Spondylo Arthritis

A group of inflammatory conditions that causes arthritis is called spondylo arthritis or Spondylo arthropathies. It causes inflammation at the point if attachment of tendons and ligaments to bone.

The major types of Spondylo arthropathies

Ankylosing
Psoriatic
Reactive
Enteropathic

Genetics may play a major role in manifestation of this condition.

Signs and Symptoms

Back pain
Fatigue
Arthritis of other joints, than limbs
Indigestion
Swelling of tendons of fingers / toes
Redness / swelling / pain in eyes
Skin rashes

Finding Relief from Spondyloarthritis: Your Ayurvedic Journey to Wellness at Shree Kriya Hospital, Chennai

Are you experiencing persistent back pain that seems to radiate and stiffen? Do you find
yourself battling fatigue that overshadows your days? Perhaps you've noticed swelling in
your joints, or other seemingly unrelated symptoms like digestive issues or skin rashes? If so,
you might be seeking answers for a group of inflammatory conditions known as
Spondyloarthritis.
At Shree Kriya Ayurveda Hospital in Chennai, we understand the profound impact
Spondyloarthritis can have on your life. We recognize that it’s more than just joint pain; it’s a
complex interplay of inflammation that can affect various parts of your body, impacting your
mobility, energy levels, and overall well-being. Our holistic Ayurvedic approach aims not
just to manage your symptoms but to address the root imbalances within your body, guiding
you towards lasting relief and improved quality of life.

Understanding Spondyloarthritis: More Than Just Arthritis

Spondyloarthritis, or Spondyloarthropathies as they are sometimes called, encompass a
spectrum of inflammatory conditions that share a common thread: inflammation at the
entheses – the points where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. This seemingly specific
area of inflammation can trigger a cascade of symptoms throughout the body.

While the exact causes of Spondyloarthritis are not fully understood, genetics are believed to
play a significant role in an individual’s susceptibility to these conditions. This means that if
there’s a family history of Spondyloarthritis, your risk might be higher.

Exploring the Major Types of Spondyloarthropathies

‘The term Spondyloarthritis isn’t a singular diagnosis but rather an umbrella term
encompassing several distinct yet related conditions. Understanding these different types can
provide clarity and guide the path to effective management. The major types include:

Ankylosing Spondylitis: This is perhaps the most well-known type, primarily
affecting the spine. Inflammation in the sacroiliac joints (where the spine connects to
the pelvis) can lead to pain and stiffness that may eventually cause the vertebrae to
fuse together, limiting mobility.
Psoriatic Arthritis: This condition is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition
characterized by red, scaly rashes. However, psoriatic arthritis can also occur
independently of noticeable skin issues. It can affect joints throughout the body,
including the spine, and often involves the fingers and toes.
Reactive Arthritis: This type of Spondyloarthritis is often triggered by a bacterial
infection, usually in the urinary tract, genitals, or intestines. Symptoms typically
develop weeks after the infection and can include joint pain, eye inflammation
(conjunctivitis or uveitis), and urinary problems.
Enteropathic Arthritis: This form of Spondyloarthritis is linked to inflammatory
bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Joint pain and
inflammation often flare up alongside digestive symptoms.

Recognizing the Diverse Signs and Symptoms of Spondyloarthritis

The manifestations of Spondyloarthritis can vary significantly from person to person,
depending on the specific type and the areas of the body affected. However, some common
signs and symptoms include:

Persistent Back Pain: Often described as inflammatory back pain, it tends to be
worse in the morning or after periods of rest and improves with movement. This pain
may radiate to the buttocks and thighs.
Debilitating Fatigue: More than just feeling tired, the fatigue associated with
Spondyloarthritis can be overwhelming and significantly impact daily activities.
Arthritis in Other Joints: Beyond the spine, inflammation can affect other joints,
particularly the hips, knees, ankles, and small joints of the hands and feet.
Digestive Disturbances: Issues like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and other signs of
indigestion can be present, especially in enteropathic arthritis.
Swelling of Fingers and Toes (Dactylitis): This characteristic "sausage-like"
swelling of the entire digit can be a prominent feature in some forms of
Spondyloarthritis.
Eye Inflammation (Uveitis): Redness, pain, and blurred vision in the eyes can occur
and require prompt attention.
Skin Rashes: The scaly patches of psoriasis may be present in psoriatic arthritis.
Pain at Tendon and Ligament Attachment Points (Enthesitis): This can manifest
as pain in areas like the heels (Achilles tendonitis), the soles of the feet (plantar
fasciitis), or around the elbows.
It’s crucial to recognize that not everyone with Spondyloarthritis will experience all of these symptoms. The presentation can be unique to each individual.

Finding Your Path to Healing: Ayurvedic Treatment at Shree Kriya Hospital

At Shree Kriya Ayurveda Hospital in Chennai, we believe in addressing Spondyloarthritis
with a personalized and comprehensive Ayurvedic approach. Our experienced Ayurvedic
physicians conduct thorough assessments to understand your specific constitution (Prakriti),
the imbalances (Vikriti) contributing to your condition, and the unique way Spondyloarthritis
manifests in your body.
Our treatment protocols are tailored to your individual needs and typically involve a
combination of internal medications and specialized Ayurvedic therapies aimed at:

Symptomatic Management: We utilize potent Ayurvedic formulations to alleviate
pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility. These internal medications
work synergistically to provide relief from the discomfort associated with
Spondyloarthritis.
Pacification of Vata and Rakta: In Ayurveda, Spondyloarthritis is often understood
as an imbalance of the Vata dosha (responsible for movement and pain) and the Rakta
dhatu (blood tissue, associated with inflammation). Our treatments focus on restoring
the balance of these vital energies.
Rukshanam (Removing Ama): Ama refers to metabolic toxins that can accumulate
in the body and contribute to inflammation and disease. Rukshanam therapies, which
involve drying and scraping techniques, help to eliminate these toxins.
Snehana (Oleation Therapy): Therapeutic application of medicated oils, both internally and externally, helps to lubricate the joints, reduce stiffness, and pacify aggravated Vata.
Swedanam (Sudation Therapy): Various forms of therapeutic sweating, including Dhara Karma (continuous pouring of medicated liquids over the body), help to detoxify the tissues, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain and stiffness.
Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): This controlled detoxification process helps to eliminate excess Pitta (the dosha associated with heat and inflammation) from the body.
Vasti (Medicated Enema): Considered a cornerstone of Ayurvedic treatment, Vasti involves the administration of medicated oils or herbal decoctions through the rectal route. It is particularly beneficial for balancing Vata dosha and addressing musculoskeletal conditions.
Lepanam (Medicated Paste Application): Topical application of herbal pastes helps to reduce localized pain and inflammation.
Ashchotana (Eye Washing): For individuals experiencing eye inflammation (uveitis), specific Ayurvedic eye washes can provide relief.
Netraseka (Eye Therapy): This involves gently pouring medicated liquids over the eyes to soothe inflammation and improve vision.

Beyond these therapies, our approach at Shree Kriya Hospital emphasizes lifestyle
modifications, dietary recommendations tailored to your constitution and condition, and
guidance on gentle exercises and yoga practices that can help improve flexibility and reduce
stiffness without exacerbating inflammation.

Embark on Your Healing Journey with Shree Kriya Hospital

Living with Spondyloarthritis can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to define your life. At
Shree Kriya Ayurveda Hospital in Chennai, we offer a compassionate and holistic path
towards managing your condition and improving your overall well-being. Our experienced
team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care and empowering you to take
control of your health.

If you are seeking a natural and effective approach to Spondyloarthritis management, we
invite you to connect with us at Shree Kriya Ayurveda Hospital. Let us guide you on your
journey towards finding relief, restoring balance, and embracing a healthier, more vibrant
future.