ankylosing spondylitis

[`Jana]

soo,

my girlfriend (who will be my most frequent client once i move back east) has this, as rare as it is in women. she can't afford to go to a rheumatologist, but her father has it and she has two of the telltale symptoms-lumbar spinal fusion and iritis. now, i worked on her twice when i was visiting home for spring break. i did some really focused work, and the 6 vertebrae that had begun fusing together came apart, except for 2 of them. this was all well and good, except for the excrutiating pain she felt afterwards, and also for several weeks afterwards. there are irregular gaps between the vertebrae (large ones, just before and after the fusion area), but this was the case before i even touched her when i was assessing her spine.

when i took pathology, i was told that prevention-wise, massage was one of the best treatments you can provide for the early onsets of AS. watching her in so much pain, however, did a number on us both. i am nervous to touch her again.

what i'm thinking is complementary therapy should be chiropractics immediately preceding or following a massage of this type. i just don't know for sure. she said after i worked on her, although the fusion broke apart, her back felt weak, like she was just going break in half. she could barely stand. she is 22, too young to be in this kind of agony. (then again, no one is old enough to be in this kind of agony.) does anyone have any insight on this?

greatly appreciated,

robyn k.

 

[Arizona Knight Wolf]

ankylosing spondylitis

does anyone have any insight on this?

greatly appreciated,

robyn k.

If she is going to see a DC, I recommend making sure to let them know exactly what is going on before she makes the appointment. It would really make sense to talk to the DC prior to going in at all. She needs to be comfortable that they will have some sort of game plan as to how they will work with her and if they have worked with anyone with AS previously. Just because it is studied in school doesn't mean that all DC's are going to be good at working with this problem. She'll really need one that will listen to her.

I'd lean toward acupuncture to be real honest. Have a friend who recieved chiro for AS and had a devil of a time with his breathing and subsequent pain after all visits. I worked with a man with Forestier's (similar to AS) and chiropractic was what he really appreciated. It is going to of course depend on the individual, but for starters she may also consider a DC who practices DNFT (Direct Non-Force Technique) or Activator if she is hesitant.

Just a few thoughts going through my mind.

 

[Woot!]

ankylosing spondylitis

I'd lean toward acupuncture to be real honest.

i agree

 

[CanineTruth]

thanks.. for some reason i had this mental structure around chiro and suggesting acupuncture didn't even cross my mind.

i appreciate the input!

 

[SunNeko]

treating spondylosis....

I also have a friend who has been suffering with this condition for a while. She's one of those people that must be convinced that alternative therapies have proven to be a better option for treatment. (ok, not everyone is the same...BUT) Her doctor has her on chemotherapy drugs for tx, and it also affects the eye, requiring injections in the eye.

She is finally realizing that conventional medicines- particularly chemo is really hard on the liver and joints over time. therefore trading one symptoms for another. I have given her a referral for acpuncture to see if this will give her some relief.

I think one of the most important factors is diet- the more white flour and sugars that are consumed in the body increases the release of Substance P- the neurotransmitter that sends pain signals. If there is high ammounts, there will be more inflammation in the body, especially the joints. When I discussed that with her, she did say that she indulges into sugar often.
I find it sad that doctors never discuss this with patients. As I've said in many posts, food is so often over looked as medicine. Many docs that I have worked with not only are clueless about good nutrition, they feel that no one will listen if they lecture about diet. Well, hello it's called educating people. It requires a few more minutes than writing a prescription.
I don't know about anyone else, but I'd have to be dying in seforum.xxxe 4 cancer to accept chemo. :shock:

 

[IamTheBest]

treating spondylosis....

I also have a friend who has been suffering with this condition for a while. She's one of those people that must be convinced that alternative therapies have proven to be a better option for treatment. (ok, not everyone is the same...BUT) Her doctor has her on chemotherapy drugs for tx, and it also affects the eye, requiring injections in the eye.

I have to say, I have never heard of chemo for AS. So, I looked it up. Some interesting info out there. Here's a little sample.

1: Z Gesamte Inn Med. 1977 Jul 15;32(14):343-7. Related Articles, Links


[Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis]

[Article in German]

Otto W, Tautenhahn B, Hantzschel H, Romhild N.

Due to the unknown etiology of the ankylosing spondylarthritis up to now a causal therapy is not possible. By complex methods of treatment, consisting of chemo- and physiotherapeutic measures we succeed in controlling the course of the disease in as far that the most severe morphological lesions may be prevented. Decisive is the use of a basis therapeutic, in which case chlorochine has been proved favourable. In the last years by optimum dispensary care of these patients with regular controls of the course and controls of the therapy as well as use of all possible rehabilitation measures the premature rate of invalidisation could be reduced from about 50% to 10%. When the disease is recognized in the prodromal phase there exists established hope of preventing severe morphological lesions.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 411270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Methotrexate
Originally developed to treat cancer, this chemotherapy drug is widely used and often very effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When prescribed for treating ankylosing spondylitis, it is given in much smaller doses. Methotrexate can either be taken via a self-injectable shot, or orally in tablet form. When taking methotrexate, it is also necessary to take the vitamin folic acid in order to help suppress possible side effects.

Oral ulcers and nausea are the most common side effects, but can be minimized by taking folic acid. Because of other potential serious side effects, the frequent monitoring of blood counts and liver tests are required.

The Biologics: TNF Inhibitors
The Tumor-Necrosis-Factor alpha (TNF-a) blockers are biologic medications that have shown great promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis. Studies have shown that these drugs can potentially slow or even halt the progression of AS in some people. They have also been shown to be highly effective in treating not only the arthritis of the joints but the spinal arthritis associated with AS.

Straight Talk on Spondyllitis - This book is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive resource available to help people understand and manage ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.

In July of 2003, the first biologic medication was approved by the FDA for use in treating ankylosing spondylitis: Enbrel (etanercept). It is a self-injectable medication administered either once or twice a week.

The second medication in this class to be approved by the FDA for treating ankylosing spondylitis is named Remicade (infliximab). It was approved in December of 2004. Remicade is administered as an intravenous infusion in the doctor's office every six-to-eight weeks.

The other TNF-a blocker that has been prescribed off-label for AS, but has not yet gained FDA approval for the treatment of AS, specifically, is Humira (adalimumab). Humira is also an injectable medication, though only every other week, and normally self-injected.

The most serious known side effect of the TNF blockers is an increased frequency of infections, especially tuberculosis. Thus, a TB test is usually required before starting any of the TNF therapies. A very rare possible complication is increased frequency of cancer, especially of the blood (leukemia) or of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).

 

[thedeadmanuu]

treating spondylosis....

I also have a friend who has been suffering with this condition for a while. She's one of those people that must be convinced that alternative therapies have proven to be a better option for treatment. (ok, not everyone is the same...BUT) Her doctor has her on chemotherapy drugs for tx, and it also affects the eye, requiring injections in the eye.

I have to say, I have never heard of chemo for AS. So, I looked it up. Some interesting info out there. Here's a little sample.

1: Z Gesamte Inn Med. 1977 Jul 15;32(14):343-7. Related Articles, Links


[Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis]

[Article in German]

Otto W, Tautenhahn B, Hantzschel H, Romhild N.

Due to the unknown etiology of the ankylosing spondylarthritis up to now a causal therapy is not possible. By complex methods of treatment, consisting of chemo- and physiotherapeutic measures we succeed in controlling the course of the disease in as far that the most severe morphological lesions may be prevented. Decisive is the use of a basis therapeutic, in which case chlorochine has been proved favourable. In the last years by optimum dispensary care of these patients with regular controls of the course and controls of the therapy as well as use of all possible rehabilitation measures the premature rate of invalidisation could be reduced from about 50% to 10%. When the disease is recognized in the prodromal phase there exists established hope of preventing severe morphological lesions.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 411270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

From: http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_med.aspx

Methotrexate
Originally developed to treat cancer, this chemotherapy drug is widely used and often very effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When prescribed for treating ankylosing spondylitis, it is given in much smaller doses. Methotrexate can either be taken via a self-injectable shot, or orally in tablet form. When taking methotrexate, it is also necessary to take the vitamin folic acid in order to help suppress possible side effects.

Oral ulcers and nausea are the most common side effects, but can be minimized by taking folic acid. Because of other potential serious side effects, the frequent monitoring of blood counts and liver tests are required.

The Biologics: TNF Inhibitors
The Tumor-Necrosis-Factor alpha (TNF-a) blockers are biologic medications that have shown great promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis. Studies have shown that these drugs can potentially slow or even halt the progression of AS in some people. They have also been shown to be highly effective in treating not only the arthritis of the joints but the spinal arthritis associated with AS.

Straight Talk on Spondyllitis - This book is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive resource available to help people understand and manage ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.

In July of 2003, the first biologic medication was approved by the FDA for use in treating ankylosing spondylitis: Enbrel (etanercept). It is a self-injectable medication administered either once or twice a week.

The second medication in this class to be approved by the FDA for treating ankylosing spondylitis is named Remicade (infliximab). It was approved in December of 2004. Remicade is administered as an intravenous infusion in the doctor's office every six-to-eight weeks.

The other TNF-a blocker that has been prescribed off-label for AS, but has not yet gained FDA approval for the treatment of AS, specifically, is Humira (adalimumab). Humira is also an injectable medication, though only every other week, and normally self-injected.

The most serious known side effect of the TNF blockers is an increased frequency of infections, especially tuberculosis. Thus, a TB test is usually required before starting any of the TNF therapies. A very rare possible complication is increased frequency of cancer, especially of the blood (leukemia) or of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).

 

[Pal]

treating spondylosis....

I also have a friend who has been suffering with this condition for a while. She's one of those people that must be convinced that alternative therapies have proven to be a better option for treatment. (ok, not everyone is the same...BUT) Her doctor has her on chemotherapy drugs for tx, and it also affects the eye, requiring injections in the eye.

I have to say, I have never heard of chemo for AS. So, I looked it up. Some interesting info out there. Here's a little sample.

1: Z Gesamte Inn Med. 1977 Jul 15;32(14):343-7. Related Articles, Links


[Therapy of ankylosing spondylitis]

[Article in German]

Otto W, Tautenhahn B, Hantzschel H, Romhild N.

Due to the unknown etiology of the ankylosing spondylarthritis up to now a causal therapy is not possible. By complex methods of treatment, consisting of chemo- and physiotherapeutic measures we succeed in controlling the course of the disease in as far that the most severe morphological lesions may be prevented. Decisive is the use of a basis therapeutic, in which case chlorochine has been proved favourable. In the last years by optimum dispensary care of these patients with regular controls of the course and controls of the therapy as well as use of all possible rehabilitation measures the premature rate of invalidisation could be reduced from about 50% to 10%. When the disease is recognized in the prodromal phase there exists established hope of preventing severe morphological lesions.

Publication Types:
Review

PMID: 411270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

From: http://www.spondylitis.org/about/as_med.aspx

Methotrexate
Originally developed to treat cancer, this chemotherapy drug is widely used and often very effective for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. When prescribed for treating ankylosing spondylitis, it is given in much smaller doses. Methotrexate can either be taken via a self-injectable shot, or orally in tablet form. When taking methotrexate, it is also necessary to take the vitamin folic acid in order to help suppress possible side effects.

Oral ulcers and nausea are the most common side effects, but can be minimized by taking folic acid. Because of other potential serious side effects, the frequent monitoring of blood counts and liver tests are required.

The Biologics: TNF Inhibitors
The Tumor-Necrosis-Factor alpha (TNF-a) blockers are biologic medications that have shown great promise in treating ankylosing spondylitis. Studies have shown that these drugs can potentially slow or even halt the progression of AS in some people. They have also been shown to be highly effective in treating not only the arthritis of the joints but the spinal arthritis associated with AS.

Straight Talk on Spondyllitis - This book is internationally recognized as the most comprehensive resource available to help people understand and manage ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.

In July of 2003, the first biologic medication was approved by the FDA for use in treating ankylosing spondylitis: Enbrel (etanercept). It is a self-injectable medication administered either once or twice a week.

The second medication in this class to be approved by the FDA for treating ankylosing spondylitis is named Remicade (infliximab). It was approved in December of 2004. Remicade is administered as an intravenous infusion in the doctor's office every six-to-eight weeks.

The other TNF-a blocker that has been prescribed off-label for AS, but has not yet gained FDA approval for the treatment of AS, specifically, is Humira (adalimumab). Humira is also an injectable medication, though only every other week, and normally self-injected.

The most serious known side effect of the TNF blockers is an increased frequency of infections, especially tuberculosis. Thus, a TB test is usually required before starting any of the TNF therapies. A very rare possible complication is increased frequency of cancer, especially of the blood (leukemia) or of the lymphatic system (lymphoma).

 

[glowingdevil63]

Hi all,
There is a gentleman that recieves hair cuts from my mother who has Ankylosing Spondylitis. He is in his late 50's early 60's and in the very advanced seforum.xxxes of AS. This disease is affecting every joint in his bod, including the synovial joints now.
He wanted to try massage to see if it would make his pain lessen, so we did a few chair massages (he can not lay on a table comfortably, even with proper bolstering. He sleeps sitting in a chair at home versus his hospital bed because of the pain) and after about 4 20 minute sessions, he said it was not helping, but in fact hurting more.
I, of course, massaged with extreme caution as he is on many pain killers and we just wanted to see where it would take us.
He recieves IV injections once every 6 weeks or so for the pain, and feels immediate relif.
I am just wondering if there is anything else I can suggest to him that may help as far as self care, and alternative therapies.
Thanks for the previous imput, I will relay about the sugars and dietary concerns, and about the book (although I am sure he has it already. He's known about this disease for years now)