Acupuncture for Ankylosing Spondylitis

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 Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition involving inflammation and arthritis of the spine. It more commonly affects the lower spine, pelvis and sacro-iliac joints. This slow developing debilitating disease can eventually cause fusion of the bones. It affects more males than females. 

 The common medications prescribed for this condition are Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs such as Ibuprofen, diclofenec and naproxen. Unfortunately, they have side effects including skin rashes, eczema, cardiovascular problems, and stomach and kidney problems. Taking the medications does not actually slow the progression of the disease or prevent fusion of the bones. Other medications in the past that were used to mask the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis have since been banned because they did more harm than good. 

 The most common symptoms include pain and decreased range of motion as well as tiredness. The symptoms often get worse on cloudy and rainy days as well during sudden changes to colder weather. 

 The traditional Chinese medical diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis is called painful bone impediment. It is seen to be due to outside environment factors including cold and wind invading through the pores on the skin and lodging in the bones (Du Channel) because depleted defensive energy in human body can not protect the body from those invasions. .

 In simple visual terms, ankylosing spondylitis is seen as cold stuck in the bones; the treatment involves the insertion of Moxibustion Warm Needle techniques and defensive energy restoring herbal medicine, combined with Dr. Huo’s unique healing energy treatments. 

The research on acupuncture for ankylosing spondylitis confirmed decrease in pain, increased range of movement on the spine, ESR levels reduced by half, C-reactive proteins reduced to 25% and even reduced HLA-B27 markers.

*Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person.