Quiz on Alternative Treatments for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a form of spondyloarthritis, is a condition that primarily affects the spine, causing new bone growths that can fuse the spine and lead to immobility. This debilitating disease can also cause inflammation in joints and other body parts, leading to pain and stiffness.
In the quest for relief, individuals are turning to complementary therapies, which, while having less scientific research to support their use, may address needs not met by standard treatments. Here are some promising options and those that should be approached with caution.
Promising Complementary Therapies
Homeopathy, a holistic approach to medicine, is suggested to help manage AS by reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and improving flexibility. It works naturally without side effects and can be used alongside conventional treatments.
Boswellia Serrata Extract, a plant-based remedy, has shown notable potential in reducing pain and swelling in AS patients, improving quality of life and symptom management.
Recent advances in cell therapies, such as mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, show promise in providing immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory benefits, potentially offering a more comprehensive approach to managing the disease.
Therapies to Approach with Caution
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) strongly advises against the use of systemic glucocorticoids for active AS due to their potential side effects and lack of long-term benefits.
Unproven or unstudied methods should be approached with skepticism. Always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new treatment regimen.
The Spondylitis Association of America, an organisation providing information about spondyloarthritis and related conditions, urges individuals to discuss the use of complementary therapies with healthcare providers to ensure safety and potential effectiveness.
While conventional treatments like Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Tumour Necrosis Factor (TNF) inhibitors remain the primary approach, complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, hypnosis, and meditation may offer additional relief for patients.
However, it's important to note that not all complementary therapies are proven to be effective in relieving AS pain, so it's crucial to be informed. There is no definitive list of complementary therapies to avoid for AS pain, as research is ongoing.
A quiz provided by the Spondylitis Association of America can help individuals learn more about the potential benefits and drawbacks of various complementary therapies for AS pain. This knowledge empowers patients to make informed decisions about their treatment options.
- Acupuncture, a form of therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, may offer additional relief for individuals suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), although its effectiveness in relieving AS pain is not yet definitive.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, massage therapy, by relaxing muscles and reducing stress, could potentially alleviate pain associated with AS, although it is not a primary approach.
- Hypnosis and meditation, which focus on the mind and its ability to influence the body, could potentially provide comfort to AS patients, but their effectiveness in managing the disease is not widely supported by science.
- Though some medical-conditions such as sinus infections and neurological disorders are unrelated to AS, they could still warrant the attention of healthcare professionals as chronic diseases often coexist.
- While science continues to explore potential treatments for chronic diseases like AS, it's important for individuals to approach unproven or unstudied methods with skepticism, and always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new therapies-and-treatments.
