Ankylosing Spondylitis

The bamboo spine is the final stage where the ossification of spinal ligaments (syndesmophyte formation) is completed throughout the entire spine. Since biological agents such as TNF inhibitors and IL-17 inhibitors became commonplace, the rate of progression to this stage has decreased significantly compared to the past. Smoking, high CRP levels, and loss of lumbar mobility are strong predictors of structural progression, while early intervention and regular exercise are protective factors. In Korean medicine, the process of spinal stiffening is interpreted as a result of weakened kidney energy leading to a lack of bone nutrition, causing hardened blood and sticky waste products to adhere to the qi and blood pathways. Although it is difficult to reverse changes in the bone once they have formed, the progression can be slowed down by continuing treatment that reinforces both the calm and warm energies of the kidneys and removes hardened blood and waste products while flexibility still remains. Dongjedang focuses on preserving joint mobility as much as possible by combining external treatments that maintain the flexibility of surrounding soft tissues with internal treatments that support bone metabolism.