Ayurvedic Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Abstract

Ayurveda serves best in many disease conditions where conventional system face several limitations. Ankylosing spondylitis is one such condition, whose effective management is becoming a challenge. It is a systemic auto-immune rheumatic disease, which shows a strong association with genetic factor HLA-B27. Early stages of disease show inflammation of spine and other symmetrical small joints and other soft tissues, whereas chronic stage presents with axial deformity and pain. NSAIDs and steroids are generally prescribed in conventional systems, but are not a complete remedy. The signs and symptoms of this disorder are not mentioned in Ayurveda, but, based upon the clinical picture, treatment can be planned. A male 24 years patient diagnosed with axial and peripheral Ankylosing spondylitis having HLA-B27 positive case was managed with Panchakarma procedures followed by suitable Ayurvedic medicines. After completion of the treatment, pain in the sacro-illiac region, morning stiffness of joints were significantly reduced with reduced ESR and CRP. As the signs and symptoms of this disease are not mentioned in Ayurveda classics; specific treatment protocol and formulations cannot be given. Selection of drugs may differ from case to case. The treatment plan followed in this study may be adopted in future cases changing the selection of drugs based upon the necessity to obtain good results.