Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis (joint inflammation) that starts from the sacroiliac joint (SI joint) and ascends the spine (gradually with time). Sacroiliac joint refers to a joint formed by the ilium part of the hip bone and sacrum which is a triangular bone at the base of the spine. Pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips are the earliest symptoms, and it mostly sets in between the ages of 20 to 30 years.

Homeopathy being a highly advanced system of medicine offers a very effective treatment for ankylosing spondylitis that is a chronic lifelong problem, and unfortunately, there is no cure for it. Here homeopathic treatment along with physiotherapy can help in managing its symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease. Homeopathic medicines majorly provide relief in pain, stiffness and reduce inflammation by moderating the immune response. The stage of the disease at which homeopathic medicines are started and the intensity of symptoms are the major factors determining the outcome of the treatment. In early stages and cases of mild to moderate intensity, homeopathy can help to a great extent. But in the later stages, these medicines can be opted along with conventional treatment in severe cases for providing significant relief from the symptoms and improve the quality of life. Homeopathy alone is not advised as a long-term treatment for severe forms of ankylosing spondylitis. Ideally in severe cases, homeopathic treatment should go hand-in-hand with conventional treatment and physiotherapy for optimal recovery.

Homeopathy optimises immune system

As ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disorder, treatment needs to be aimed at controlling this self- destructive response of the immune system. Homeopathic medicines act in this manner only in ankylosing spondylitis by moderating the overactive immune system, thereby halting the progression of the disease and relieving the symptoms.

Homeopathy does not suppress immune system

Homeopathic medicines are non-suppressive in nature. Suppressing the immune system might give instant relief in symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis but in the long run, the condition is left uncured as the root cause is not treated. Homeopathy does not follow this path of suppression but targets the root cause to provide long term management of this condition gently.

Individualized treatment

Homeopathy selects the most appropriate remedy in every case of ankylosing spondylitis as per the individualization law. It means every case is being evaluated as per the characteristic key symptoms in every individual case. Carefully selected medicines are prescribed rather than giving the same medicine to all persons having this condition. Such well-selected medication brings great recovery in such cases.

Safe, natural medicine with zero side effects

Homeopathic medicines are prepared from natural substances, hence these are safe to use with no side effects. The conventional treatment for ankylosing spondylitis includes the use of NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), TNF blockers (tumor necrosis factor), and DMARDs (Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs). These medicines have side effects with long term use. Taking the prescribed course of homeopathic treatment under the guidance of a homeopathic doctor can help in decreasing the dependency on conventional medicines. The conventional treatment however should be definitely taken in severe forms and those cases having related complications as homeopathy has its own limitation to handle severe cases.

Top 9 Homeopathic Remedies for Ankylosing Spondylitis

The top grade natural homeopathic remedies for ankylosing spondylitis are Aesculus Hippocastanum, Rhus Tox, Kalmia Latifolia, Colocynthis, Bryonia Alba, Agaricus Muscarius, Kali Carb, Cimicifuga Racemosa and Calcarea Fluor.

1. Aesculus Hippocastanum – Top Medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis

Aesculus Hippocastanum is a top-listed medicine for ankylosing spondylitis. The prominent symptom indicating the use of Aesculus Hippocastanum is pain in the sacrum and the hips. Along with this, there is marked stiffness in the lower back. The symptoms get worse by walking, stooping and while rising from the seat when the person has to make repeated efforts to get up. At that time, there is a sensation as if the back would break. Pain in the lumbar, sacral and the pelvic region are treated well with homeopathic medicine Aesculus Hippocastanum.

When to use Aesculus Hippocastanum?

It is a highly preferred medicine for managing pain in the sacrum and hips with excessive stiffness in the lower back in cases of ankylosing spondylitis. The pains are worse when stooping, walking and rising from a seat.

How to use Aesculus Hippocastanum?

In the beginning, its use is suggested in 30C potency that can be repeated twice or thrice in a day.

2. Rhus Tox – For Morning Stiffness In Back

Rhus Tox is a well-indicated medicine for ankylosing spondylitis with marked stiffness of the back. The stiffness is most intense in the morning. Sitting also aggravates the stiffness. Rhus Tox also works wonders in reducing back stiffness that gets worse from taking rest. Here lying or sitting still worsens the stiffness. The person requiring Rhus Tox gets relief by walking. Pain in the lower back is severe along with stiffness. Rhus Tox is a natural medicine for managing back pain which gets relieved by the application of hard pressure.

When to use Rhus Tox?

It is a wonderful medicine for managing ankylosing spondylitis related to stiffness in the back which is worse in the morning, while sitting, lying, taking rest and relief is noted from walking.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Both the low and the high potencies of this medicine have turned out to be effective with excellent results. But initially it can be taken in 30 C potency three to four times a day as per the intensity of symptoms.

3. Kalmia Latifolia – For Ankylosing Spondylitis With Constant Pain In Spine

Kalmia Latifolia is a highly beneficial medicine for ankylosing spondylitis. It is indicated when there is a constant pain in the spine. Pain in the lumbar area and a burning/heat sensation is felt in the lumbar spine. A feeling of lameness is felt in the back. Sometimes there is a sensation as if the back would break. There is also intense pain in the neck (cervical spine) along with stiffness. The neck feels tender to touch. Kalmia Latifolia is an effective homeopathic remedy for pain in the neck (cervical spine) that radiates to the shoulders. Early morning worsening of neck pain and stiffness is also present.

When to use Kalmia Latifolia?

This medicine is suggested for cases of ankylosing spondylitis with constant pain in spine along with weakness and a burning sensation in the lower back area.

How to use Kalmia Latifolia?

It is best to take it in 30C power once or twice daily.

4. Colocynthis – For Hip Pain in Ankylosing Spondylitis

Colocynthis is a medicine for ankylosing spondylitis with marked hip pain. For using Colocynthis, hip pain may be cramping, drawing or tearing in nature. The pain from the hip may also extend down to the knee, leg or even to the feet in a few cases. Sensitivity to touch in the affected hip is also seen in many cases. Colocynthis is also a useful remedy for hip pain that gets better by lying on the affected side. In some cases, pressure on the affected hip offers comfort. Hip pain that gets better by warmth also indicates the use of homeopathic medicine Colocynthis. The person needing Colocynthis also experiences an aggravation of hip pain by sitting, standing, being in motion, and gets relief from rest.

When to use Colocynthis?

This medicine can be considered in ankylosing spondylitis cases for managing hip pain extending to the leg or feet that gets better by warm application or pressure on the affected hip.

How to use Colocynthis?

It can be taken in 30C potency three or four times a day initially, gradually decreasing the dose once relief sets in.

5. Bryonia Alba – When Backache Is Worse From Motion

Bryonia Alba is another well-indicated medicine for treating ankylosing spondylitis. A backache that is worse from motion or walking is the guiding feature to use Bryonia Alba. In a few cases, stooping and standing also worsen the backache. The relief in back pain is afforded only with absolute complete rest. Stiffness is also present along with a backache. The stiffness is so intense that a person has to sit and walk in a stooped posture. Maintaining an upright posture while sitting/walking is difficult.

When to use Bryonia Alba?

It is best choice of medicine for ankylosing spondylitis to manage backache worse from movement, walking, standing and stooping and better from complete rest.

How to use Bryonia Alba?

Both the lower and the highest potencies of this medicine are credited with excellent results. But in beginning 30C is usually preferred twice or thrice a day.

6. Agaricus Muscarius – When Back Is Sensitive To Touch With Pain

Agaricus Muscarius is majorly used in ankylosing spondylitis when the spine is sensitive to touch, along with pain. The sensitivity of the spine is severe in the morning. Other symptoms pointing towards the use of Agaricus Muscarius are back pain getting worse from stooping, a burning sensation in the spine, and a feeling of tightness in the back muscles. A lumbosacral backache that is worse during daytime exertion is also treated well with Agaricus Muscarius. A marked stiffness in the back is present along with pain. There is a sensation as if the back would break. Another sensation that may appear is that of a cold or hot needle piercing the back.

When to use Agaricus Muscarius?

It is well-suited medicine for ankylosing spondylitis cases when there is marked sensitivity of spine to touch attended with backache worse from stooping and exertion.

How to use Agaricus Muscarius?

It can be taken in 30C potency one or two times a day.

7. Kali Carb – For Weakness in Back

Kali Carb is a medicine  used to treat ankylosing spondylitis where weakness in the lower back accompanies back pain. There is pain in the lower back, hips, and the thighs. The person feels better by lying down. Homeopathic medicine Kali Carb is also helpful when there is difficulty in turning in bed from a backache. Another chief indication to use Kali Carb is a sharp pain in the back extending up and down.

When to use Kali Carb?

It is well indicated for ankylosing spondylitis with lower back pain attended with weakness in the back. Back pain gets better on lying down but is worse when turning in bed.

How to use Kali Carb?

It can be used once or twice daily in 30C potency.

8. Cimicifuga Racemosa – To Manage Neck (Cervical Back) Pain And Stiffness

Cimicifuga Racemosa is used to treat neck (cervical back) pain and stiffness in cases of ankylosing spondylitis. A contracted sensation in the neck is present, and the neck is sensitive to touch. Pressure seems to worsen the pain in the neck. Any motion of the head and hands also aggravates the neck pain. Worsening of neck pain from exposure to cold air is also treated well with homeopathic medicine Cimicifuga Racemosa.

When to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

This medicine can be selected for managing neck pain and stiffness with sensitivity to touch in cases of ankylosing spondylitis.

How to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

Though this medicine may be used in different potencies, it is best to begin with 30C potency that can be taken once or twice a day

9. Calcarea Fluor – To Dissolve Osteophytes

Calcarea Fluor is a well indicated medicine for dissolving osteophytes (bony outgrowths appearing in the spine) in cases of ankylosing spondylitis. Another symptom that suggests the use of Calcarea Fluor is back pain that gets worse from rest and better from motion. Application of warmth may also relieve back pain in a few cases. Restlessness along with back pain is also present.

When to use Calcarea Fluor?

It is a superb medicine to help dissolve bony outgrowths (osteophytes) in the backbone present along with backache worse from rest and better from movement.

How to use Calcarea Fluor?

This medicine is commonly recommended in 6X potency that can be taken two to three times in a day.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The primary symptom in the initial stages of ankylosing spondylitis is pain and stiffness in lower back and hips, followed by general fatigue. Pain and stiffness increases gradually  and it worsens over a period of months. The signs are worse early in the morning (often waking the person from sleep), and tend to decrease as the day passes. The symptoms also tend to get worse after periods of prolonged inactivity.
As the disease progresses, the spine, pain and stiffness start to appear in the mid-back and neck (cervical spine). In the case of permanent fusion of vertebra, the spine gets rigid as a board with loss of flexibility – a condition known as bamboo spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis is primarily a disease affecting the spine. But it may affect other joints including the shoulder, knees, and ankles in some cases.
In a majority of the cases, ankylosing spondylitis starts from the sacroiliac joint. But in some cases, this disease also begins from other areas, like foot, heel, and knees, especially if the disease sets in at a young age.

Cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis

The exact reason behind ankylosing spondylitis is not clear yet. It is considered to be a disease of autoimmune origin. Autoimmune means destruction of healthy body tissues by immune cells of the body due to a misdirected response. In autoimmune diseases, immune cells recognize healthy tissue as a foreign, harmful organism due to mistaken identity and set an immune reaction to destroy it. In ankylosing spondylitis, an immune response gets initiated against the sacroiliac joints and joints of the spine resulting in its inflammation, destruction and eventually fusion.

The Disease Mechanism of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing means ‘joining together’ and spondylitis means ‘inflammation in the vertebrae’ (the bones that make up the spine). In ankylosing spondylitis, there appears inflammation in the joints of the spine and sacroiliac joint (SI Joint, between the sacral spine and pelvis) and fusion of these joints in the long run.

In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, T cells begin the inflammation in SI joint and joints of the spine. With time, these joints start eroding and get damaged. The sacroiliac joints are located in the lower back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks). In a person suffering from AS, joints and ligaments that generally allow the spine to move, get inflamed and become stiff. This inflammation takes place where the ligaments or tendons are attached to the bones.
In the process of healing, new bone develops at the site of damage, replacing flexible cartilage and bridging the gap between two bones. As a result, the elastic tissue is replaced by bony growth. Continued formation of new bone can lead to fusion of the vertebrae (bones of the spine), leading to a significant reduction in the movement of the spine.
The spine is the central support structure of the body. It keeps us upright. Although there are many bones (vertebra) in the spine (stacked one over the other), it is flexible due to the presence of elastic intervertebral spinal discs and ligaments. An intervertebral disc is a fibrocartilaginous cushion between two vertebrae. Each disc has an annulus fibrosus (tough exterior of a spinal disc) and has nucleus pulposus (soft inner core). In ankylosing spondylitis, annulus fibrosus becomes calcified and fuses with the adjacent vertebrae. Continued formation of the new bone can lead to fusion of the vertebrae, leading to a considerable reduction in the movement of the spine. Ankylosing Spondylitis can also affect eyes, lungs, bowel, and heart.

Factors that Contribute to the Development of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Age – In most cases, the onset of AS is between the age of 20 years – 30 years (especially during the early 20s). However, in some cases, it can start at the age of 18.

Gender – Males are at a higher risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis as compared to females. The incidence ratio of ankylosing spondylitis in male and females is around 3:1.

Genetics / Family History – Research suggest that there is a strong link of AS being genetically inherited. Persons having a family history of ankylosing spondylitis, along with the presence of the HLA-B27 gene are at risk of developing the disease. A family history of the disease can increase the chances of developing the disease by about 20 per cent.

It is to be noted that  carrying the gene HLA- B 27 is not the only reason for ankylosing spondylitis. Positive HLA-B 27 makes a person susceptible to ankylosing spondylitis, but most people with this gene never develop any symptoms. For diagnosis, clinical symptoms and the X-ray/MRI findings must match the disease symptoms and a positive HLA-B27 test.

Diagnosing Ankylosing Spondylitis

In cases where the clinical symptoms point toward ankylosing spondylitis, an X-ray or MRI are useful tools that help find changes appearing in joints to confirm ankylosing spondylitis. The most critical diagnosis that can be caught in these early investigations is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joint. Other tests that are recommended in addition to these include ESR, vitamin D levels, and HLA- B27.

Complications from Ankylosing Spondylitis

Permanent fusion of the sacroiliac joint and vertebra in the back due to chronic inflammation can make the spine stiff (in the process of healing new bone forms in the spine bridging the gap between vertebrae causing fusion of vertebrae).

Compression fractures are a result of weakened vertebrae since the bones may thin out during the initial stages of ankylosing spondylitis. These vertebrae can crumble or shrink in size, putting pressure on the spinal cord.

Eye inflammation or uveitis is a common complication of AS. It causes rapid eye pain, blurred vision and extreme sensitivity to light.

Heart problems are another complication of this disease since it causes inflammation and enlargement of the aorta. Enlargement leads to a distortion of the aortic valve in the heart, and its subsequent functional impairment.

Difficulty in breathing due to the fusion of the ribs with breastbone (fusion restricts, chest expansion, reduces lung capacity and function.

Inflammation in the intestines can lead to other diseases like Crohn’s disease and Colitis.