An Ayurvedic approach to Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Case Study

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic progressive inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton along with peripheral joints and extra-articular structures usually with sacroiliitis usually manifests in 2^nd or 3^rd decade with male: female ratio of 2:1 to 3:1. The symptoms are mostly marked in early morning and after inactivity but reduced by movement. As per Ayurveda, it may be corelated with Kati-Pristha Trik Graha where major symptoms are Stambha and Shula in Kati-Prisha Pradesh having Vata-Kapha predominance. This case study involves the Ayurvedic management of a 37-year-old male who visited the Panchakarma OPD of our institute with complaints of difficulty in forward bending, morning stiffness and low back pain since last 1 year. After proper examinations the patient was diagnosed with Kati-Pristha Trik Graha and was treated with Abhyanga, Patra Pinda Swedana, Erandamuladi Niruha Basti along with Shamana Aushadhi. Assessment criteria were done by ASDAS score. The present study showed multi-nodal Ayurveda treatment with encouraging results in alleviating subjective parameters without causing any adverse effects. This study may provide an opportunity to establish a standard, therapeutically effective and safe ayurvedic treatment protocol for Ankylosing spondylitis.