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Ankylosing Spondylitis is a
form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The SI
joints are located in the low back at the junction of spine and hip. Chronic
inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine.
Over the period of time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) can lead to a
complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as
ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of the spine. Ankylosing
spondylitis is also a systemic rheumatic disease, meaning it can affect other
tissues throughout the body. Accordingly, it can cause inflammation in or injury
to other joints away from the spine, as well as 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, 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 conditions
are collectively referred to as "Spondyloarthropathies." The tendency to develop
ankylosing spondylitis is believed to be genetically inherited, and the majority
(nearly 90%) of patients with ankylosing spondylitis is born with the HLA-B27
gene. Blood tests help to detect the HLA-B27 gene marker. The characteristics of
the gene marker HLA-B27 are being further understood. There are now seven
different subtypes of HLA-B27 known to be present.
Role of
Homeopathy in Ankylosing Spondylitis: Homeopathy offers various
treatment options depending upon the stage of disease. At an early stage where
there is no major damage to the joints Homeopathy can achieve control over the
progress of the disease and can actually prevent the expected future damage to
the joints. In advance case where there is already lot of damage done to the
joints Homeopathy has a better remedies to offer good pain control as well as
prevent further damage. Homeopathy is safe and without any side effects. This
factor is very vital in deciding the treatment options especially when a person
has to take the medications for longer duration. The course of treatment period
depends upon the stage of disease. .
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