A SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS - A CASE REPORT

*Santosh L. Yadahalli, Santosh S. Tadapatri and Ananta S. Desai

ABSTRACT

Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine & large joints. It causes pain, stiffness & inflammation from neck to lower back leading to a hunched-over posture with impairment of spinal mobility. AS is one of the most common rheumatic diseases frequently referred as spondyloarthropathies (SPA). The incidence is 0.4-14 per 1,00,000 persons, occurs more frequently in men than women (2:1). Prevalence in India is 0.03%. In Ayurveda the management of AS is similar to that of Amavata. Amavata is one of the most common and crippling joint disorder, where in the Ama with aggravated Vata plays an important role in pathogenesis and prognosis of the disease. In contemporary science this condition can be managed by NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, and DMARDs but still remains challenging. In Ayurveda a detail description regarding the management of Amavata has been explained by Chakradatta which includes Langhana, Swedana, Deepana, Virechana and Basti Karma. Hence here a successful management of the condition is made with various treatment methods of Panchakarma. A 39 year old male patient diagnosed as SPA+ with HLA-B27+Ve approached OPD of SJIIM Hospital, Bangalore. The patient was treated in 3 phases. Phase 1-Dashamoola Kashaya Seka, Dhanyamla Dhara, Churna Basti, Vaitarana Basti, Erandamoola Niruha Basti & Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana. Phase 2-Valuka Sweda, Ishtika Sweda, Chinchalavana Pinda Sweda, Madhutailika Basti & Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana. Phase 3- Sarvanga Abhyanga, Nadi Sweda, Erandamoola Yapana Basti. The patient reported significant improvement in signs and symptoms of the disease. The treatment adopted after assessing the Ama and Nirama Lakshanas of the disease has given significant relief in signs and symptoms.

Keywords: Ankylosing spondylitis, Amavata, Erandamoola Niruha Basti, Vardhamana Pippali Rasayana.