HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Are Schmorl's Nodes With Subchondral Sclerosis Indicative Of Autoimmune Conditions?

Posted on Mon, 11 Dec 2023

Question: Hello, I am 33yo male, generally fit, average body mass, low body fat, physically very active. Had recent vertebral roentgenogram performed on lower thorasic and upper lumbar sections. It has revealed several Schmorl's nodes and also early subchondral sclerosis. I am also HLA-B27 positive. 1. Is subchondral sclerosis (even early stage) (or osteoarthritis (?) ) statistically "normal" for my age? 2. Can it be related to autoimmune conditions? 3. What could I do with my lifestyle, diet to stop condition from progressing? 4. How should I modify my exercise regime (including limiting current one - I am doing mostly body weight training, HIIT, martial arts, running.) Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Need some more details

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Response for the first two questions- sclerosis as well as osteoarthritis is because of your autoimmune disease problem. we can control the degeneration through Ayurveda internal medicine, diet, lifestyle changes and yoga.

Before answering your other queries I need certain questions to be addressed properly.

How long you suffer from the above problems? (HLA B positive)

Occupation details? Timings?

Lifestyle?
Diet pattern?
Sleep pattern?
Weight and height?
Do you practise meditation and yoga??

Currently on any medication?

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian (13 hours later)

Dear Dr. Senthinathan, Thank you for follow up. 1. HLA-B27 - diagnosed 15 years ago, but perhaps it does not matter as this antigen is genetic, I am not sure if I had any symptoms so far. 2. I work in IT field, sedentary office work, yet I take regular breaks, stretch, drink water/tea. 3. I have quite active lifestyle, I do bodyweight training, martial arts training, running - 3-4 times per week, each session for 1-1.5 hours. 4. I try to observe my diet for many years. I eat no meat besides fish occasionally (so, lacto-ovo-vegetarian diet + fish). I have Vata-Pitta constitution and live in a location which has extended Vata period, so especially during that period I try to observe the food to not aggreviate Vata too much (esp. not to eat raw vegetables, as I have noticed they have strong impact on Vata). When I remember or when I come back home after training session, I oil myself with sesame seed oil. 5. Sleep. When I have a bit heightened anxiety, it is more difficult to fall asleep (this happens perhaps once every two months), but usually I try to fall asleep no later than 11pm and get up at 6:40am. 6. Height is 1.82m, weigth is 76kg, body fat ~13-14%. 7. I used to practice yoga ~5 years ago (for ~5 years until then), also occasional meditation. Now I only meditate once in a few months.

Answered by Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Let me explain

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As from your reply I understand your knowledge about Ayurveda line of management. According to Ayurveda, ankylosing spondylitis is caused due to aggravated vata causing an imbalance in vata dosha.

Since you didn't have any complaints of severe pain and other symptoms in your joints I advise you to continue the same lifestyle as well.

Panchakarma treatment such as sarvangadhara and patrapinda svedana is beneficial and support in the management of the disease in future.

Herbs like dry ginger, guggulu, turmeric, ashwagandha and gudichi are effective in managing your problem.

Diet & Lifestyle Advice

Make sure you clear bowel regularly. Avoid constipation.
Include ghee in your diet

Take steamed foods and avoid excess oily foods and curds.

Avoid day sleeping.

Yoga asanas such as Pawana muktasana, Bhujangasana, Dhanurasana, Paschimottanasana, are beneficial for your condition.

-Practice Pranayama

-Continue your other activity as you follow now.

-Kindly get back to me for further clarification.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian (3 hours later)

Thank you Doctor! Patrapinda svedana and sarvangadhara look "easiest" of all panchakarma treatments (not like XXXXXXX nasaya and some others), so I would be more than happy to try them, but we don't have any Ayurveda centers here which could do panchakarma. Maybe I will come to XXXXXXX once again :) I guess I will have to come back to what I was doing before - incorporating asanas, pranayama, meditation in my life... Question - what do you have in mind "clear bowel regularly" - how?

Answered by Dr. Senthilnathan Subramanian (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:

Let me explain

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Excellent.hope you do well.

Regular bowel movements. that mean evacuating stools daily. constipation will trigger Vata Dosha. So kindly avoid it.
include more fibre food in your diet to facilitate regular bowel movements.

Hope I have answered your query.

Take care

Regards,
Dr Senthilnathan Subramanian, Ayurveda Specialist

Note: Deal with your health issues naturally by getting closer to Ayurveda. click here to learn more.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana