Article: AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS: A CASE REPORT

Article Category: Case Reports

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.15366

Pages: 29-33

Author: Dhanya K *, Jithesh M

Abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a common inflammatory rheumatic disease affecting the axial skeleton, causing characteristic back pain, leading to structural and functional impairments and decreased Quality of Life. Ankylosing spondylitis is characterised by impaired spinal mobility, postural abnormalities, buttock pain, hip pain, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis, and dactylitis. It typically affects young adults, and male to female ratio is closer to 3:1. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the first-line treatment for Ankylosing spondylitis. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are ineffective in the typical Ankylosing spondylitis patient with the disease limited to the axial skeleton, including hip and shoulder joints. In Ayurveda, Ankylosing Spondylitis falls under the broad perspective of 'Ama Vata' (Inflammatory or Rheumatic disorders). It primarily occurs because of the imbalance between Vata and Kapha doshas. These changes can be interpreted as vitiated Vata dosha affecting the Asthi and Majja dhathus (bone and the ligaments). Selected panchakarma (five internal bio-cleansing therapies) procedures followed by rasayana (rejuvenating) therapy and internal Ayurvedic medicines have been proven beneficial in managing Ankylosing spondylitis. The article presents the case report of Ankylosing Spondylitis in which there was considerable improvement after the intervention. The outcome of the intervention was assessed based on the scoring of the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI). There was considerable improvement in the symptoms, especially the pain and stiffness, after the intervention and on follow-up. Ayurvedic management seems to be promising in the management of Ankylosing spondylitis without any adverse effects.

Keyword: Ankylosing spondylitis, Amavata, BASDAI, Panchakarma, Rasayana