Improvement in Quality of Life (QOL) Through Ayurvedic Management of Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic, rheumatic, progressive inflammatory, polygenic disorder with involvement of HLA-B27 genetic marker, primarily affecting the sacroiliac joints and the axial skeleton. The main clinical features are back pain and progressive stiffness of the spine. Oligo arthritis of the hips and shoulders, enthesopathy and anterior uveitis are also common whereas involvement of the heart and lungs are rare. Case: A 34 years old male patient, presented in the OPD of IPGAE&R at SVSP, Kolkata, with the complaints of chronic low back pain for last 2 years along with morning neck stiffness for the same period. He was already diagnosed with HLA-B27 positive. Initially he was taking allopathic treatment for AS for 2 years but neither he got any relief with the treatment nor his quality of life improved following the treatment as he added during the history taking. In Ayurveda, the patient was started with Saman Chikitsa along with Sodhan Chiktsa. Aim and objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Dashmooladi Niruha Basti, along with Samana Chikitsa, in the management of Katigraha and Katisula. Result: Patient got marked relief in pain, stiffness and tingling sensation along with improvement in quality of life like ease in walking and sitting. Conclusion: The parameters were analyzed before treatment like ASDAS scoring, (CRP- 5.019 and ESR- 4.78) and after treatment ASDAS scoring (CRP- 2.44 ESR- 2.13). Basti along with Saman Chikitsa were highly effective in reducing the symptoms and signs of ankylosing spondylosis. A change of 2.0 units has been considered as significant and indicates major improvement.