Alternative/Natural/Holistic Treatments for AS
Hey Friends,
Just wondering if anyone has tried and found success (or at least relief) from natural or alternative therapies? I feel like allopathic medicine can only take me so far, and honestly hasn't really helped all that much. So I'm keen and open to trying literally ANYTHING else that may help...
For instance- Has anyone tried Biofeedback? Did it help?
Acupuncture?
Juice cleanses?
Functional medicine?
... fecal transplants??
Let me know! It would be great to talk about these options.
I have tried just about everything nothing helps .. I am taking 3 Hydro’s and 3 muscles relaxers a day .. had 5 spine surgeries and two hip replacement, but I do fairly hang in there if I an do it you can too
It's incredibly challenging when it feels like you've tried all that you can to get relief and there's still no sight of ease. It’s clear you’ve been through so much with your spine and hip surgeries, and I know dealing with that type of pain alone is not easy. You're being as strong as you can in the midst of the pain and that is inspiring in itself. I truly hope relief finds you soon. All the best, Latoya (Team Member) 
Thanks for sharing your experience. You've been through quite a bit!! Have you tried any alternative treatments for your pain, along with the muscle relaxers? All the best, Kathy (Team member)
I have tried many alternative medicines, I like the herbal teas and find some relief with medical marijuana. Your article is very informative. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for sharing your experience! That’s great that you’ve found some relief with herbal teas and medical marijuana. I’ve heard both can really help ease inflammation and pain for people managing AxSpA. Be sure to check out additional articles on our page. There are so many good reads here! Kindly, Latoya (Team Member)
15 years ago, I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in certain parts of the spine and the sacroiliac joint.
Since I started practicing the Wim Hof Method two and a half years ago, my life has gradually transformed, making a complete 180-degree turn. Not only has my mental health improved, but my physical health has also greatly benefited.
Before, I struggled with severe anxiety and chronic back pain that conventional medicine couldn’t relieve. Thanks to the Wim Hof Method, I can now perfectly manage my anxiety, I’ve gained mental clarity, and my chronic back pain has disappeared. This allows me to engage in higher-impact activities like running, jumping, and even dancing.
After experiencing this transformation in my mind and body, I decided to become an instructor to share this powerful tool and help improve the quality of life for others through my own experience.
“We are capable of much more than we think.”
,
It's great to hear how this has impacted you.
Thanks so much for sharing.
~Doreen (Team Member)
I have a whole drawer full of gadgets and whoopdidoops designed to help. I call it my BDSM drawer. Some things help a bit, others not at all.
I have tried and had success with accupuncture, qi gong, a clean plant-based diet, and a solid TENS unit. I did massage for years but it started to make things worse. But the thing that has worked miracles for both my father (also has AS) and I is something called the MELT method. It has been a game changer. I still have to take meds but I am more mobile and in less pain than I have been in years. It may not be for everyone, depending on severity of your disease, but I would recommend a look. MELT Method by Sue Hinzmann. You can find some demos on YouTube but she also has a subscription with exercises.
Good luck!
I'm so glad to hear you've found something that's giving you real results, that's awesome to hear!
I've tried so many things over the years too (with varying degrees of success) but I've never heard of MELT so you've got me curious! I will definitely be googling that shortly.
I love how you highlight in your comment that not only do different things work for different people, but that an approach that works for us for a while might need changing up once it loses its effectiveness. I've definitely had the same experience where a certain dietary approach worked brilliantly for me until it didn't, so I had to change.
For that reason I'm always on the look out for ideas, and I really appreciate you bringing something new to my attention. I hope MELT continues to bring you and your father relief for many years to come!
Best wishes
Anne-Marie (Patient Leader)
PS You did make me laugh with the description of your drawer, love to know your sense of humour is still intact!!Thank you for this tip 🙌🏾. It goes hand and hand with myofascial release sessions that I’m doing weekly. I feel great afterwards but still a lot of work to do.
