HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES FOR ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS

Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes severe inflammation of the vertebrae that might eventually lead to chronic pain and disability. In more advanced cases the inflammation can cause new bone to form on the spine. This may lead to deformity.

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the vertebrae in your spine to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched-forward posture. If ribs are affected, it can be difficult to breathe deeply.

Ankylosing spondylitis affects men more often than women. Signs and symptoms typically begin in early adulthood. Inflammation also can occur in other parts of your body — most commonly, your eyes.

Causes

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 greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition.

Symptoms

Early signs and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis might include pain and stiffness in your lower back and hips, especially in the morning and after periods of inactivity. Neck pain and fatigue also are common. Over time, symptoms might worsen, improve or stop at irregular intervals.

The areas most commonly affected are:

·         The joint between the base of  spine and  pelvis (sacroiliac)

·         The vertebrae in  lower back

·         The places where  tendons and ligaments attach to bones (entheses), mainly in spine, but sometimes along the back of  heel

·         The cartilage between  breastbone and ribs

·          Hip and shoulder joints

Risk factors

·          sex. Men are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis than are women.

·          age. Onset generally occurs in late adolescence or early adulthood.

·          heredity. Most people who have ankylosing spondylitis have the HLA-B27 gene. But many people who have this gene never develop ankylosing spondylitis.

Complications

In severe ankylosing spondylitis, new bone forms as part of the body's attempt to heal. This new bone gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae. Those parts of your spine become stiff and inflexible. Fusion can also stiffen your rib cage, restricting your lung capacity and function.

Other complications might include:

·         Eye inflammation (uveitis). One of the most common complications of ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis can cause rapid-onset eye pain, sensitivity to light and blurred vision. See your doctor right away if you develop these symptoms.

·         Compression fractures. Some people's bones thin during the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. Weakened vertebrae can crumble, increasing the severity of your stooped posture. Vertebral fractures can put pressure on and possibly injure the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine.

·         Heart problems. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause problems with your aorta, the largest artery in your body. The inflamed aorta ca

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is important so treatment can be started as soon as possible. To be diagnosed with AS there needs to be evidence of changes to your sacroiliac joints , in addition to other clinical criteria

Main tests include

·         Medical history

·         Physical examination

·         X-ray, CT, or MRI

·         Blood test

·         Genetic testing.

HOMOEOPATHIC REMEDIES

Homoeopathy today is a rapidly growing system and is being practiced all over the world. It strength lies in its evident effectiveness as it takes a holistic approach towards the sick individual through promotion of inner balance  at mental, emotional, spiritual and physical levels. When ankylosing spondylitis  is concerned there are many effective medicines available in Homoeopathy , but the selection depends upon the individuality of the patient , considering mental and physical symptoms.

AESCULUS HIPPOCASTANUM 30—Aesculus hippocastanum is an excellent remedy for Ankylosing spondylitis with backache of sacrum and hips, worse while walking or stooping. Pains are sticking or flying all over, hot like lighting . Lameness in neck, aching between shoulder blades. Aching in lumbar and sacral region with stiffness in the back, almost impossible to walk. Baxk region of spine feels weak, back and legs give out. Pain as if back will break. Back is rigid, stiff, weak and painful.  Has to make repeated efforts at rising, worse walking and stooping.  Sensation of lameness and heaviness in back.

CIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA 30—Cimicifuga racemosa is prescribed for Ankylosing spondilitis , where the patient feels  pain , stiffness  and contraction in neck and back. Stiff neck, pain worse sensitive worse pressure , which causes nausea and retching. Spine very sensitive. Pain in lumbar and sacral region , down thighs and through hips.

GUAIACUM 30—Guiacum is best for Ankylosing spondilitis with  aching pain in neck. Stiff neck and sore shoulders. one sided stiffness  of back from neck to sacrum. Contractive pain between scapulae.

KALMIA LATIFOLIA 30—Kalmia is prescribed for Ankylosing spondylitis , where lumbar pain is accompanied  by heat and burning in the affected part. Pain from neck down to arms. Pain down back, as if it would break in localized region of spine through shoulders. Numbness and pain in the affected area. Pain, stiffness and lameness in the affected part. Neck is tender to touch. Pain from the neck radiates to the arm or scapula. Tingling and numbness of the left arm.

KALI CARBONICUM 30---Kali carb is indicated for Ankylosing spondilitis with severe backache. Severe backache, lower back feels weak. Lumbago  with given up feeling , must lie down , as if broken. Backache with sudden sharp pains extending up and down, back and down the thighs. Pain in buttocks and thighs and hip joint. Stiffness and paralytic feeling in the back. Burning along the spine.

RHUS TOXICODENDRON 30—Rhus tox is one of the best remedies for Ankylosing spondylitis , where the complaints are worse rest. Pain, stiffness, and lameness in the back and hip, better from motion or lying on something hard, worse while sitting.  Contractive pain or breaking backache better hard pressure, lying on something hard, walking about or bending backwards. Pain extend to thighs.

SILICEA 200—Silicea ist for Ankylosing spondilitis with stiffness of neck with headache. Stitches between hips. Painful coccyx. Weakness and paralytic stiffness in lumbar region and nape.  Burning in back when walking in open air and becoming warm. Aching, shooting, burning and throbbing in lumbo-sacral region. Lameness in region of sacrum.