Natural Cures For Ankylosing Spondylitis-are There Any?Many people look to alternative medicine for relief from many conditions-not just AS. Sometimes conventional medicine has failed to provide relief, and sometimes the cost of conventional treatments is prohibitive. Usually, though, the main reason for seeking out alternative treatments for any medical condition is to avoid the side effects of long term use of prescription medication. Unfortunately, a cure, natural or otherwise, for ankylosing spondylitis has not been found. But there are many anecdotal accounts of different alternative therapies that have provided some relief or put AS into remission. We list a few below. Acupuncture Some individuals with AS and other forms of arthritis have reported good results from acupuncture. Western researchers are not sure exactly how it works, but the traditional theory is that the body's vital energy (called qi or chi) travels along pathways referred to as meridians. Pain or illness results from blockages in these meridians, and acupuncture removes the blockages. Chiropractic Chiropractic is a sticky subject with many conventional doctors such as rheumatologists. They feel that manipulation of the spine of an ankylosing spondylitis patient can be risky and may lead to spinal fractures or neurological problems. However, some people claim it has helped them greatly. If you should decide to go this route, be sure to apprise your chiropractor of the fact that you have AS before any treatment begins. Massage Massage is another therapy that has had good results in some cases. Once again, however, many conventional doctors warn that any manipulation of the back or neck by massage technicians could be dangerous. Some physical therapists disagree, and there are AS patients who have seen success using massage. Once again, make sure your massage professional understands your situation before beginning any treatment. Yoga Certain stretches are very beneficial to ankylosing spondylitis patients, therefore yoga can also bring great benefits. However, the yoga teacher must be competent and experienced, and aware of the ramifications of AS and the limitations of anyone that has it. The Low-Starch Diet The brainchild of rheumatologist Dr. Alan Ebringer, this meal plan requires that you exclude bread and flour products, potatoes and rice while increasing animal proteins including milk and milk products, fruit and vegetables. The rationale behind the diet is Dr. Ebringer's belief that ankylosing spondylitis is caused by a type of bacteria that resides in the stomach, and that starchy foods promote the bacteria's growth, and removal of starchy foods from the diet eliminates it. Some people claim their AS goes into remission when they follow the diet strictly, and flares up when they become lazy. No Nightshades Diet The nightshades are a group of vegetables (actually, they are tecnically fruit) that are reputed by some people to cause or worsen symptoms of arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The nightshades include tomatoes, potatoes, peppers and eggplant, among others. Once again, some people have reported great success following this eating plan. Fasting Another diet (or lack of) that seems to work is fasting. Of course, fasting is not a long-term solution. Well, I suppose it could be, but that's not what you had in mind when you wondered about a 'cure' is it? However, following up the fasting phase with a strict vegetarian diet seems to have worked well for many people. That's it for our overview of alternative treatments for ankylosing spondylitis. If you enter the term into your favorite search engine, you can probably find others. Just be sure to perform due diligence on anything you find. Make sure it's not a 'cures-all' and that it has actually seen success with AS patients. --------------------------------------------------------------- "I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too" A Natural Arthritis Remedy... No Drugs... No Secret Formula... 43-Year Sufferer of Arthritis Shocks Her Doctors (Who Predicted She'd Soon Need A Wheelchair) With Her Natural Arthritis Cure Without Expensive Medication Or Surgery (And Challenges You To Do The Same!) Yes, the story of this lady's arthritis cure seems almost impossible. And incredible as it seems, it's all true. I'm about to let you in on the secret that got her thrown out of an arthritis convention - For trying to tell the truth - that the arthritis sufferers attending DIDN'T NEED the expensive drugs and treatments they were being sold... Now YOU can learn about the natural arthritis treatment that the medical community wants to keep from you - because it's not profitable to them. Read the secret that got this lady thrown out of an arthritis convention.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Privacy Policy Contact Us Legal Information |