Description

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the spine and other joints, leading to pain and stiffness: 

AS can also affect other organs, including the eyes, bowels, and heart:

• Eyes: Acute anterior uveitis, which can cause painful, red eyes that are uncomfortable in bright light
• Bowels: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or colitis, which can be characterized by diarrhea, bloody stools, or slimy stools
• Heart: Increased risk of cardiovascular disease 

AS is more common and more severe in men, and it often runs in families. There’s no cure for AS, but treatments can help relieve symptoms and slow its progression. Treatments include:

• Exercise
• Physiotherapy
• Medicine, such as painkillers and anti-TNF medication 

Early symptoms of AS often start in late adolescence or early adulthood. A diagnosis is based on a physical exam, medical history, and imaging or blood tests

Can Yoga & Meditation help manage Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Yoga and meditation can help manage ankylosing spondylitis (AS): 

• Improves quality of life: Yoga can improve the quality of life for people with AS. 
• Improves spinal flexibility: Yoga can help improve spinal flexibility and lung function. 
• Reduces pain: Yoga can help manage pain for people with AS. 
• Strengthens core muscles: Yoga can strengthen core muscles and stretch back muscles to support the spine. 
• Reduces stress and anxiety: Yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety. 
• Improves mental state: Yoga can improve mental state. 
• Improves symptom scores: Yoga can improve symptom scores. 
• Reduces use of pain medications: Yoga can reduce the use of pain medications. 

One study found that a two-week yoga intervention significantly improved: Sit-and-reach test scores, Systolic blood pressure scores, and Heart rate scores.