SPONDYLITIS

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is one of many forms of chronic inflammatory arthritis, affecting the spine, especially the joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the joints between the spine and the pelvis (sacro-iliac joints). It may also affect other joints of the body. The joints are initially inflamed and this may be followed by progressive stiffness and inflexibility. It eventually leads to the fusion of the spine, giving permanent painful stiffness of the back. It is often called bamboo spine, as the spine tends get stiff like a bamboo. This condition is more common in males as compared to females and usually occurs in individuals between 16-40 years of age.

The exact cause of Ankylosing spondylitis is not understood. It has been considered to be an autoimmune disease (like many others such as Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Alopecia Areata, Thyroiditis, etc.). Genetic factors are likely to be involved. The majority of people with Ankylosing spondylitis have a gene called HLA-B27. However, the presences of HLA-B27 (Human Leukocyte Antigen B27) is not absolutely diagnostic of Ankylosing Spondylitis. There are theories on its link with some bacterial infection as a triggering factor.

Presence of HLA-B27 antigen, increased levels of CRP (C- Reactive Proteins) and ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) along with suggestive clinical history help in diagnosis of Ankylosing spondylitis.

These include: painful stiffness of the lower back and hips which is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Over a period of time, the pain and stiffness may progress up the spine and to other joints such as hips, shoulders, knees and feet. Reduced mobility may be noted by the patient and gradually he may notice difficulty in bending the spine. In advanced stages of the condition patient may notice chronic stooping, stiff and inflexible spine, restricted expansion of the chest. Features such as loss of appetite, fatigue, weight-loss, inflammation of the eyes (iritis) and of the bowels may also be seen.

Homeopathic treatment helps two ways:

1. Control underlying disease process
2. Significant Relief in pain and stiffness

Cervical spondylitis is a common degenerative condition of the cervical (neck) spine that most likely is caused by age-related changes (wear and tear) in the intervertebral disks and vertebrae of the neck. Research has shown that CSM (cervical spondylotic myelopathy) is the most common cause of non-traumatic weakness in limbs and a persistent stiffness and nagging pain in the neck.

'Spondylo' is a Greek word-meaning vertebra. Spondylitis (or Spondylosis) means changes in the vertebral joint characterized by increasing degeneration of the intervertebral disc with subsequent changes in the bones and soft tissues.

Most often in people above the age of 40, the intervertebral discs get progressively dehydrated and they becomes more compressible and less elastic. Mineral deposition starts occurring in the intervertebral disc resulting in secondary changes. Although majority of individuals over 40 years of age demonstrate significant radiological evidence of the above changes, only a small percentage develop symptoms of the same. Another noteworthy point is that sometimes the degenerative changes in the cervical spine can be visible on the X-ray as early as in 30’s but it does not call for any treatment if the patient is not symptomatic.

The above changes result in compression of the nerves leading to radiculopathy (pain, numbness, weakness and loss of reflex due to compression and irritation of spinal nerve) or compression of the spinal cord resulting in cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) (commonly caused by spinal stenosis resulting in loss of movements and sensation). Both the neural and spinal cord compression will result in radiculomyelopathy.

Lumber Spondilitis or spondylitis is a condition where there is an inflammation of lumber (lower vertebral) spine, popularly called as Back ache. The inflammation can be mild, moderate or severe leading to a range of severity of symptoms. There is not only inflammation of the vertebra but also some amount of fusing, which gives painful stiffness.

The symptoms of varying degree of pain associate with stiffness. There may be restricted mobility of the back, disturbing day to day life activities. There may also be deformity of the spine over the period of time.

Ankylosing Spondilitis is a similar condition which is more severe and considered to be an auto-immune disease, related with HLA-B-27 gene. The stiffness associated with muscle spasm leads to stiff-spine, often compared with a bamboo spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Similar condition but affects more of the multiple and often large joints such as knee, shoulder, fingers and back. Positive Rh factor is a diagnosing modality.

Yes, homeopathy does offer significant treatment for this condition. The treatment is targeted at relieving the inflammation and stiffness, making the life comfortable. Also, the underlying process leading to such chronic inflammation is addressed using the homeopathic medicines. However, homeopathy cannot revert the deformity.