What is spondylitis and to what extent ashtanga yoga can comfort or discomfort it
What is spondylitis?
Spondylitis is a common condition, which can be described as an inflammation that affects the spinal joint. Also known as ankylosing spondylitis, cervical spondylitis or simply ankylosis, this condition affects thousands of men and women all across the world. According to the spondylitis definition, it is a chronic disease which is characterized by pain, swelling and inflammation in the joints that lie between the spinal vertebrae and the joints that are between the pelvis and the spine, i.e., the sacroiliac joints. However, it is possible for the spondylitis disease to cause pain and inflammation in other parts of the body as well. Although this is a serious condition, it can be treated so that the symptoms are controlled. However, before proceeding with spondylitis treatment, it is important to undergo a spondylitis diagnosis, to identify how severe this condition is.
Spondylitis belongs to a group of conditions known as spondyloarthropathy. This group of conditions also includes other spinal related infections, inflammations and disorders, such as spondylosis, spondylolysis, spondylothesis, spondylolisthesis and sacroiliitis.
Spondylitis causes
There is no specific cause for spondylitis, because a person’s genetic make up is believed to trigger off the condition. The presence of a particular gene, commonly referred to, as HLA-B27 is said to increase a person’s risks of suffering from this condition. However, this condition can progress at a fair pace. If the inflammation persists for a long period of time, the body may try to create a new bone in an attempt to expedite the healing process. This in turn causes the vertebrae to grow together and forms bony vertical outgrowths that are inflexible and stiff.
Spondylitis symptoms
The signs and symptoms that are associated with spondylitis may vary, depending upon the stage in which it condition is. Some of the common spondylitis symptoms in the initial stages are:
- Severe and chronic pain in the hips and the lower back, especially after a long period of inactivity, like the morning
- Extreme stiffness in the hip area or the lower back
As the condition progresses, the symptoms may change either way. In some people the symptoms improve and gradually disappear, over a period of time. However, it is more likely for the symptoms to worsen, if the condition is left unchecked. Some of the common symptoms of spondylitis in the progressed stages are severe pain and inflammation in:
• Ligaments and tendons
• The eyes
• The joints that are between the spine and ribs
• Shoulder joints, hip joints, knees and feet.
However, if the condition is still not treated, it could reach an advanced stage, where the symptoms that may be visible are:
- Chronic stooping
- Restricted expansion of the chest
- Fatigue
- Inflexibility and stiffness in the spine
- Weight loss
- Lack of appetite
- Bowel inflammation
- Uveitis or an inflammation in the eye
It may be best to call a doctor and seek medical help in case the spondylitis symptoms include neck pain.
Spondylitis treatment
The treatment of spondylitis is mainly aimed at relieving the pain and stiffness that generally accompanies this condition. It also helps prevent the condition from worsening or leading to spinal deformities. Therefore, it is best to go in form spondylitis treatment, before the condition can cause any serious damage to the joints. The medical treatment options used by doctors as a part of spondylitis treatment are:
- Medication, which include NSAIDS, Disease Modifying Antiheumatic Drugs and Corticosteroids
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
In addition to conventional spondylitis treatment options, there are several people who establish a workout routine for this condition, which not only includes spondylitis exercises, but may also consist of a few asanas (poses) in yoga for spondylitis. In fact, health experts too recommend a good spondylitis exercise program, for maintaining better flexibility and posture. Some of the most commonly recommended spondylitis exercises are stretches, side bends, deep breathing, neck stretches and tilts and waist turns. Some of the yoga poses that can help alleviate the symptoms caused by spondylitis are:
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
- Bhujangasana (The Cobra Pose)
- Dhanurasana (The Bow Pose)
- Makarasana (The Crocodile Pose)
- Pavanmukhtasana (The Wind Relieving Pose)
- Vajrasana (The Thunderbolt Pose)
- Vrikshasana (The Tree Pose)
There are certain breathing techniques in the Pranayama Series, such as Brahmari (Bumble Bee Breath) that can also help in alleviating the condition.
Neck spondylitis
There are many people who suffer from spondylitis of the neck, which is as common as other types of spondylitis. It can be described as a degenerative disease that affects the spinal bones, present in the neck. The most common causes of neck spondylitis are ageing and excessive strain. The best way to treat this condition is by undergoing physiotherapy, using a cervical collar and taking the right medication.
Spondylitis prognosis
In spite of the fact that there is no cure for spondylitis, most people who suffer from this condition can lead a perfectly normal life, by taking the medications and undergoing therapy or other treatment options that have been recommended. There are a few instances of people who have been disabled by this condition; however, with the right pain management techniques, the inflammation can be controlled and reduced over a period of time. Of course, in addition to conventional treatment options, it is absolutely essential for a person to practice daily exercises and watch the posture of their body at all times.
Fibromyalgia
This can be described as a chronic condition, which is characterized by pain in the muscles, tendons, ligaments. It is also usually accompanied by symptoms like fatigue and tender points. This condition can be seen in about 2% of the total population in the United States. Studies indicate that women are more prone to it than men are. However, the risks of developing fibromyalgia increase in both the genders, with age. The symptoms that are associated with this condition usually only become evident, after a person suffers from a physical or emotional trauma. It is absolutely essential to have this condition closely monitored by a doctor.
Spondylitis is the name of a group of long lasting – or what we call chronic – diseases. Actually, Spondylitis is just an inflammation of the vertebra, an inflammatory arthritis which usually affects the spine, even though other joints and organs can get affected. Unlike many other arthritic (rheumatic) conditions, Spondylitis affects young adults and usually afflicts a person before the age of 35.
Even though, at present, there is no known cure available for the condition, there is a lot you can do by way of educating yourself regarding the condition and its treatments. During recent years, medical science has seen significant advancements in helping alleviate symptoms of spondylitis and the treatment options for those affected are known to greatly reduce the aches and pains.
How Yoga helps in Spondylitis
Recommended poses
- Bhujangasana (Cobra pose)
- Garudasana (Eagle pose)
- Shalabhasana (Locust pose)
- Supta Baddha Konasana(Supine Cobbler’s pose)
- Supta Virasana (Supine Hero’s pose)
- Ushtrasana (Camel pose)
Recommended Pranayamas (breathing exercises)
- Kapalabhatti (Skull Cleansing)
- Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
- Brahmari (Bee Breath)
Remember:
- Poor posture is largely responsible for spondylitis which, usually, develops from environmental factors or faulty up bringing. Chatting, reading, working and watching TV are normally done slouching. Most people are not even aware of how to sit properly. Yoga sets right this basic flaw by correcting all postural and other structural defects.
- Yoga practices also increase strength in the specific muscles and muscle groups in and around the affected area. You don’t have to hold the poses for long if they make you uncomfortable. However, you should concentrate and consciously use specific muscles of your body.
- Yoga poses help improve muscle strength by retaining them for a while and incorporating different movements. Many of the yoga postures gently strengthen the muscles of your back, as well as your abdominal muscles. These muscles are crucial components of the muscular network of your spine. They help your body maintain its correct upright posture and movement. If you condition these muscles well through Yoga practices, you can be greatly reduce, avoid and even eliminate back and neck problems.
- Yoga relaxation greatly reduces stress and tension from the muscles. This is the only reason why you are supposed to hold the gentle, relaxing poses for 10 to 60 seconds. While certain muscles flex, others stretch and this promotes flexibility and relaxation in the muscles and joints.
Can Yoga aggravate symptoms of Spondylitis?
Normally, spondylitis is aggravated by extending (backward bends), and bending your head sideward. Those who have a cervical nerve irritation associated with spondylitis should take care to avoid head movements that aggravate these symptoms. For this reason, all Yoga practices should be done only under expert supervision and guidance.
