Homeopathic Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Safe Approach to Managing Symptoms
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis which affects the spine or the back to begin with and causes the vertebrae to fuse gradually. This leads to curvature of the spine or a forward hunch posture. When this arthritis affects the ribs, the fusion of the ribs makes deep breathing difficult. Men are more affected with ankylosing spondylitis than women. This inflammation can occur in other parts of the body for example, the eyes.
What causes Ankylosing Spondylitis?
A gene called HLA-B27 is responsible for the development of ankylosing spondylitis. Individuals with this gene are at an increased risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. However, it is not compulsory that a person found to have this gene may develop the disorder definitively.
Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms
Early morning stiffness of joints. The pain as well as the stiffness keeps getting worse gradually and is more while resting or inactivity. It may feel better when there is minimal activity or exercise. Ankylosing spondylitis generally affects people aged 17-35years. When the disease progresses and the bones fuse, then the spine loses its flexibility and if the ribs get affected then breathing would become very difficult for the affected individual. Gradually the body becomes very rigid. When the heels get affected with ankylosing spondylitis, standing on hard surfaces as well as walking would be very difficult. There is also an increased risk of stroke or heart disease. When ankylosing spondylitis affects the eye is causes inflammation of the eyes known as iritis or uveitis which may get worse when exposed to bright light and would cause blurring of vision.
Diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is diagnosed on the basis of medical history, physical examination of joints and spine, imaging tests of the pelvis and also blood tests to check for the HLA-B27 gene.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment in Homeopathy
Ankylosing spondylitis is an irreversible pathology and once it starts it cannot be cured. However the disease progress can be slowed down with the help of homeopathic medicine. Treatment of ankylosing spondylitis with conventional medicine comprises pain relieving medicines, corticosteroids and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). The last alternative in conventional treatment would be surgery when there is no improvement with medicines.
If homeopathy is considered as the first line of treatment for ankylosing spondylitis then the overall control over the disease progress would be much better. Homeopathy would help down to slow down the progress of the pathology. Long-term use of homeopathic medicine would not lead to damage of any vital organs and is very safe. Stress caused due to ankylosing spondylitis can be very effectively treated with homeopathy.