Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, sacroiliac joints (lower back & pelvis), and large joints like shoulders and hips. Over time, it can lead to joint stiffness, fusion of vertebrae, and restricted mobility.
After treating over 6,000 ankylosing spondylitis patients, we found that spondylitis stem from an immune system response that mistakenly attacks the joints. But why does the immune system react this way? The root causes (Mental stress, Physical stress, Digestive issues, Hidden infections and Climate ) trigger this response, leading to joint damage.
To effectively treat arthritis, we must address its root causes, as only root-cause treatment leads to true recovery.
Possible root causes of ankylosing spondylitis in patients?
We are mostly focused on arthritis treatment from last 9 years, with our experience with different patients, we concluded there five root causes we usually get with almost all patients. Which are:
1. Hidden infections – Hidden infections (also called silent infections or low-grade infections) can contribute to the development of arthritis. These infections may not cause obvious symptoms but can trigger chronic inflammation, leading to joint damage over time.
Hidden infections lead to Arthritis by :
- Immune System Overactivation: Persistent infections can keep the immune system in a constant state of alert, increasing inflammation in the body.
- Molecular Mimicry: Some infections trick the immune system into attacking joint tissues, mistaking them for harmful invaders.
- Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut: Infections in the gut can lead to toxins and bacteria entering the bloodstream, triggering inflammation in the joints.
- Toxin Buildup: Some hidden infections release toxins that damage cartilage and trigger autoimmune responses.
Common Infections Linked to Arthritis:
- Bacterial Infections – Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi), Mycoplasma, Streptococcus
- Viral Infections – Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Hepatitis, Parvovirus
- Gut Infections – H. pylori, Candida overgrowth, Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)
- Urinary & Reproductive Infections – Chlamydia, Ureaplasma
Arthritis Types Linked to Hidden Infections:
- Reactive Arthritis – Triggered by infections in the gut, urinary tract, or respiratory system.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – Some studies suggest chronic infections may trigger autoimmune responses.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis – Linked to gut infections and chronic inflammation.
2. Mental stress (overthinking) – It can lead to arthritis or worsen its symptoms through several mechanisms:
- Increased Inflammation – Chronic stress triggers the release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to long-term inflammation, a key factor in arthritis development.
- Weakened Immune System – Prolonged stress disrupts immune function, making the body more prone to autoimmune reactions where the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues, as seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Muscle Tension & Joint Strain – Stress causes muscle stiffness and tension, increasing strain on joints and worsening pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.
- Unhealthy Lifestyle Choices – Stress often leads to poor dietary habits, lack of exercise, and sleep disturbances, all of which contribute to inflammation and joint deterioration.
- Gut Health & Autoimmune Connection – Stress negatively impacts gut health, which plays a crucial role in immune regulation. A disrupted gut microbiome can trigger immune system imbalances, potentially leading to arthritis.
3. Physical stress – It can contribute to arthritis or worsen its symptoms in several ways:
- Joint Wear & Tear – Repetitive movements, overuse, or heavy physical labor can cause cartilage breakdown, leading to osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.
- Injury & Trauma – Past injuries, such as fractures or ligament tears, can lead to post-traumatic arthritis by accelerating joint degeneration and inflammation.
- Inflammation & Autoimmune Response – Chronic physical stress can trigger inflammation, which may activate the immune system abnormally, leading to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Poor Posture & Muscle Imbalance – Improper posture or prolonged strain on certain joints can cause misalignment, increasing stress on the joints and contributing to arthritis.
- Obesity & Excess Weight – Carrying extra weight places additional stress on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, leading to faster cartilage degeneration.
- Nutrient Deficiency Due to Overexertion – Intense physical exertion without proper recovery can deplete essential nutrients needed for joint health, weakening cartilage and connective tissues.
4. Digestive issues – It can contribute to arthritis in several ways:
- Leaky Gut Syndrome (Intestinal Permeability) – A damaged gut lining allows toxins and undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that can lead to autoimmune arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Gut Microbiome Imbalance (Dysbiosis) – An unhealthy balance of gut bacteria can cause chronic inflammation, increasing the risk of inflammatory arthritis conditions like psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
- Nutrient Malabsorption – Poor digestion can lead to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals essential for joint health, such as vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids, weakening cartilage and increasing inflammation.
- Chronic Inflammation – Digestive disorders like IBS, IBD, gastritis, and Crohn’s disease create systemic inflammation, which can spread to the joints, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Food Sensitivities & Autoimmunity – Certain foods, like gluten or dairy, can trigger immune reactions in sensitive individuals, worsening inflammation and contributing to autoimmune arthritis.
5. Climate – climate can contribute to arthritis symptoms. Cold, damp, or fluctuating weather conditions may worsen joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, especially in people with arthritis.
How We Treat Ankylosing Sponsylitis
We believe that Ankylosing Spondylitis arises from a Vata-Kapha imbalance in the body, often triggered by mental stress, physical strain, poor diet, hidden infections, and environmental factors. Instead of just managing symptoms, we take a personalized approach, identifying the root cause and underlying imbalances in each patient to promote long-term healing.
How we treat Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Step 1 – Talk to the patient, do pulse diagnosis and try to find out the root cause of the disease.
Step 2 – Once root cause is identified, then we try to target the root cause with diet, lifestyle changes, ayurvedic therapies (if needed) and ayurvedic medications.
Step 3 – Once the root cause is resolved, the patient fully recovers. To prevent arthritis from returning, we help patients understand their triggers and maintain a healthy lifestyle to keep their immune system balanced.
Effective treatment is a team effort between us and the patient
What We Offer:
- Honesty – We believe in complete transparency. We don’t make false promises; instead, we provide realistic expectations based on the patient’s condition. Our guidance is always truthful, ensuring the best possible path to recovery.
- Our Commitment – We assure you that we will use our best knowledge, experience, and dedication to provide the most effective treatment for your recovery.
- Targeting the root – We focus on treating the root cause of the disease rather than just providing temporary symptom relief. Our approach goes beyond arthritis treatment—we guide our patients toward overall health and well-being, ensuring long-term healing and balance.
- Three month approach – We are dedicated to providing the best possible treatment and expect patients to follow our guidance consistently for up to three months. When both the doctor and patient give 100% effort, significant relief is typically achieved. In rare cases where there is no improvement within this period, we may suggest exploring other options. However, such cases are uncommon, as we have been successfully treating arthritis patients for the past nine years.
What we want from our patient
- Trust & Honesty – Healing is a team effort. Patients should trust that we are fully committed to their recovery. At the same time, honesty is crucial—sharing accurate details about health and lifestyle helps us provide the best possible treatment. A strong partnership built on trust and transparency leads to better results.
- Positive Thinking – With so much information available today, the human mind is naturally drawn to negativity. However, a positive mindset is the foundation of healing—more important than any medication.
- Believe – Believe in your recovery, and your body will follow. Without belief, true healing is not possible.
- Discipline & Consistency – Successful recovery requires commitment. Following our guidance on diet, lifestyle, and mindset with discipline ensures the best results. Healing is a process, and consistency plays a key role in achieving lasting relief.
- Doubt – Taking treatment while constantly doubting its effectiveness can hinder recovery. Doubts create roadblocks, making the treatment a waste of time and money. If you’re unsure, it’s best to ask questions, clear your doubts, and commit with confidence before starting any treatment.
