The National Institutes of Health defines complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not presently considered to be a part of conventional medicine. CAM therapies used alone are often referred to as “alternative.” When used in addition to conventional medicine, they may be referred to as “complementary.” The list of what is considered to be CAM changes continually, as those therapies that are proven to be safe and effective become adopted into conventional health care and as new approaches to health care emerge.
Americans spend more than $1 billion a year on nontraditional treatments for arthritis. The reasons for seeking CAM treatments vary – many people want relief for pain and suffering that traditional medications have not provided; they hope to avoid potentially serious side effects associated with such medications; and certain conventional medical and surgical treatments cost more than many people can afford.
Although there has been no rigorous scientific evidence to support the use of CAM by people with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its related diseases, some patients have benefited from such treatments.
Prior to beginning any new treatment (whether it be traditional or CAM), it is important to discuss the therapy with all of your doctors.
For additional information to assist you in your decision-making about CAM, please refer to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Some people with spondylitis swear by regular chiropractic sessions, but doctors do not recommend this treatment for ankylosing spondylitis.
"Anyone with limited spinal mobility due to [ankylosing spondylitis] should avoid manipulation of their back or neck by chiropractors and masseurs because it can be dangerous," claims Dr. Muhammad Asim Khan, rheumatologist and AS patient. Dr. Khan explains that chiropractic treatments have sometimes inadvertently led to spinal fractures and neurological complications, especially in individuals with fusion (extra bone growth) due to spondylitis.
— "Ankylosing Spondylitis: The Facts (Oxford Medical Publications)" by Dr. Muhammad Asim Khan, member of the Spondylitis Association of America Medical and Scientific Advisory Board.
The following statement outlines what Medical Cannabis is, the possible effects, and current regulations. This information is being provided to help improve the conversation between those living with spondyloarthritis and their physicians, and ultimately foster a shared decision making model.
The exact way in which acupuncture works on the body remains unclear, but stimulation of acupuncture points by puncturing the skin with hair-thin needles may lead to release by the brain and spinal cord of opium-like molecules that help relieve pain.
Some research suggests that acupuncture relieves pain in some people, and is safe if performed by a trained professional using sterile or disposable needles. More scientific studies are underway to help determine its effect on various forms of arthritis.
Treatments may be time-consuming and expensive, although some health plans cover a certain number of acupuncture treatments per year for a variety of conditions.
Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and can greatly benefit people with spondylitis under the instruction of a knowledgeable instructor who can tailor the program to the individual.
Many people with spondylitis find therapeutic massage very helpful. If done carefully, it can be a beneficial tool for pain relief and stress reduction. If a massage therapist is aware of a person’s spondylitis and understands the disease and any potential manipulation issues, gentle massage can help promote well-being. It may provide temporary relief of pain or stiffness and, in some cases, improve flexibility because of increased blood circulation.
Some people with spondylitis, however, cannot tolerate the procedure due to increased pain as a result of the massage. Others attribute massage as a trigger for disease flare-ups.
Check with your health insurance providers on whether they cover massage treatment in your plan and, if so, ask how often massage is covered.
TENS stands for “transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation.” The American Physical Therapy Association defines TENS as the application of electrical current through the skin for pain control (APTA, 1990). The unit is usually connected to the skin using two or more electrodes. A typical battery-operated TENS unit is able to modulate pulse width, frequency, and intensity.
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