What is Ankylosing spondylitis?

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis), causing pain and stiffness. Over time, this inflammation can lead to the fusion of vertebrae, resulting in reduced flexibility and a hunched-forward posture. AS is an autoimmune condition, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues. It most commonly begins in young adults, especially males, and is strongly associated with a genetic marker called HLA-B27.

Ankylosing spondylitis Symptoms and Signs:

Here are the key symptoms of Ankylosing spondylitis:

• Chronic Lower Back Pain:
  Pain usually starts in the lower back and buttocks and lasts more than 3 months. It’s often dull and deep.
• Morning Stiffness:
  The back feels especially stiff in the morning or after long periods of rest, and may take over 30 minutes to ease.
• Pain Improves with Movement:
  Unlike mechanical back pain, AS-related discomfort often improves with physical activity or exercise.
• Reduced Spine Flexibility:
  As the disease progresses, the spine becomes less flexible, making it hard to bend or twist.
• Stooped or Hunched Posture:
  Fusion of spinal bones over time can lead to a forward-curved or "bent-over" posture.
• Pain in Hips, Shoulders, or Knees:
  AS can cause inflammation in other joints beyond the spine, especially the hips and shoulders.
• Enthesitis:
  Inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones—commonly felt in the heels (Achilles tendon) or under the foot.
• Fatigue:
  Chronic inflammation and poor sleep due to pain often cause persistent tiredness.
• Uveitis (Eye Inflammation):
  A common complication, leading to red, painful, and light-sensitive eyes, sometimes with blurred vision.
• Breathing Difficulty (in advanced cases):
  Stiffening of the rib cage can restrict lung expansion, causing shortness of breath.

Common Fears & Concerns related to Ankylosing spondylitis:

• Progressive Loss of Mobility: Many fear that over time, the spine will become so stiff that bending, turning, or even standing upright becomes difficult.
• Chronic Pain and Discomfort: Ongoing back, hip, or joint pain can interfere with daily life, sleep, and mental well-being.
• Visible Postural Changes:Some worry about developing a hunched or stooped posture, which can affect confidence and body image.
• Impact on Work and Lifestyle:Physical jobs, sports, and travel may become harder to manage, leading to concerns about independence and productivity.
• Need for Long-Term Medication: Lifelong use of anti-inflammatory drugs or biologics raises concerns about side effects, costs, and access to treatment.
• Complications in Other Organs:Some fear issues like uveitis (eye inflammation), heart problems, or lung stiffness related to disease progression.
• Mental Health Struggles:Dealing with a lifelong, progressive illness can lead to anxiety, depression, or emotional burnout.
• Genetic Risk to Family:AS can run in families, so some individuals worry about passing it on to their children.

Word Best Treatment and StemRx Best Therapies for Ankylosing spondylitis in Mumbai

At StemRx Hospital, we adopt a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach to treating patients with Ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic autoimmune disorder.

Our treatment protocol focuses on a thorough detoxification process to eliminate heavy metals and restore optimal function of the Gut-Brain axis. We incorporate Intestinal Microbiota Transfer (IMT/FMT) to enhance gut health and expel harmful toxins. We recognize that elevated levels of heavy metals and intestinal infections can increase oxidative stress in the brain and disrupt the Gut-Brain axis; an essential communication pathway involved in managing symptoms related to this condition.

We also integrate advanced treatments such as EBOO (Extracorporeal Blood Oxygenation and Ozonation) and ozone therapy, which help purify the blood, reduce systemic inflammation, and boost oxygenation in cells; further supporting neurological healing and detoxification.

Additionally, regenerative therapies play a central role in enhancing brain function and motor control. These therapies include quantum energy medicine, neuropeptides, and growth factors that support overall recovery and neurological improvement.