Ankylosing Spondylitis

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis
•It is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joint.
•The sacroiliac joints are located in the low back where the sacrum meets the iliac bones.Over time,chronic inflammation of the spine can lead to a complete fusion of the vertebrae,a process referred to as ankylosis.
•Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine.
•It is also a systemic disease.It can affect other tissues throughout the body.
•It is more common in men than in women.
•When it affects the children it is called Juvenile Spondylitis.
•It has been reffered to as Bechterew Disease.

It is considered to be a genetic disorder in which the HLA-B27 gene in particular has an important role to play.There are some additional factors ,environmental ,that are involved in the development of this condition.It also runs in families.

•There is inflammation of spine,joints,and other organs.
•Fatigue is a common symptom associated with active inflammation.
•Inflammation of spine causes pain and stiffness in the lower back ,upper buttock area ,neck and the remainder of the spine.
•The onset of pain and stiffness is usually gradual.
•The pain and stiffness are often worsen in the morning and after periods of inactivity.
•Motion,heat and a warm shower often eases pain and stiffness in the morning.
•Once the bone is fused,the pain in the spine disappears ,but the affected individual has a complete loss of spine mobility.
•These are very brittle and can cause fracture during trauma.The lower neck is the more common area for fracture.
•Chronic condition causes forward curvature of the thoracic spine which limits breathing capacity,causing inflammation and scarring of the lungs,leading cough and shortness of breath.
•People can also have arthritis in joints other than the spine.This is more common in women.Patient can notice pain,stiffness ,heat,swelling,warmth and redness in joints.
•Some people with this disease develop Achills tendinitis,causing pain and stiffness in the nack of the heel while walking upstairs.Other area may also affected such as eyes,heart,kidneys.

•X-rays: to check changes in joints and bones.
•CT: It provides more details and more radiation exposure than plain X-ray.
•MRI: It better visualizes soft tissues such as cartilage.
•Lab test&; Blood test is done for HLA-B27 gene.

•Homeopathic medicines control disease process and causes significant relief in pain and stiffness.
•Ankylosing Spondylitis is a constitutional disease so after taking full case history of patient a constitutional medicine is given.