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Ayurvedic approach to ankylosing spondylitis: A case study

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a condition posing major challenge to health-care system. The disease is characterized by inflammatory stiffening of the spine, affecting the cartilaginous joints of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids are the drugs of choice in conventional systems but fail to provide a complete cure. There is no direct reference to the disease in Ayurveda, but based on the clinical picture, treatment can be planned. A 25-year-old male diagnosed with AS with bilateral hip arthritis since the past six years was treated by Patrapinda swedana and Erandamooladi basti in Kala krama along with Shamana (~palliative) therapy for 16 days. The disease activity was analyzed using AS Disease Activity Score. Other quality of life parameters were also incorporated for the assessment. After completion of the treatment, considerable improvement was recorded in subjective parameters, pain was decreased, stiffness was resolved, and appetite was improved. Spinal mobility was also improved. Considerable improvement was appreciated in the patient assessed by quality-of-life parameters.