Ankylosing Spondylitis

Spinal Stiffness | Herbal AS | TCM AS treatment | AS Exercise

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic autoimmune disease that primarily affects the spine and joints, leading to stiffness and pain in the spine and potentially inflammation in other joints. According to statistics, ankylosing spondylitis primarily affects young adults, with a slightly higher incidence in men than women.

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Genetic factors: Certain genetic abnormalities may increase the risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis. People with a family history have a relatively higher risk.
Immune system dysfunction: Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune disease, where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage in the joints and spine.
Environmental factors: Certain environmental factors, such as infections and stress, may trigger or exacerbate ankylosing spondylitis flare-ups.

Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis

Spinal stiffness: The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the spine, which is typically more pronounced in the morning after waking up or after prolonged sitting, with some relief after exercise. The spinal stiffness gradually worsens, potentially leading to spinal curvature, affecting posture and mobility.
Joint inflammation: Ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation in other joints, especially the large joints of the pelvis and lower limbs, such as the hips and knees. These joints may experience pain, swelling, and restricted movement.
Fatigue and general discomfort: Patients often feel fatigued, weak, and may experience general discomfort, low-grade fever, and loss of appetite.

Physiotherapy for Ankylosing Spondylitis

The goals of physiotherapy for ankylosing spondylitis are to improve joint mobility, increase muscle strength, improve posture and flexibility, and reduce the load on the spine and joints. The physiotherapy treatment includes:

TCM Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis

The goal of TCM treatment for ankylosing spondylitis is to alleviate pain, reduce inflammatory symptoms, and regulate the immune system to balance the circulation of qi and blood.

Herbal medicine: The TCM practitioner will prescribe appropriate herbal formulas based on the patient’s symptoms and constitution, using principles such as promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind-damp, etc., to relieve the inflammation and stiffness in the spine and joints.
Acupuncture: Acupuncture can regulate the flow of qi and blood, targeting specific acupoints like Dazhui, Shenshu, Dachang-shu, and Weizhong to improve spinal flexibility and alleviate joint pain.

MANA Pain Integration

At MANA, our TCM practitioners and physiotherapists take a comprehensive approach to managing complex pain conditions. They carefully review the patient’s medical history and lifestyle habits, addressing the issue from both internal and external perspectives.

The TCM practitioners and therapists work closely together in a complementary manner, helping patients regain their health and activate the body’s innate healing abilities. This integrated approach allows them to provide well-rounded care and support for patients suffering from persistent pain.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

Share With: