Abstract

Dr. Pooja* and Dr. Pushpinder Singh

ABSTRACT

Ankylosing Spondylitis is form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, although other joints can become involved. It causes inflammation of the spinal joints (vertebrae) that can lead to severe, chronic pain and discomfort. The hallmark feature of Ankylosing Spondylitis is the involvement of sacroiliac joints during the progression of disease. It typically affects young adults and male-to-female ratio is closer to 3:1. The median age of onset is 23 years. Worldwide prevalence of AS is up to 0.9%. Its aetiology and pathogenesis are not yet fully understood. Ankylosing Spondilitis is not mentioned as a separate entity in the Ayurvedic classical texts. But considering the symptoms and the cause, disease can be approached with the concept of Vatavyadhi with special reference to Asthimajjagata Vata. A 33 year old male presented with AS, which was treated for 22 days with a combination of Panchkarma procedures and selected Ayurvedic drugs. The condition was diagnosed as Asthimajjagata Vata and was treated with Sarvanga Abhyanga, Shastik shaali pinda swedana, Erandmooladi Niruha Vasti and Kati Vasti followed by Shamana drugs. Patient's condition was assessed before and after treatment with disease-specific instruments for AS–Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI). Here a case report of AS is presented in which there was considerable improvement following the therapy.