AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, systemic, inflammatory disease that affects primarily sacroiliac joints and the spine. It is a gradually progressive condition over several years until structural damage manifests clinical- ly as sacroiliitis, loss of spinal mobility, extra-articular symptoms, peripheral arthritis and reduced quality of life. The onset is typically between the ages of 20 to 30, with a male preponderance of about 3:1. Modern science has very limited options to treat Ankylosing spondylitis. So, the necessity of management through Ayurveda is very much essential. Various Panchakarma procedures and internal Ayurvedic medicines have been proved beneficial in the management of Ankylosing spondylitis. The present report deals with a case of ‘Ankylosing spondylitis came to our hospital for Ayurvedic treatment. The patient was diagnosed as having 'Asthi-Majja Gata Vata’ ac- cording to Ayurveda and treated with various Panchakarma procedures and internal medicines for 60 days. A cri- terion of assessment was based on the scoring of 'Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI)'. Total two assessments were carried out before and after 60 days of treatment. The patient has shown good improvement on BASDAI (80% relief). Improvement was found in signs and symptoms like fa- tigue/tiredness, back/hip pain, tenderness and intensity as well as the duration of morning stiffness. Ayurvedic treatment seems to be promising in the management of Ankylosing spondylitis without causing any adverse effects. Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis; Asthi-Majja Gata Vata; Panchakarma; Ayurveda; Bath ankylosing spondyli- tis disease activity index (BASDAI)