What is Ankylosing Spondylitis ?

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that, over time, can cause some of the bones in the spine (vertebrae) to fuse. This fusing makes the spine less flexible and can result in a hunched 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.

There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but holistic homeopathic treatments can lessen symptoms and possibly slow the progression of the disease.

Symptoms

The most common early symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis are pain and stiffness in the lower back, the hip area, or both, 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 the spine and the pelvis
• The vertebrae in the lower back
• ankles, feet, and tendon insertions at the heel
• top of the shin bone in the lower leg
• The hip and shoulder joints

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 a greatly increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only some people with the gene develop the condition. With new bone growth as a result of the inflammation, permanent damage and fusion can occur.

Dr. Patel's Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Homeopathy treats the person as a whole. It means that homeopathic treatment focuses on the patient as a person, as well as his pathological condition. The homeopathic medicines are selected after a full individualizing examination and case analysis, which includes the medical history of the patient, physical and mental constitution, family history, presenting symptoms, underlying pathology, possible causative factors, etc.

The disease diagnosis is important but in homeopathy, the cause of disease is not just probed to the level of bacteria and viruses. Other factors like mental, emotional and physical stress that could predispose a person to illness are also looked for.