Ankylosing Spondylitis – how to treat it naturally?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition that can cause inflammation to the parts of your spine’s tiny bones over time. The spine becomes less flexible due to this fusion, which might result in a hunched-forward posture. Breathing might be difficult if the ribs are damaged due to it.

Men are more likely than women to develop ankylosing spondylitis. A person can experience the symptoms and signs of ankylosing in their early twenties. The inflammation can also affect other areas in your body, for example, your eyes.

Many people in Mumbai suffer from ankylosing spondylitis. So, it will be best for them to contact Dr.Nanavati, the best Rheumatologist in Mumbai.

What are the symptoms?

Stiffness and pain in your hips and lower back, especially in the morning is the main symptom of ankylosing spondylitis. A person can also experience pain after staying inactive for a long time. Pain in the neck and exhaustion is also a symptom of AS. These are early indications and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis.

Which body parts are affected mostly?

The followings are the most commonly affected body parts- 

• The connection between your pelvis and spine.
• Your lower back, especially vertebrate. 
• The connecting points of your tendons ligaments with bones. For example, your spine and heel.  
• The connecting cartilage of your ribs and breastbone.
• Joints in your hips and shoulders

Now let us discuss the causes:

There is no known reason for ankylosing spondylitis. However, hereditary factors appear to play a role. People having the HLA-B27 gene are having a much higher risk of experiencing ankylosing spondylitis. However, only a tiny percentage of persons who carry the gene suffer the disease.

Complications

As part of your body’s attempt to fight severe ankylosing spondylitis, there will be the development of new bone. It gradually fills in the gaps between vertebrae, finally fusing portions of them. Those areas of your spine become inflexible and stiff. It can also stiffen the rib cage, limiting the function and capacity of your lungs.

How can you treat ankylosing spondylitis naturally?

It is a long-term illness. Although there is currently no cure, therapies can help to get rid of pain and stiffness. Flares may be lessened as a result of treatment.

Natural therapies can be helpful with conventional ankylosing spondylitis treatments.

Muscle stretching

Stretching improves flexibility and may help relieve discomfort. It includes spine stretches or lower back stretches in your everyday routine (such as the trunk rotation stretch).

Application of heat

Apply a hot-water bottle or a heating pad to the afflicted region to relieve stiffness and discomfort. You can also utilize dry or wet heat. A warm bath, especially before any activity, may also be beneficial.

If you have any of the following conditions, don’t utilize heat treatment without your doctor’s advice:

• Diabetes
• Thrombosis of the deep veins (DVT)
• Vascular illness
• An unhealed wound
• Dermatitis, for example, is a skin ailment.

Ice treatment

Swelling can be reduced by using an ice pack, a cold gel pack, or a bag of frozen vegetables to sore joints. Cold treatment may help decrease inflammation after exercise.

Applying ice for more than 20 minutes at a time is not recommended. Consult your doctor before utilizing cold treatment if you have circulatory issues.

Acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture is a supplementary therapy in which tiny needles are inserted into particular spots on the body. This is considered to stimulate the pain-relieving chemicals in your body.

Exercise

Yoga, for example, is excellent for AS because they include stretching. Swimming may also be advantageous since it is gentle on your joints.

Strengthening activities with weights can assist in the development of muscle, which supports AS-affected joints.

To find the appropriate workout regimen for you, see your doctor or a physical therapist.

Stop smoking

Smokers, particularly males, are at a higher risk of AS-related spine injury than nonsmokers. Not only can quitting smoking help to minimize AS damage, but it also improves your general health.

Book an appointment with Dr. Rishabh Nanavati without delay to know more about the treatment options available for ankylosing spondylitis.