• Ankylosing Spondylitis Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  • 1 I have lower back pain every night since 2 months. I can sleep only for 5 hours, after that the pain is unbearable. I sit on my bed and the pain eases after some time. What is causing the pain in me? What are the different conditions that have lower back pain?

    There are several causes for long-standing lower back pain.

    • Osteoarthritis
    • Muscle or ligament strain
    • Ankylosing Spondylitis
    • Bulging or ruptured disc
    • Skeletal abnormalities such as Scoliosis
    • Fibromyalgia

    To confirm the diagnosis, visit your doctor. Self-diagnosis and Self-treatment is dangerous.

  • 2 Are there certain Do's and Don'ts I should follow in AS?

    Do's

    • Sleep on a firm mattress.
    • Improve your posture.
    • Stand and sit straight.
    • Keep your back straight when working at a bench, table, ironing board etc.
    • To lift objects from floor, kneel do not bend. Or bend at the knees and not at the waist.
    • Regular exercise for back muscles keeps spasms at bay.
    • Relaxation techniques, yoga and meditation help.

      Don'ts

    • Avoid sudden movements of the neck.
    • Do not use very thick pillows.
    • Avoid running, jumping as they may aggravate the symptoms.
    • Do not lift heavy weights.

  • 3 How long will the treatment take?

    Treatment time varies from case to case. Early treatment before complications set in, ensures faster relief. As you know this is a very slowly progressing and very degenerating condition, it may take a considerable time for you to be completely treated. However, homeopathic medicines start acting from the day one of the treatment and starts giving relief.

  • 4 My brother of age 45 is suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis. He has been on medications since 20 years. His condition is worsening. There is severe stiffness in morning when he wakes up. It takes about 30 minutes for him to get out of bed and its prolonging day by day. We have taken opinions from various rheumatologists, and all have suggested the same medications. We are losing hope and he won't get better. Isn't there any treatment that can help him?

    Homeopathy has been extremely beneficial in cases of Ankylosing Spondylitis. The fact being it is a degenerative disease; homeopathic medicines have great power to control the inflammatory changes of the bone and the connective tissue surrounding it there by reducing the degeneration. Homeopathy prevents progression of AS, controls the defence system of his body that has gone astray. Homeopathic medicines will relieve his pain and stiffness. Tired of prescriptions? On Welcomecure, our Patient's health get priority and that is why we have set up a Panel of Doctors who are well experienced. Don't Wait! You are a just a click away to help your loved one!.

  • 5 What is the outlook of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

    The outlook depends on the severity of the symptoms and location where AS has affected. It is good if you regularly take your medications; follow your doctor's advice. Perform activities that help in maintaining mobility of joints. A study has reported that there is increased risk of severe damage in smokers with AS than non-smokers.

  • 6 How can I manage Ankylosing Spondylitis at home?

    At home you should follow following steps-

    • Obtaining thorough knowledge about your disease is utmost important. It will help you to recognize the complications.
    • Exercise regularly as advised by your doctor.
    • Take your medications on time.
    • Maintain good posture.
    • Avoid smoking and drinking.
    • Visit to your doctor at regular intervals.
    • You have to follow a healthy diet.

  • 7 When should I go for surgery? How can it help me?

    Surgery is an option if you have severe pain or joint damage; but very risky and complicated. Surgery can be performed for joint replacements in knees and hips.But in AS, anaesthesia is very complex due to-

    • Changes in the upper airway can lead to difficulties in intubation of the airway
    • Spinal and epidural anaesthesia may be difficult, owing to calcification of ligaments
    • Small numbers of patients may have aortic insufficiency.

  • 8 Will a particular diet helpful for Ankylosing Spondylitis?

    There is no specific diet for AS.

    • A diet rich in Calcium and Vitamins is recommended.
    • Vitamin D is essential to prevent Osteoporosis
    • Being overweight will increase the stress on your back and other joints so it is better to avoid the fatty and fast foods
    • Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.
    • Drink 8-10 glasses of water each day
    • Avoid alcohol as it affects the bone and also interact with the medicine.

  • 9 If my parent or any sibling has Ankylosing Spondylitis, am I likely to get the disease?

    If your age is below 40, there is 20 % chance when one of family members has AS and you test positive for HLA-B27. Please note that the chance of getting the disease decreases if you are above the age 40. There is 50 % chance that your child will inherit the gene HLA-B27, but may not develop AS.

  • 10 How can a posture help me in Ankylosing Spondylitis?

    Maintaining a good posture is very important-

    • As a bad posture may lead to early bone fusion.
    • Always keep your head centred over your body and chin high whenever you are walking, sitting or standing.
    • If you sit for long time over desk, try not to bend. Get up from your working place once in an hour and move about.
    • Lie flat on your stomach on a firm bed or floor. Turn your head to a side or rest it on your hands. Maintain the posture as long as you can. You may be able to stay in that position maximum for 20 minutes.
    • Always lie on firm bed and avoid using a pillow that overextends your neck.

  • 11 My doctor has explained about Ankylosing Spondylitis thoroughly. I am scared of the complications? Will I be disabled due to Ankylosing Spondylitis?

    You don't have to worry since severity of AS varies from person to person. Perform exercises every day; follow a healthy diet and lifestyle and a regular follow-up with your doctor to know about the progress of your AS. For the better long lasting holistic result in AS, you should go for Homeopathic Treatment.

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