Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a type of arthritis that primarlily involves the sacroiliac joints at the base of the spine. A systemic disorder, it can also spread to other areas of the body over time. Little is known about the cause of this disorder, but it is believed to often be an inherited disease. There is no known cure for the condition, but treatments are available that can help alleviate or halt its symptoms.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

"Spondylitis" comes from a Greek word meaning "inflammation," while "ankylosis" is Greek for "bent" or "crooked." In the early stages of the disease, chronic inflammation around the lower spine leads to back stiffness and soreness. As the disease progresses, this chronic inflammation can lead to a permanent fusing together of the bones. In less severe cases, the soft tissue surrounding the spine becomes rigid. In both cases, the sufferer often loses the ability to walk in an upright position.

While it is believed to be primarily an inherited disease, researchers also believe many other factors may be at least partially responsible for the onset of AS. It is thought that a bacterial infection may cause the immune system to fight the infection, but that the immune system is unable to shut itself off when the infection passes. This may be the underlying cause of the chronic inflammation that is the hallmark of the disease.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The onset of ankylosing spondylitis usually occurs in young adults between the ages of 17 and 35, though it can occur much earlier or later in life. It occurs more frequently in men than in women. 

AS usually begins with a sudden onset of stiffness and pain in the lower back and the buttocks. It often starts as a dull ache, increasing in intensity over a period of weeks or months. As the disease progresses, the inflammation can spread up the spinal column. Neck stiffness, followed by shoulder, hip, thigh and/or heel pain and tenderness sometimes follow. In some rare instances, AS can also affect the heart and lungs.

Many sufferers go through periods of remission and not all experience the full spectrum of symptoms. In many cases, the disease can be manageable throughout life while in others it becomes crippling.

Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Pharmaceutical medications, diet, herbal treatments, physical therapy and bodywork are all considered viable treatments for ankylosing spondylitis. The most effective medications for AS include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ipufrofen. There are also more powerful prescription only medications available.

Some of the natural therapies that are used in treating AS include:

• Anti-inflammatory herbal remedies include dry ginger, shuddha guggulu, boswellia serrata, vitex negundo and others.
  
  
• A healthy diet rich in vegetables and fruits that contain high levels of antioxidants (such as dark green vegetables and purple fruits) is believed to be beneficial.
  
  
• Homoeopathic treatments for AS are available.
  
  
• Chiropractic treatment may help maintain flexibility and alleviate the painful symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.
  
  
• Traditional Chinese Medical treatments exist that are said to be effective.
  
  
• Yoga can help increase flexibility.

In addition, regular exercise can help slow the progress of ankylosing spondylitis. Most health practitioners recommend a combination of therapies.

If you or someone you know exhibits the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis, it is important to have it diagnosed and treated as early as possible. While there is no known cure, health experts believe its progress can be slowed and possibly even stopped if the right combination of treatments are undertaken as early as possible.