When you are suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, a very painful form of arthritis that generates in the spine and may then spread out to other joints, you may wonder what hope you will have of a normal, less painful life. Through conventional medicine, you may be able to treat your ankylosing spondylitis with NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) or even surgery if your condition is severe enough. You may be looking for alternative medicine options that you can use in addition to conventional prescription medications. Get to know some of these alternative medicine options and choose which ones are right for you. 

Chiropractic Care

Oftentimes, if a person already goes to a chiropractor regularly, it is the chiropractor who is the first to notice ankylosing spondylitis. This is because they are experts in spinal care and can recognize symptoms early on. 

Additionally, chiropractic care can help to manage and treat ankylosing spondylitis. If you choose to see a chiropractor for your pain and stiffness due to your spinal arthritis, be sure to choose one who has experience in working with patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Additionally, be sure that your chiropractor and doctor communicate with one another and work collaboratively to develop a treatment program that is safe and effective. While some doctors do not recommend spinal manipulations for ankylosing spondylitis, chiropractic care can still be a significant part of a treatment program.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another alternative medicine treatment option that may be useful in helping you deal with your ankylosing spondylitis. Acupuncture is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine treatment that involves the flow of energy throughout the body. 

According to acupuncture, the human body is run by a series of flowing energies. When energy flows are disrupted or blocked, health issues and chronic pain may be the result. Using thin needles, an acupuncturist will access specific energy points all throughout the body to un-block those energy flows.

In the case of ankylosing spondylitis, an acupuncturist will access points along the spine, neck, and other regions of the body. The acupuncture treatments will help to relieve pain, at least temporarily, from ankylosing spondylitis. This is not a permanent solution, and you will require regular treatments to continue to feel the benefits and effects.

Now that you have an idea of some of the alternative medicine options for treating your ankylosing spondylitis, you can schedule the appointments you need to help control your symptoms and get your spinal arthritis under control.