Ankylosing spondylitis is a medical condition which refers to ankylosis or a fusion of the affected vertebrae. This medical condition involves chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints resulting in pain, stiffness, fatigue and possibly, involvement of several joints. Ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be influenced by genetics, environmental factors and disturbed immunity. When the auto immune aspect is predominant, affected individuals may have a complete fusion of the backbone and may also report involvement of other organs like the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. The modern management of this condition includes the use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, and immune-suppressant drugs.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for ankylosing spondylitis involves the use of anti-inflammatory medicines to treat the chronic inflammatory process in the vertebrae as well as the sacroiliac joints. These medicines gradually reduce the inflammation and heal the vertebrae as well as the intervertebral joints, so that the backbone reverts back to normal or near normal. These results are obtained without any evidence of major side-effects, even with long-term use of Ayurvedic herbal medicines. Localized treatment for the backbone can also be utilised along with oral medication. Local treatment is in the form of herbal ointments and medicated oils which can be applied, after which hot fomentation is given to the backbone and the sacroiliac joints. Combined oral and local treatments provide quick relief from pain and stiffness.
In addition to the above treatment, Ayurvedic herbal medicines are also given to provide immunomodulation in the affected individual, so that the immune process in the body starts helping the body rather than fighting against it. This treatment not only reduces the symptoms quickly, but it also helps in curing the disease completely, as well as preventing involvement of internal organs.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment needs to be given for about four to six months in patients affected with ankylosing spondylitis, depending upon the severity of the condition. Almost all patients who take regular treatment get cured from this condition. Individuals who have pronounced fusion of the vertebrae can also benefit from treatment considerably. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a significant contribution in the management and treatment of ankylosing spondylitis.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
