Chiropractic Treatment And Care For Ankylosing Spondylitis

"The power of the human body to recover when given a chance is amazing." - Dr. Charles V. Nicolai

Ankylosing Spondylitis, also known as AS, is a form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sometimes causes inflammation in other joints. AS responds to chiropractic care, however not with the typical approach of unlocking 'stuck' joints in the spine.

Special care must be taken when treating a patient with AS. AS affects the spine by fusing vertebra together. With xray and mri imaging, the levels can be identified. Gentle stretching and techniques that address the soft tissues, the related muscles, tendons and the myofascial levels are helpful.

There are many chiropractic techniques that do not 'click' or 'pop' the vertebra. Protocols like Activator, ART, Myofascial Release, Pilates and Yoga are used along with gentle exercise to help people with AS remain flexible and reduce the pain associated with the condition.

Chiropractic not only relaxes the spinal joints, but more importantly for patients with AS, relaxes and calms the nervous system dysfunction that is associated with decreased spinal mobility. Chiropractic adjustments for the hips, legs and shoulders and areas above or below the areas affected with AS, also help keep patients more mobile and active.

Improving overall posture is also helpful for people with AS. Chiropractors, in general, are posture specialists and can provide guidance for workplace ergonomics and activities of daily living at home. Gentle is the key for exercise, swimming and warm water therapy are also helpful.

If someone has been diagnosed with AS, consulting a chiropractor and a physical therapist along with the rheumatologist and orthopedist is wise teamwork for optimum success in dealing with the management of Ankylosing Spondylitis.

It is important for anyone who is a chiropractor to treat the whole person, not just the spine. The spine protects the nervous system and the nervous system coordinates the functions of the body. Optimizing your nervous system function can improve overall physiology. Increasing quality of life is the goal with any chronic arthritic condition.

For people with AS, gentle chiropractic care can help increase overall flexibility, decrease pain and improve quality of life.