Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints, resulting in pain and stiffness in and around the spine, which leads to a complete fusion of the vertebrae - a process referred to as ankylosis.
Genetics, environmental factors and a disturbed immunity are believed to be responsible for this disease.
Pain, stiffness, fatigue, eye inflammation and multiple-joint inflammation are common symptoms of the disease.
The heart, lungs and kidneys too can get affected because of this condition.
The Ayurvedic treatment of ankylosing spondylitis is aimed at reducing inflammation and rigidity in the spine, preventing or reducing inflammation in other affected organs and normalizing the immune function of the body.
Medicines used to reduce inflammation, pain and swelling in the spine are: Triphala-Guggulu, Yograj-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras and Vat-Gajankush-Ras.
Medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha and Saarivasav are used to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent ankylosis of the spine.
Local application on the back is done using medicated oils like Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahamash oil.
This is followed by medicated steam fomentation using decoctions like Dashmool-Qadha and Nirgundi-Qadha.
To prevent or reduce inflammation of different parts of the eyes, medicines like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Behada (Terminalia bellerica), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) are used.
In order to prevent inflammation and damage to the heart, medicines like Amalaki, Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna), Punarnava, Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Laxa (Purified wax), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Bala (Sida cordifolia) are used.
In order to prevent damage to the kidneys, medicines like Chandraprabha-Vati, Gokshuradi-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Qadha and Gomutra-Haritaki are used.
In order to prevent damage to the lungs, medicines like Pippali (Piper longum), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), Abhrak-Bhasma and Suvarna-Malini-Vasant are used.
Medicines like Suvarna-Bhasma, Abhrak-Bhasma and Heerak-Bhasma are used to improve the immune status of the body.
Physical therapy for ankylosing spondylitis includes instructions and exercises to maintain a proper posture, deep breathing for lung expansion, and stretching exercises to improve spine and joint mobility.
The use of a firm mattress without a pillow is advised in order to prevent spinal curvature.
Swimming, aerobic exercises, yogic asanas and pranayam are encouraged.
Patients are strongly discouraged from smoking.
Modifications in day-to-day activities also need to be done in order to adjust to this disease.