from turmeric, has excellent anti inflammatory properties which help to reduce inflammation and pain of joints . By promoting the secretion of digestive juices and enhancing the breakdown of fats, turmeric supports a smooth and healthy digestive system as well. 
  1. Trayodashang Guggul- Trayodashang guggul is very famous ayurvedic medicine widely used in the ayurvedic treatment of joint pain related disorders. It contains ashwagandha (withania somnifera), Shatavari (asparagus racemosus) , Gokshura(tribulus terrestris), Vriddhadaru(Argyreia speciosa) and nagara(zingiber officinale) . It is useful to promote strength of bones & joints. It acts as an excellent anti inflammatory and analgesic medicine.
  1. Bone and nervine supplement- This herbal blend consists of dry ginger, picrorrhiza kurroa(kutki), fenugreek, Ashwagandha and suranjana, which is the best treatment of all gastric problems (Aamvat)when the gases collect in the stomach , causing pains to the joints. Bone and Nervine supplement also helps restore balance by nourishing and strengthening the bones and muscles, facilitating more effortless movement and reducing inflammation and pain.
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Dr. Vikas Saini is the chief physician and director of Boolchand ayurveda and dental hospital and CEO of the GMP certified Boolchand herbal pharmaceutical company. Having a well experience of more than 15years, he is a great ‘Nadi Prikshak’ which helps identify imbalances in the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) which are fundamental to ayurveda understanding of the body.

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