(Also Cervical and Lumbar Spondylosis, Sciatica and Gout)

By far the most crippling disease is arthritis,which is supposed to be incurable. Today, the faculty of medicine has further worsened the situation by its indiscriminate use of drugs. However, arthritis can be safely, gradually and progressively controlled, and ultimately cured through a strict diet regimen,passive exercises and some treatments without using medicines under the guidance of Naturopaths.

There are several types of arthritis like Osteo arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Ankylosing Spondylitis.Diet has a major role to play in these crippling diseases. A diet very low in saturated fat, low in protein, high in fibre and without any cholesterol would be the best for prevention of arthritis and is an important element in its treatment. Kidney and gall stones can also be prevented with this diet. Dairy products are injurious to arthritic patients. Gout is a hereditary disease, but it is also caused by certain food items resulting in the formation of excess uric acid.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of chronic inflammatory arthritis. It usually affects the spine and back bone causing joints to fuse by an unusual process of bone formation. The onset of the symptom is gradual over a period of months or years with repeated attacks of low back pain and stiffness. Sometimes the pain radiates to the buttocks or thighs.Characteristically the symptoms are worse in the morning following inactivity. The patient may also have stiff painful hips and a general feeling of stiffness in the spine. As it worsens, the entire spine may be involved, including neck. Restriction of movements of the back may be severe and in some cases, respiration may also be hampered. Unlimited pain killers are given, but they only make the condition worse. The patient needs restoration of mobility and also correction of any misalignment.

Cervical Spondylosis (CS)

Some of the causes of CS are sedentary living, using high pillows, wrong postures, eating rich food including refined stuff, sweets, ghee, fried food,drinking alcohol, beverages, having tension, stress,working long hours with neck kept in the downward position, taking lot of medicines including pain killers when level of uric acid is increased, and doing wrong exercises /Yoga. It is advisable to wear a neck collar, apply some ointment, have fomentation - subject to your doctor’s advice. Keep neck and shoulders warm (covered with a muffler or shawl). For treatment, see chart. Learn suitable exercises from an expert and if you practise daily, you will be able to control this nuisance. Similarly, pain of the lumbar region can be controlled with proper exercises.