SPONDYLITIS TREATMENT IN AYURVEDA
Spondylitis is a kind of arthritis that causes lower back stiffness and pain. It affects the spine from the lower neck to the lower back. The joints of the spine can fuse together or enlarge, causing stiffness. The following are the symptoms of spondylitis:
The terms ANKYLO and Spondylitis refer to inflammation of the spinal joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune (our own immune system attacking the body) chronic inflammatory condition of the vertebral joint (inflammation is a condition that arises as a result of the body's reaction to external trauma or an infection and is usually characterised by redness, swelling, pain, and rise in temperature). The inflammation causes stiffening of the afflicted area, which can develop to stiffness and low back pain, neck pain, and eventually the entire spinal column, resulting in a hunched back posture.
Symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness in back
- Pain in ligaments
- Overgrowth of bones
Causes:
Spondylitis's causes are yet unknown. However, there are compelling genetic causes. It can also be caused by long periods of sitting and sleeping in an incorrect position.
Ayurveda’s Role:
1. Panchakarma - for tissue inflammation reduction.
2. Ayurvedic massage - to improve blood circulation in the affected area.
3. Internal medication - for metabolism correction.
Ayurveda offers a very effective method to treating inflammations, including autoimmune inflammations. The holistic treatment includes dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, stress management, herbal prescription and Ayurvedic therapies, Yoga asanas and pranayama, and meditation to help the body return to Homeostasis (a state of balance and harmony). The method is even beneficial as a preventative measure against future relapses of the illness.
In our experience, many patients improve very well with herbal medicines and external applications alone, but some with severe symptoms require therapies such as Dhanymladhara (Pouring of a warm fermented liquid), Podikkizhi (Massage with bolus of fresh herbal leaves), Ilakkizhi (Massage with bolus of fresh herbal leaves), Oil massage with steam bath, and several varieties of Vasthi (Medicated enema). These methods, when used under the guidance of qualified Ayurvedic physicians, are quite helpful in alleviating inflammation and keeping the problem at bay without the use of strong medicines. Therapies such as Tailadhara (applying medicated oils to the body), Nhavarakkizhi (massage with bolus of rice boiled in medicated milk), and Ksheervasthi (enema based on medicated milk) are then employed and are particularly beneficial in strengthening the tissues.
Preventive Recommendations:
• Healthy food (as prescribd by the Ayurveda doc)
• Avoid sour curds, deep fried dishes, fatty foods, and carbohydrate-rich foods.
• Consume plenty of veggies, fruits, and whole grains.
• Drink warm water as required.
• Bitter vegetables, such as bitter drumstick, neem blossoms, and bitter gourd, are extremely beneficial.
• Wheat is preferable than rice for the patient.
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Get some exercise every day.
