Abstract

AYURVEDIC APPROACH FOR MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS – A CASE REPORT

Dr. Shalini Gautam*, Dr. Anjali Deshpande and Dr. Sushrut Sardeshmukh

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Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis(AS) is a member of more broadly defined disease axial spondyloarthritis affecting mainly the spine which often starts around the sacroiliac joint and appears gradually with peak onset between 20-30 years of age, which show a strong association with genetic marker HLA B-27. It is characterised by musculoskeletal pain, stiffness and reduced mobility of spine. Non steroidal antiinflammatory drugs and steroids are the drugs of choice in conventional systems but fail to provide a complete cure. In Ayurveda, management of this type of musculoskeletal disorder fall under Asthi majjagata vata. We present a case of 46 years old male having severe lower backache along with cervical and thoracic region pain which was diffused and dull in nature and stiffness with gradually progressive reduction in forward bending, whole body pain after moderate exertion and bilateral knee joint pain with restricted movements was diagnosed with AS 24 years ago. He was treated with Erandamooladi basti and Pinda sweda along with shaman chikitsa and pathya-apathya over a period of one year and still under follow up. In this study focus was given to interpret the concepts of Ama and Vata dosha as correlating the inflammatory signs seen in AS and other symptoms of Ama associated with Vata. Treatment principles of this basis were helpful in reducing the pain, decreasing the severity of deformities and also improving the quality of life without any adverse effect in present case.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, Vatavyadhi, Asthi majjagata vata, HLA B-27.