Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disorder caused by inflammation of the spine, large peripheral joints, fingers and toes. It affects men 3 times more often than women, and typically presents between the ages of 20-40 years old. The most common symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis include:
- Back stiffness
- Back pain at night
- Exaggerated forward rounding of the back
Diagnosis requires x-ray confirmation of sacroiliitis. Medical treatment involves NSAIDs, TNF antagonists or IL-17 antagonists as well as exercises to maintain flexibility. Conversely, Naturopathic medicine seeks to identify the underlying trigger(s) that promote immune dysregulation and inflammation. Once identified, treatment is catered to the individual’s needs. The modalities applied may include:
- Acupuncture and Asian medicine
- Botanical medicine
- Diet counselling
- Hydrotherapy
- Lifestyle counselling
- Low-level laser therapy
- Nutraceuticals, including natural anti-inflammatories and pain modulators
The duration of treatment will vary based on the complexity of the case, but generally it is advised that patients commit 3-6 months to rebalancing the body and optimizing outcomes. Overall, Naturopathic treatment will help to reduce pain, increase mobility, slow down the progression of the disorder and reduce reliance on medication.