Ankylosing spondylitis Health Dictionary

A chronic inflammatory condition attacking joints of the spine and sacroiliac resulting in fixation by bony ankylosis. Intercostal joints also at risk. Bamboo spine. Poker spine. Genetic factor involved. Abnormal immune response to infection. Sometimes associated with anaemia, ulcerative colitis or psoriasis. Neglected symptoms degenerate into ‘an old man with a hoop’.

Symptoms. Persistent stiffness and pain in buttocks and low back. Poor chest expansion. Worse on rising and after inactivity. Rigidity develops over many years in neck and back.

The patient should be examined for bloodshot eyes. In the formative stages iritis is a classic diagnostic sign. An iritis which does not cause eyelids to be stuck down in the mornings is to be regarded with extreme caution. See: IRITIS.

Treatment. Anti-inflammatory analgesics: Guaiacum, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Teas. Bogbean, Celery seeds, Devil’s Claw root, German Chamomile, Meadowsweet, Prickly Ash bark, White Willow bark, Wild Yam.

Tablets/capsules. Black Cohosh, Devil’s Claw, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam, Bamboo gum.

Formula. White Willow 2; Celery 1; Black Cohosh half; Guaiacum quarter; Liquorice quarter. Mix. Dose: Powders – 500mg (two 00 capsules or one-third teaspoon). Liquid Extracts: 15-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. Thrice daily.

Topical. Liniment. Tincture Black Cohosh 2; Tincture Lobelia 2; Tincture Capsicum quarter; Alcohol to 20.

Cold packs: See entry.

Aromatherapy. Massage oil: 6 drops Oil Lavender in 2 teaspoons Almond oil. Jojoba, Aloe Vera, Thyme, Peanut oil.

Diet. See: GENERAL DIET. Avoid lemons and other citrus fruits.

Supplements. Daily. Pantothenic acid 10mg; Vitamin A 7500iu; Vitamin B6 25mg; Vitamin E 400iu; Zinc 25mg. Cod Liver oil: 1 dessertspoon.

General. Graduated exercises to promote good posture and free breathing. Swimming; walk-tall; sleep with board under mattress; hot baths. Gentle osteopathy to delay consolidation of vertebrae. 

An uncommon inflammatory disease affecting joints between the vertebrae of the spine and the sacroiliac joints (joints between the spine and pelvis).

The cause of ankylosing spondylitis is usually unknown, but in some cases the disease may be associated with colitis (inflammation of the colon) or psoriasis (a skin disease). Ankylosing spondylitis may run in families; and about 90 percent of people with the condition have the genetically determined histocompatibility antigen (-B27).

Ankylosing spondylitis usually starts with pain and stiffness in the hips and lower back, which are worse after resting and are especially noticeable in the early morning Other, less common, symptoms include chest pain, painful heels due to additional bone formation, and redness and pain in the eyes due to iritis. In time, inflammation in the spine can lead to ankylosis (permanent stiffness and limited movement) and kyphosis (curvature of the spine).

The condition is diagnosed by X-rays and blood tests.

There is no cure but treatment with exercises, physiotherapy, and anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the pain and limitation of movement.

See SPINE AND SPINAL CORD, DISEASES AND INJURIES OF.

see spondylitis.