Ankylosing spondylitis

Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that principally affects the spine. It typically strikes men between the ages of twenty and forty, developing over years with periods of progression and remission typical for many rheumatic illnesses. The first sign is often intense lower-back pain in the early morning in bed, with noticeable stiffness upon rising. During the day, the problem becomes hardly apparent. These attacks need not be severe in every case, and their length and number vary according to the individual.

Early on, heel pain or an eye infection accompanies the back pain. Over time, minerals deposit in the previously inflamed tissue around the spine, and the vertebrae fuse together to eventually cause what looks like a "bamboo spine," if its progression is not halted. Although it is not life-threatening, severe cases of ankylosing spondylitis cause a complete stiffening of the spine, preventing twisting of the body or neck, or bending of any kind.

The body's own immune system attacks the soft tissue and the joints in the body. A strong genetic influence is linked to this illness, but, as in other types of arthritis, diet plays a role, and allergies to certain foods should be considered.
Undiagnosed infections with parasites, fungi, candida and pathogenic bacteria can also cause this condition, as well as leaky gut syndrome, which is triggered by excessive use of alcohol, Aspirin TM, ibuprofen, steroids, antibiotics, a deficiency of digestive enzymes, inadequate stomach acidity and a highly refined diet.
Previous urinary or lung infections often affect ankylosing spondylitis. Treating these areas will help reduce the seriousness of the condition.

Supplements and herbs

Evening primrose oil is a natural anti-inflammatory containing gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid which treats joint pain and inflammation. Vitamin E has also proven beneficial in this autoimmune-related disease. Be sure to choose vitamin E with mixed tocopherols. Selenium is an antioxidant like vitamin E and enhances the vitamin's action.

Vitamin C is in high demand during any inflammation and is needed for collagen repair. Bioflavonoids occur naturally with vitamin C and they should be taken together as a supplement. Calcium with magnesium, and silica in water-soluble vegetal form or as a silica gel will fight bone loss.

Vitamin B6 is often deficient. Those lacking the enzyme to convert B6 to its active form pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P) should supplement with P-5-P.

If the pain and inflammation are at their worst, the enzyme bromelain is another natural anti-inflammatory which can be supplemented. Bromelain must be taken apart from food, otherwise the enzymes are expended before they reach the inflamed site.

Herbal remedies reduce inflammation and improve circulation, bringing pain relief to affected areas.

• Eucalyptus oil, rubbed on the skin, increases blood flow to the area, producing a feeling of warmth, relief of pain and soothing of stiffness.
• To repair cartilage and muscle injuries, take 1 tbsp. horsetail juice or 15-20 drops tincture in a glass of water. Horsetail will also reduce inflammation of the bowels and alleviate some of the lower-back pain.
• Devil's claw root is another good remedy for aching joints in the spine. It has proven antirheumatic, antiarthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. Take 30 drops of tincture twice daily.
• For general cleansing of the blood, take 1 tbsp. dandelion juice or 20 drops of tincture diluted in water, three times daily for three weeks.
• White willow is an anti-inflammatory and pain-killing herb. Take 20 drops of tincture three times daily.

What else you can do

• It is of utmost importance to keep the spine moveable. Once the spine becomes stiff, it is irreversible. Lay on your stomach for at least one hour per day to prevent the spine from curving to one side only. If this position becomes uncomfortable, put a pillow under the chest, but the harder and flatter the bed, the better.
• Avoid heavy work. Change positions and perform relaxation exercises during long work periods or long-distance driving.
• Wear shoes with elastic soles.
• Backstroke and crawl swimming, volleyball, cross-country skiing and biking are excellent exercises for this condition.
• Sun, hot baths and daily massage therapy to relax back muscles are helpful.
• Stretch twice daily for thirty minutes.
• Breathing exercises are important to strengthen the lungs-alternate with whistling and singing.
• Chiropractic treatments twice a month will maintain mobility.
• Hot and cold compresses provide relief from pain and stiffness and can be used as often as required. Lie face down and have a partner dip a towel into hot water, wring out well, and place on painful back for three minutes. Dip another towel in cold water. Remove the hot towel and place a folded, cold towel on the same area for one minute. Repeat cold/hot treatment for twenty minutes.

How much to take

• Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols and selenium, 200 mcg
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily
• Bromelain, 2,000 mg twice daily between meals

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