Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The sacroiliac joints are located at the base of the low back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks) of the pelvis.
Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine, including the neck, middle back, lower back, and buttocks. Over time, chronic inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) can lead to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis causes loss of mobility of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is also a systemic disease, meaning it can affect tissues throughout the body, not just the spine. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in and injury to other joints away from the spine manifest as arthritis, as well as to other organs, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Ankylosing spondylitis shares many features with several other arthritis conditions, such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis (formerly called Reiter’s disease), and arthritis associated with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
Each of these arthritic conditions can cause disease and inflammation in the spine, other joints, eyes, skin, mouth, and various organs. In view of their similarities and tendency to cause inflammation of the spine, these medical conditions are collectively referred to as “spondyloarthropathies.”
Ankylosing spondylitis is considered one of the many rheumatic diseases because it can cause symptoms involving muscles and joints.
Ankylosing spondylitis is two to three times more common in men than in women. In women, joints away from the spine are more frequently affected than in men. Ankylosing spondylitis affects all age groups, including children. When it affects children, it is referred to as juvenile ankylosing spondylitis. The most common age of onset of symptoms is in the second and third decades of life. Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and has been referred to as Bechterew’s disease.
Life expectancy for ankylosing spondylitis is the same as the general population, except in those with very severe disease. Ankylosing spondylitis patients with the most serious form of disease, or who develop certain complications, can have a shortened life expectancy.
Causes of ankylosing spondylitis
The tendency to develop ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be genetically inherited, and a majority (nearly 90%) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis are born with a gene known as the HLA-B27 gene.
Blood tests have been developed to detect the HLA-B27 gene marker and have furthered our understanding of the relationship between HLA-B27 and ankylosing spondylitis. The HLA-B27 gene appears only to increase the tendency of developing ankylosing spondylitis, while some additional factor(s), perhaps environmental factors, are necessary for the disease to appear or become expressed. For example, while 7% of the United States population has the HLA-B27 gene, only 1% of the population actually has the disease ankylosing spondylitis.
Other genes have been identified that are associated with ankylosing spondylitis, including ARTS1 and IL23R. These genes seem to play a role in influencing immune function. It is anticipated that by understanding the effects of each of these known gene risk factors.
Allopathic researchers are trying to discovering a cure for ankylosing spondylitis; while in Homeopathy, there are many confirmed medicines and treatments of ankylosing spondylitis.
How inflammation occurs and persists in different organs and joints in ankylosing spondylitis is a subject of active health research. Each individual tends to have their own unique pattern of presentation and activity of the illness.
The initial inflammation may be a result of an activation of the body’s immune system, perhaps by a preceding bacterial infection or a combination of infectious microbes. Once activated, the body’s immune system becomes unable to turn itself off, even though the initial bacterial infection may have long subsided.
Chronic tissue inflammation resulting from the continued activation of the body’s own immune system in the absence of active infection is the hallmark of an inflammatory autoimmune disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis are related to inflammation of the spine, joints, and other parts of the body.
Fatigue is a common symptom associated with active inflammation. Inflammation of the spine causes pain and stiffness in the low back, upper buttock area, neck, and the remainder of the spine. The onset of pain and stiffness is usually gradual and progressively worsens with loss of range of motion noticeable over months. Occasionally, the onset is rapid and intense (flare-up). Lumbar pain (low back pain) and buttock pain are common manifestations of active inflammation in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints.
The symptoms of pain and stiffness are often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. Motion, heat, and a warm shower often reduces pain and stiffness in the morning. Because ankylosing spondylitis often affects adolescents, the onset of low back pain is sometimes incorrectly attributed to athletic injuries in younger patients.
Those who have chronic, severe inflammation of the spine can develop a complete bony fusion of the spine (ankylosis). Once fused, the pain in the spine disappears, but the affected individual has a complete loss of spine mobility. This might lead to a slight hunched forward posture. These fused spines are particularly brittle and vulnerable to breakage (fracture). A sudden onset of pain and mobility in the spinal area of these patients can indicate bone breakage. The lower neck (cervical spine) is the most common area for such fractures.
Chronic spondylitis and ankylosing cause forward curvature of the upper torso (thoracic spine), which limits breathing capacity. Spondylitis can also affect the areas where ribs attach to the upper spine, further limiting lung capacity. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation and scarring of the lungs, causing coughing and shortness of breath, especially with exercise and infections. (breathing difficulty can be a serious complication of ankylosing spondylitis).
People with ankylosing spondylitis can also have arthritis in joints other than the spine. This feature occurs more commonly in women. Patients may notice pain, stiffness, heat, swelling, warmth, and/or redness in joints such as the hips, knees, and ankles. Occasionally, the small joints of the toes can become inflamed or “sausage” shaped. Inflammation can occur in the cartilage around the breastbone (costochondritis) as well as in the tendons where the muscles attach to the bone (tendinitis) and in ligament attachments to bone (enthesitis).
Some people with this disease develop Achilles tendinitis, causing pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially when pushing off with the foot while walking upstairs. Inflammation of the tissues of the bottom of the foot, plantar fasciitis, occurs more frequently in people with ankylosing spondylitis.
Other areas of the body affected by ankylosing spondylitis include the eyes, heart, and kidneys. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis can develop inflammation of the iris (iritis), the colored portion of the eye. Iritis is characterized by redness and pain in the eye, especially when looking at bright lights. Recurrent attacks of iritis can affect either eye. In addition to the iris, the ciliary body and choroid of the eye can become inflamed; this is referred to as uveitis.
Iritis and uveitis can be serious complications of ankylosing spondylitis that can damage the eye and impair vision and may require an eye specialist’s (ophthalmologist) urgent care.
It should be noted that iritis and inflammation of the spine can occur in other forms of arthritis such as reactive arthritis [formerly known as Reiter’s syndrome], psoriatic arthritis, and the arthritis of inflammatory bowel disease).
A rare complication of ankylosing spondylitis involves scarring of the heart’s electrical system, causing an abnormally slow heart rate (referred to as heart block). A heart pacemaker may be necessary in these patients to maintain adequate heart rate and output. In others, the part of the aorta closest to the heart can become inflamed, resulting in leakage of the aortic valve. In this case, patients can develop shortness of breath, dizziness, and heart failure.
Advanced spondylitis can lead to deposits of protein material called amyloid into the kidneys and result in kidney failure. Progressive kidney disease can lead to chronic fatigue and nausea and can require removal of accumulated waste products in the blood by a filtering machine (dialysis).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is based on evaluating the patient’s symptoms, a physical examination, X-ray findings (plain X-rays as well as MRI studies), and blood tests.
The examination can demonstrate signs of inflammation and decreased range of motion of joints. This can be particularly apparent in the spine. Flexibility of the low back and/or neck can be decreased.
Further clues to the diagnosis are suggested by X-ray abnormalities of the spine and the presence of the genetic marker HLA-B27 identified by a blood test.
Other blood tests may provide evidence of inflammation in the body. For example, sedimentation rate is a nonspecific marker for inflammation throughout the body and is often elevated in inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis.
X-ray tests of the sacroiliac joints can demonstrate signs of inflammation and erosion of bone. X-rays of the spine can progressively demonstrate straightening, “squaring” of the vertebrae, and end-stage fusion of one vertebra to the next (ankylosis). Fusion up and down the spine can lead to a “bamboo spine” appearance on X-ray tests with complete loss of mobility.
Urinalysis is often done to look for accompanying abnormalities of the kidney as well as to exclude kidney conditions that may produce back pain that mimics ankylosing spondylitis. Patients are also simultaneously evaluated for symptoms and signs of other related spondyloarthropathies, such as psoriasis, venereal disease, dysentery (reactive arthritis or Reiter’s disease), and inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease).
Allopathic treatments for ankylosing spondylitis
The treatment of ankylosing spondylitis typically involves the use of medications to reduce inflammation and/or suppress immunity to stop progression of the disease, physical therapy, and exercise. Medications decrease inflammation in the spine and other joints and organs. Physical therapy and exercise help improve posture, spine mobility, and lung capacity.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to decrease pain and stiffness of the spine and other joints. Commonly used NSAIDs include indomethacin, tolmetin, sulindac, naproxen, and diclofenac.
Their common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and even bleeding ulcers. Myocardial infarction, and stroke. cardiovascular disease (increase 100% in 100% patients). Kidney/renal injury and failure, thrombogenic effect on platelet function. NSAIDs increase systolic blood pressure. Respiratory systems. Acute deterioration in asthma symptoms. Comorbidity and polypharmacy increase with age, as does the incidence of chronic musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, for which NSAIDs are often prescribed. Liver impairment etc.
These medicines are frequently taken with food in order to minimize side effects.
In some people with ankylosing spondylitis, inflammation of joints excluding the spine (such as the hips, knees, or ankles) becomes the major problem. Inflammation in these joints may not respond to NSAIDs alone. For these individuals, the addition of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that suppress the body’s immune system is considered. These medications, such as sulfasalazine, may bring about long-term reduction of inflammation. An alternative to sulfasalazine that is somewhat more effective is methotrexate, which can be administered orally or by injection.
Frequent blood tests are performed during methotrexate treatment because of its potential for toxicity to the liver, which can even lead to cirrhosis, and toxicity to bone marrow, which can lead to severe anemia.
Allopathic research has shown that for persistent ankylosing spondylitis with spinal involvement that is unresponsive to anti-inflammatory medications, both sulfasalazine and methotrexate are ineffective. Newer, effective medications for spine disease attack a messenger protein of inflammation called tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These TNF-blocking medications have been shown to be extremely effective for treating ankylosing spondylitis by stopping disease activity, decreasing inflammation, and improving spinal mobility. Examples of these TNF-blockers include etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab, certolizumab pegol, and golimumab. In 2016, adalimumab (Humira) was approved for the treatment of uveitis (inflammation in the eyes).
If nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not effective in a patient whose condition is dominated by spinal inflammation (and 50% do respond), then biologic medications that inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF inhibitors) or that inhibit interleukin 17 are used.
All TNF inhibitors, including Remicade, Enbrel, Humira, Cimzia, and Simponi can be effective in treating ankylosing spondylitis. The improvement that results for TNF inhibition is sustained during years of treatment. If the TNF inhibitors are discontinued, for whatever reason, relapse of disease occurs in virtually all patients within a year. If TNF inhibitor is then resumed, it is typically effective. Secukinumab (Cosentyx) and ixekizumab (Taltz) are biologic medications that inhibit interleukin 17. Both secukinumab and ixekizumab are indicated to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Doctors administer both of the interleukin 17-inhibiting medications as subcutaneous injections.
Oral or injectable corticosteroids (cortisone) are potent anti-inflammatory agents and can effectively control spondylitis and other inflammations in the body.
Unfortunately, corticosteroids can have serious side effects when used on a long-term basis. So they are typically used for short periods when possible. These side effects include cataracts, thinning of the skin and bones (osteoporosis), easy bruising, infections, diabetes, and destruction of large joints, such as the hips.
Inflammation and diseases in other organs are treated separately. For example, inflammation of the iris of the eyes (iritis or uveitis) may require cortisone eye drops (Pred Forte) and high doses of cortisone by mouth. Additionally, atropine eye drops are often given to relax the muscles of the iris. Sometimes injections of cortisone into the affected eye are necessary when the inflammation is severe. Heart disease in patients with ankylosing spondylitis, such as heart block, may require a pacemaker placement or medications for congestive heart failure.
Finally, orthopedic surgery may be required when there is severe disease of the hip joints and spine.
Serious and common adverse effects of all anti-TNF agents include headaches. Serious infections are a significant and concerning adverse effect of anti-TNF agents and may include bacterial, fungal, viral, or atypical infections. These infections may be fatal. Infections are more common in patients receiving multiple immunosuppressive agents such as methotrexate or corticosteroids combined with anti-TNF agents. Reports exist of the reactivation of tuberculosis and viral hepatitis B and C, rashes, anemia, transaminitis, certain fungal infections such as blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, upper respiratory tract infections, sinusitis, cough, pharyngitis, diarrhea, nausea, risk of malignancies, especially lymphomas. higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancers and abdominal pain.
Initial studies of anti-TNF agents in patients with RA and congestive heart failure NYHA Class III or IV showed poor cardiac outcomes, including increased mortality, an increase in hospitalizations, and a worsening of CHF (avoid anti-TNF agents in patients with severe congestive heart failure (NYHA Class III or IV) and use them cautiously in patients with mild congestive heart failure).
The common manifestations of drug-induced lupus from anti-TNF agents are kin rash, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hypocomplementemia, and rarely hemolytic anemia. Demyelinating disorders, including optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis (including exacerbation of underlying multiple sclerosis), myelitis, encephalitis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, transverse myelitis, and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, in patients taking anti-TNF agents. Anti-TNF agents should be avoided or used with extreme caution in patients with an underlying demyelinating disorder.
Anti-TNF agents have been labeled as Class B pregnancy risk by the FDA; all other anti-TNF agents cross the placenta, exposing the infant to the anti-TNF agent. Anti-TNF agent use in pregnancy should be a consideration only if there is a clear and strong indication.
Several major points about the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis deserve emphasis. There is an early, underdiagnosed stage of spondylitis that occurs before plain X-ray testing can detect classic changes. Patients who are treated earlier respond better to treatments. Current disease-modifying drugs such as methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and leflunomide, which can be effective for joint inflammation of joints away from the spine, are not effective for spinal inflammation.
Homeopathic Treatment Of Ankylosing Spondylitis
The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat ankylosing spondylitis but to address its underlying cause and its bad effects on the organs too. The symptoms listed against each medicine may not be directly related to the disease because in homeopathy general symptoms and constitutional indications are taken into account for selecting a remedy.
Aesculus Hippocastanum
Best choice for diseases in/on any cylindrical shaped organ(s), says Dr. Qaisar Ahmed.
The action of this drug is most marked on the lower bowel, producing engorged haemorrhoidal veins, with characteristic backache, with absence of actual constipation. Much pain but little bleeding. Venous stasis general, varicose veins of purple color.
Everything is slowed down: digestion, heart, bowels, etc. Torpor and congestion of the liver and portal system, with constipation. The back aches and gives out and unfits the patient. Flying pains all over. Fullness in various parts, dry, swollen mucous membranes. Throat with haemorrhoidal conditions.
The primary indicating feature for the usage of Aesculus is marked pain in the lumbosacral location of the returned and hips with severe stiffness. The sacrum, back, neck, head, chest, heart, and abdomen, all seem in remarkable sympathy with the rectum and its vessels.
Characteristic backache, with absence of actual constipation. Much pain but little bleeding. Venous stasis general, varicose veins. Pain can be of aching, sore, tearing nature or it’s far may be intense that it can provide the feeling of a damaged lower back. Rising from a seat, strolling and stooping are all hard and painful. Intermittents. Jaundice. Liver infections. Belching, nausea, vomiting. Hemorroide (weeping and/or blind). Frequent scanty urination. Urine dark and muddy; dark-brown sediment; yellow, with thick mucoid sediment. Urine hot. Functional disturbances of the heart from rheumatism and/or haemorrhoidal complaints. Rheumatic pains in upper and/or lower limbs. Paralytic feeling in arms, legs, and spine.-Feels faint, weak, and weary. Lower back is extraordinarily rigid, stiff, weak and painful.
Rhus Toxicodendron
Rhus affects fibrous tissue markedly-joints, tendons, sheaths-aponeurosis, etc, producing pains and stiffness. Post-operative complications. Tearing asunder pains. Motion always “limbers up” the Rhus patient, and hence he feels better for a time from a change of position. Ailments from strains, overlifting, getting wet while perspiring. Septic conditions. Cellulitis and infections, carbuncles in early stages. Rheumatism in the cold season. Septicaemia. Sore throat, internal swelling. Rhus Tox treats ankylosing spondylitis, pain and stiffness in back and hips are worse in resting position.
Rhus tox pains are aggravated after rest/a period of inactivity. Walking helps to relieve backache and hip pain. There is marked stiffness, lameness, and pain in the lumbosacral area of back and hips. The pain radiates from back and hips to thighs. Sitting aggravates the pains. Hard pressure and lying on something hard seems helpful in providing relief in the pains.
Kalmia Latifolia
Pains shift rapidly. Nausea and slow pulse frequently accompanying. Has also a prominent action on the heart. In small doses, it accelerates the heart’s action; in larger it moderates it greatly. Neuralgia; pains shoot downwards, with numbness. Fulgurating pains of locomotor ataxia. Protracted and continuous fevers, with tympanites. Paralytic sensations; pains and aching in limbs accompany nearly every group of symptoms. Albuminuria. Kalmia is an appropriate choice of medicine in cases where pain and stiffness are marked in lower back and neck area. Pain, lameness, stiffness in lumbosacral area, accompanied by heat and burning in the affected area, some times with numbness and pricking sensation.
The neck region is sore and tender to touch. Pain is attended with excessive stiffness in the neck. The pain from the neck sometimes radiates to arms and/or in the scapula. The pain usually appears in paroxysms. The pains are worse in the early part of the night.
Bryonia Alba
Acts on all serous membranes and the viscera they contain. Aching in every muscle. The general character of the pain here produced is a stitching, tearing; worse by motion, better rest. These characteristic stitching pains, greatly aggravated by any motion, are found everywhere, but especially in the chest; worse pressure. Mucous membranes are all dry.
The Bryonia patient is irritable; has vertigo from raising the head, pressive headache; dry, parched lips, mouth; excessive thirst, bitter taste, sensitive epigastrium, and feeling of a stone in the stomach; stools large, dry, hard; dry cough; rheumatic pains and swellings; dropsical effusions into synovial and serous membranes.
Bryonia affects especially the constitution of a robust, firm fiber and dark complexion, with tendency to leanness and irritability. It prefers the right side, the evening, and open air, warm weather after cold days, to manifest its action most markedly.
Kali Carbonium
A rheumatic remedy. Pains shift rapidly. Nausea and slow pulse frequently accompanying. Has also a prominent action on the heart. In small doses, it accelerates the heart’s action; in larger it moderates it greatly. Neuralgia; pains shoot downwards, with numbness. Fulgurating pains of locomotor ataxia. Protracted and continuous fevers, with tympanites. Paralytic sensations; pains and aching in limbs accompany nearly every group of symptoms. Albuminuria.
Kali Carb is a valuable remedy to use when the spine feels extremely weak with pain and stiffness, paralytic weakness in the back/spine, patient must lie down, difficult to walk-back/spine gives out and the patient has to sit down. The pain from the lower spine may radiates to thighs or ascend to the upper spine. Changing position while lying aggravates the back pain and the sufferer must rise; Sharp, stitching pains. Morning aggravation. Excessive stiffness in neck with severe pain. Neck muscles retracted, stiffness is worsened in cold. Lumbosacral pains radiates to hips and thighs.
Natrum Muriaticum
Dropsies and oedemas, alteration in the blood causing a condition of anaemia and leukocytosis. Retention in the tissues of effective materials giving rise to symptoms loosely described as gouty or rheumatic gout. A great remedy for certain forms of intermittent fever, anaemia, chlorosis, many disturbances of the alimentary tract and skin. Great debility; most weakness felt in the morning in bed. Coldness. Emaciation most notable in neck. Numbness and tingling in fingers and lower extremities.
Calceria Fluorica
Chronic lumbago; aggravated on beginning to move, and ameliorated on continued motion. Osseous tumors. Rachitic enlargement of femur in infants. Pain lower part of back, with burning. Ganglia or encysted tumors at the back of the wrist. Gouty enlargements of the joints of the fingers. Exostoses on fingers. Chronic synovitis of knee-joint.
Cimicifuga Racemosa
Cimicifuga Racemosa has a wide action upon the cerebrospinal and muscular system, as well as upon the uterus and ovaries. Especially useful in rheumatic, nervous subjects with ovarian irritation, uterine cramps and heavy limbs. Its muscular and crampy pains, primarily of neurotic origin, occurring in nearly every part of the body, are characteristic. Agitation and pain indicate it. Pains like electric shocks here and there. Migraine. Symptoms referable to the pelvic organs prominent. “It lessens the frequency and force of the pulse soothes pain and allays irritability”.
Irregular, slow, trembling pulse. Tremulous action. Angina pectoris. Stiffness and contraction in neck and back. Intercostal rheumatism. Rheumatic pains in muscles of back and neck. Pain in lumbar and sacral region, down thighs, and through hips. Crick in back. Uneasy, restless feeling in limbs. Aching in limbs and muscular soreness. Rheumatism affecting the belly of muscles, especially large muscles. Choreic movements, accompanied by rheumatism. Jerking of limbs. Stiffness in tendo-Achilles. Heaviness in lower extremities. Heavy, aching, tensive pain.
Conium Maculatum
The ascending paralysis it produces, ending in death by failure of respiration, difficult gait, trembling, sudden loss of strength while walking, painful stiffness of legs. Great debility in the morning. Arteriosclerosis. Caries of sternum. Extremities heavy, weary, paralyzed; trembling; bands unsteady; fingers and toes numb. Muscular weakness, especially of lower extremities. Perspiration of hands. Putting feet on chair relieves pain.
Colocynthis
It is especially suitable for irritable persons easily angered, and ill effects therefrom. Women with copious menstruation, and of sedentary habits. Persons with a tendency to corpulency. Contraction of muscles. All the limbs are drawn together. Pain in right deltoid. Cramp-like pain in hip; lies on affected side; pain from hip to knee. Spontaneous luxation of the hip-joints. Stiffness of joints and shortening of tendons. Sciatic pain, left side, drawing, tearing; better, pressure and heat; worse, gentle touch. Contraction of the muscles. Pain down right thigh; muscles and tendons feel too short; numbness with pains. Pain in knee joint.
Gnaphalium
A remedy of unquestioned benefit in sciatica, when pain is associated with numbness of the part affected. Rheumatism and morning diarrhoea. Polyuria. Chronic backache in lumbar region; better resting on back. Lumbago with numbness in lower part of back and weight in pelvis.
Cramps in calves of legs and feet when in bed. Rheumatic pain in ankle joints and legs. Intense pain along the sciatic nerve; numbness alternates with pain. Frequent pains in calves and feet. Gouty pains in big toes. Better, drawing limbs up, flexing thigh on abdomen. Gouty concretions (Ammon benz). Anterior crural neuralgia (Staph). Pain in joints as if they lacked oil. Chronic muscular rheumatism of back and neck.
Ammonium Benzoicum
One of the best medicine for albuminuria, especially in the gouty. Gout, with deposits in joints. Urinary incontinence in the aged. Urine smoky, scanty. Albuminous and thick deposits. Pain across sacrum, with urgency to stool. Soreness in region of kidney.
Silicea Terra
Diseases of bones, caries and necrosis. Silica can stimulate the organism to reabsorb fibrotic conditions and scar-tissue. Keloid growth. Pain begins at occiput, and spreads over head and settles over eyes. Swelling in the glabella. Sciatica, pains through hips, legs and feet. Cramp in calves and soles. Loss of power in legs. Tremulous hands when using them. Paralytic weakness of forearm. Affections of finger nails, especially if white spots on nails. Ingrowing toe-nails. Icy cold and sweaty feet. The parts lain on go to sleep. Offensive sweat on feet, hands, and axillae. Sensation in tips of fingers, as if suppurating. Panaritium. Pain in knee, as if tightly bound. Calves tense and contracted. Pain beneath toes. Soles sore. Soreness in feet from instep through to the sole. Suppurates.
In phthisis Silicea Terra must be used with care, for here it may cause the absorption of scar-tissue, liberate the disease, walled in to new activities.
Drosera Rotundifolia
Paralytic pains in the coxofemoral joint and thighs. Stiffness in joints of feet. All limbs feel lame. Bed feels too hard. Stiffness at the nape of the neck, with pains during movement. Bruise-like pains in the back, particularly early in the morning. Twitchings in shoulder, only when at rest. Pains in joints of the arms and of the hands. Cramp and stiffening of the fingers, on grasping an object. Nocturnal pains in the bones of the arm, going off during motion in the day.
Paralytic pains in the coxofemoral joint, and in the thighs, on walking, which occasion limping. Incisive shootings in the legs. Violent stitch in the os ischium, on rising from a seat. Tearings in the joints of the foot, only when walking. Stiffness in the joints. Cold sweat in the feet. Feet are constantly cold.
Dulcamara
Paralysis; paralyzed limbs, feet icy cold. Warts on hands. Perspiration on palms of hands. Pain in shin-bones. Rheumatism alternates with diarrhoea. Rheumatic symptoms after acute skin eruptions. Stiffness at the nape of the neck. Violent pains in the lumbar region, above the hips, digging, shooting, or drawing, chiefly at night during repose. Lameness of the small of the back. Shooting pullings in the loins, shoulders, and arms.
Paralysis of the arms, with icy coldness especially during rest, as from apoplexy. Paralytic pain in the arms, as from a bruise, chiefly during repose. Tettery eruption, and warts, on the hands. Perspiration in the palms of the hands.
Tractions and tearings in the legs, especially in the thighs. Tetters on the knee. Puffing and swelling of the leg as far as the knee. Burning sensation in the feet, and in the toes. Erysipelatous desquamation and itching in the feet. Tingling in the feet.
Berberis Vulgaris
Rapid change of symptoms-pains change in regard to place and character-thirst alternates with thirstlessness, hunger, and loss of appetite, etc. Acts forcibly on the venous system, producing pelvic engorgements and haemorrhoids.
Hepatic, and rheumatic affections, particularly with urinary, haemorrhoidal and menstrual complaints.
Old gouty constitutions. Pain in region of kidneys is most marked; hence its use in renal and vesical troubles, gallstones, and vesical catarrh. It causes inflammation of kidneys with haematuria. Pains may be felt all over body, emanating from small of back. It has also marked action on the liver, promoting the flow of bile. Often called for in arthritic affections with urinary disturbances. Wandering, radiating pains. Acts well in fleshy persons, good livers, but with little endurance. Spinal irritation. All Berberis pains radiate, are not worse by pressure, but worse in various attitudes, especially standing and active exercise.
Rheumatic paralytic pain in shoulders, arms, hands and fingers, legs and feet. Neuralgia under finger-nails, with swelling of finger-joints. Sensation of cold on outside of thighs. Heels pain, as if ulcerated. Stitching between metatarsal bones as from a nail when standing. Pain in balls of feet on stepping. Intense weariness and lameness of legs after walking a short distance.
Urtica Urens
Agalactia. Anaemia. Bee-stings. Burns. Calculus, prevention of. Deltoid, rheumatism of. Dysentery. Erysipelas, vesicular. Erythema. Gout. Gravel. Haemorrhages. Intermittents. Lactation. Leucorrhoea. Menorrhagia. Phlegmasia dolens. Renal colic. Rheumatism. Spleen, affections of. Throat, sore. Uraemia. Urticaria; nodosa. Vertigo. Whooping-cough. Stinging pain in parietal bone. Rheumatic pain in arms and ankles. Cramp-like pain in musculus deltoideus. Stiff soreness on inside of knee. Rheumatic pain in both ankles.
Rhododendron
Rheumatism in the hot season. Joints swollen. Gouty inflammation of great toe-joint. Rheumatic tearing in all limbs, especially right side; worse, at rest and in stormy weather. Stiffness of neck. Pain in shoulders, arms, wrists; worse when at rest. Pains in bones in spots, and reappear by change of weather. Cannot sleep unless legs are crossed. Chronic rheumatism affecting the smaller joints and their ligaments. Restlessness, tingling, weakness, and sensation of paralytic stiffness in some of the limbs. Drawing pains in arms, severe in rough weather. Sensation as if the wrists were sprained. On small spot of metacarpal bones painful sensation as if an exostosis would form. Increased heat in hands, even in cold weather. Pain in tendo-Achillis on stepping. Rheumatic enlargement of great toe mistaken for bunion. Gout with fibrous deposit. Corns with severe pain.
Ruta Graveolens
Acts upon the periosteum and cartilages, eyes and uterus. Complaints from straining flexor tendons especially. Tendency to the formation of deposits in the periosteum, tendons, and about joints, especially wrist. Overstrain of ocular muscles. All parts of the body are painful, as if bruised. Sprains (after Arnica). Lameness after sprains. Jaundice. Feeling of intense lassitude, weakness and despair. Injured “bruised” bones.
Pain in nape, back and loins. Backache better pressure and lying on back. Lumbago worse morning before rising. Spine and limbs feel bruised. Legs give out on rising from a chair, hips and thighs so weak. Contraction of fingers. Pain and stiffness in wrists and hands. Ganglia. Sciatica; worse, lying down at night; pain from back down hips and thighs. Hamstrings feel shortened. Tendons sore. Aching pain in tendo-Achilles. Thighs pain when stretching the limbs. Pain in bones of feet and ankles. Great restlessness.
Phosphorus
Ascending sensory and motor paralysis from ends of fingers and toes. Stitches in elbow and shoulder joints. Burning of feet. Weakness and trembling, from every exertion. Can scarcely hold anything with his hands. Tibia inflamed and becomes necrosed. Arms and hands become numb. Can lie only on right side. Post-diphtheritic paralysis, with formication of hands and feet. Joints suddenly give way.
Inflammation of spinal cord and nerves, causing paralysis. Destroyed bones, especially the lower jaw and tibia. Fatty degeneration of blood vessels and every tissue and organ of the body which gives rise to haemorrhages, and haematogenous jaundice.
Ledum Palustre
Affects especially the rheumatic diathesis, going through all the changes, from functional pain to altered secretions and deposits of solid, earthy matter in the tissues. The Ledum rheumatism begins in feet, and travels upward. It affects also the skin, producing an eruption like Poison-oak, and is antidotal thereto, as well as to stings of insects. There is a general lack of animal heat, and yet heat of bed is intolerable. For punctured wounds, produced by sharp-pointed instruments or bites particularly if the wounded parts are cold, this is the remedy. Tetanus with twitching of muscles near wound.
Gouty pains shoot all through the foot and limb, and in joints, especially small joints. Swollen, hot, pale. Throbbing in shoulder. Pressure in shoulder, worse motion. Cracking in joints; worse, warmth of bed. Gouty nodosities. Ball of great to swollen. Rheumatism begins in lower limbs and ascends. Ankles swollen. Soles painful, can hardly step on them. Easy spraining of ankle.
Abrotanum
A very useful medicine in marasmus, especially of lower extremities only, yet with good appetite. Metastasis. Rheumatism following checked diarrhoea. Ill effects of suppressed conditions especially in gouty subjects. Tuberculous peritonitis. Exudative pleurisy and other exudative processes. After operation upon the chest for hydrothorax or empyema, a pressing sensation remains. Aggravation of haemorrhoids when rheumatism improves. Pain in shoulders, arms, wrists, and ankles. Pricking and coldness in fingers and feet. Legs greatly emaciated. Joints stiff and lame. Painful contraction of limbs
Apocynum Androsaemifolium
The rheumatic symptoms of this remedy promise most curative results. Its pains are of a wandering nature, with much stiffness and drawing. Everything smells and tastes like honey. Worms. Trembling and prostration. Swollen sensations. Pains and stiffness in back of head and neck. Pains in all teeth, in lower jaw. Swelling of hands and feet. Most violent pains in all the joints. Severe pain in knee and shoulder. Cramps and burning in soles. Profuse sweat. Tingling pain in toes. Cramps in soles. Severe knee pain.
Dulcamara
Ankylosing spondylitis with marked hip pain. Hip pain – cramping, drawing or tearing in nature. The pain from hip may radiate to the knee, leg and some times to the feet. Sensitivity to touch; pain better by lying on the affected side (pressure), by warmth. Aggravation of hip pain by sitting, standing, in motion, and gets relief from rest.
Agaricus Muscarius
Spine is sensitive to touch especially morning, pain. Pain getting worse from stooping, a burning sensation in the spine, and a feeling of tightness in the back muscles, worse during daytime; marked stiffness along with pain. Feelings of cold or hot needle piercing the back.
Tellurium Metallicum
Ankylosing spondylitis with sacral pain radiating down the thigh, spine sensitive, pain gets worse from touch; feeling of weakness in the back, and cervical back pain spreading to the shoulder and between the scapula, sensitive to pressure and touch.
Guaiacum
Ankylosing spondylitis with a stiff neck; Marked stiffness in the neck, Pain in the neck and the back (between scapulae), neck pain radiates down the sacrum.
My (Dr. Qaisar Ahmed MD, DHMS, Isl. Jurisprudence) experience in treating Ankylosing Spondylitis in homeopathy from last 22-Years :
Guaiacum (200), Kalm.Lat (200), Meg.Phos (1M), Kal.Carb (high), Baryta Carb (low) or Baryta Mur (low), Arnica Montana (1M).
Select few from above mentioned, make combination or Tablets and advise TDs.
Watch about patient’s GIT; advise some thing if needed.
Complications
In severe ankylosing spondylitis, new bone forms as part of the body’s attempt to heal.
This new bone gradually bridges the gap between vertebrae and eventually fuses sections of vertebrae. Those parts of the spine become stiff and inflexible.
Fusion can also stiffen the rib cage, restricting lung capacity and function.
Eye inflammation (uveitis). One of the most common complications of ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis can cause rapid-onset eye pain, photophobia (sensitivity to light) and blurred vision.
Compression fractures. Some people’s bones weaken during the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis.
These weakened vertebrae can crumple, increasing the severity of a stooped posture. Vertebral fractures can put pressure on and possibly injure the spinal cord and the nerves that pass through the spine.
Heart problems. Ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation in aorta. The inflamed aorta can enlarge to the point that it distorts the shape of the aortic valve in the heart, which impairs its function.
The inflammation associated with ankylosing spondylitis increases the risk of mortality in general.
Prognosis for ankylosing spondylitis
The outlook for patients with ankylosing spondylitis is very much dependent upon the location and severity of its manifestations.
The prognosis is best for those who treats Homeopathically, maintain close monitoring with the treating doctors and who incorporate physical activities designed to maintain mobility.
Quit smoking, eating/sniffing tobacco is essential for the best long-term outcome.
It has been found that people with ankylosing spondylitis have somewhat of an increased health risk for coronary artery disease. This increased risk appears to be caused by chronic inflammation. Therefore, it is important to optimize all modifiable cardiac risks, including elevated blood pressure and cholesterol.
P. S : This article is only for doctors having good knowledge about Homeopathy and allopathy, for learning purpose(s).
For proper consultation and treatment, please visit our clinic.
Location, address and contact numbers are given below.
NoN of above mentioned medicine(s) is/are the full/complete treatment, but just hints for treatment; every patient has his/her own constitutional medicine.
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Dr. Sayyad Qaisar Ahmed (MD {Ukraine}, DHMS), Abdominal Surgeries, Oncological surgeries, Gastroenterologist, Specialist Homeopathic Medicines.
Senior research officer at Dnepropetrovsk state medical academy Ukraine.
Location: Al-Haytham clinic, Umer Farooq Chowk Risalpur Sadder (0923631023, 03119884588), K.P.K, Pakistan.
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