Can ankylosing spondylitis get better?

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS), is a chronic inflammatory disease involving the spine and often the sacroiliac (SI) joint. People with ankylosing spondylitis often report chronic pain and stiffness affecting activity and quality of life. AS is an autoimmune disease and often is associated with high inflammatory markers and chronic inflammation. What can be done for those with AS? 

Common treatment options for AS

For those with AS, it can be quite frustrating as the path to proper diagnosis is often delayed. The symptoms often mimic other chronic pain causes and for some they are often misdiagnosed or not given appropriate treatment. Often 1/3 of patients present with pain in the hip joint and both sides of the hip maybe involved and most have what is called ‘flexion contracture’ of the hip which results in a rigid gait and knee flexion when standing. In addition, due to the nature of the inflammatory association with AS, some also have other organ symptoms such as inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and even uveitis. Common treatment options include physical therapy, medication such as NSAIDs, cortisone injections, and TNF-alpha inhibitors. However, there are limited options for treatment and some with AS may seek integrative care to help manage pain, inflammation, and quality of life factors. 

Can acupuncture help ankylosing spondylitis?

Short answer, yes!

Studies have shown promise in the treatment of AS symptoms with acupuncture. Because acupuncture works to help regulate the nervous system and inflammatory response, it can provide a reduction in inflammation and pain associated with AS. A recent study found that acupuncture worked to reduce inflammation in AS by reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and regulated the immune system dysfunction. 

Read Dr. Heintze’s previous post on how we can help chronic pain, here.

If you suffer from ankylosing spondylitis and looking for safe and effective ways to help, give our office a call at (425) 686-4498 to set-up your initial consultation to learn more about how we can help.

Dr. Ellie Heintze, ND, LAc, is a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist in Bothell, WA at her practice Starting Point Acupuncture. She specializes in chronic and complex cases and commonly treats neuropathy, fibromyalgia, migraines, autoimmune, and infertility cases. Dr. Ellie Heintze is also the author of the book, A Starting Point Guide to Going Gluten-Free  and Keep Calm and Zen Out available on Amazon.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4971137/#:~:text=(1)%20Nonsteroidal%20anti%2Dinflammatory,line%20drugs%20for%20ankylosing%20spondylitis.

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Yueyu-Zhang-3/publication/360797918_Clinical_research_progress_of_acupuncture_therapy_in_the_treatment_of_ankylosing_spondylitis/links/6311753861e4553b955a61db/Clinical-research-progress-of-acupuncture-therapy-in-the-treatment-of-ankylosing-spondylitis.pdf

https://pesquisa.bvsalud.org/portal/resource/pt/wpr-513515