Antardhwani - A support Group for Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.

Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) or Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) doesn't stop someone from being a valuable employee. However, chronic joint pain, morning stiffness in spondylitis , spondylitis muscle stiffness , and fatigue can make everyday work more challenging. As inflammatory forms of arthritis disease , RA and AS often require ongoing management, but with the right workplace support, employees can remain productive, engaged, and successful. Why Workplace Inclusion Matters Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis are often called invisible illnesses because their symptoms aren't always visible. Many employees continue working while quietly managing pain, stiffness, and fatigue, especially during morning hours when symptoms are often at their worst. What Research Says The numbers highlight the impact of inflammatory arthritis in the workplace. One clinical study of employed rheumatoid arthritis patients found an average 14% absenteeism , a 38.4% reduction i...

Back pain affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of disability. While many cases improve with physical therapy, medication, and exercise, some individuals continue to experience persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. In some cases, chronic back pain may result from structural spinal problems or even a chronic inflammatory spine disease that requires specialized treatment. When conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief, surgery may become an option. One increasingly popular approach is minimally invasive back surgery (MIBS) , which uses smaller incisions and specialized techniques to treat spinal conditions while reducing damage to surrounding tissues. What Is Minimally Invasive Back Surgery? Minimally invasive back surgery uses advanced imaging technology, specialized instruments, and small incisions to access the spine with less disruption to muscles and soft tissues. Common conditions treated with minimally invasive spine ...

Autoimmune diseases are no longer limited to older adults, they are now increasingly affecting young Indians. Conditions such as seropositive rheumatoid arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis are being diagnosed earlier, raising concerns about long-term health and quality of life. Key Reasons Behind the Rise 1. Lifestyle Changes Immune balance is increasingly under threat due to our sedentary lifestyles, long working hours and general lack of physical activity. Factors such as these have significantly upped the risk factors associated with ankylosing spondylitis. 2. Dietary Habits Process foods and increased sugary intake can affect your gut health which is crucial for your immune system. 3. Genetic & Environmental Triggers Genetic factors and ankylosing spondylitis genetic risk play a significant role in the development of ankylosing spondylitis . However, exposure to pollution and environmental toxins appears to be hastening the onset of symptoms. 4. Stress & Mental Health St...

For anyone with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), life's road forks – such as childbirth or the onset of middle age – can take on a special significance. At these times, the way RA feels can change for reasons that have little to do with the disease itself. Do you have symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? Women with PCOS and other endocrine disorders want to know several things. First, will my symptoms improve or worsen as I progress through pregnancy, after giving birth, or as I enter menopause? Second, are the medical options available for symptom relief safe for my baby? And third, how will I cope with my life and health through these many changes? The answer to each of these questions is that they will vary with individual women. Some women experience relief of symptoms during pregnancy, whereas others develop worsening of their symptoms or a flare-up of symptoms postpartum or during menopause. With new research emerging about diabetes, it’s time to understand the changes t...

Planning a pregnancy while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) will require a lot of preparation, thought and will need to be carried out under the guidance of the medical team. Having RA means you have a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the joints and disruption to the way your immune system works. This all needs to be well managed before and during pregnancy in order to impact on as little as possible on your own health and that of your unborn baby. Many women with RA are able to have healthy babies. However, it’s very important to plan well before becoming pregnant. Control of the disease, following instructions from the doctor or midwife and a generally healthy lifestyle will all help. It is very important for women with RA to see their rheumatologist and medical team to try to reduce as many risks to the mother and unborn child as possible. Practical Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy with RA Follow an anti-inflammatory diet Consuming a balanced diet that incl...

Arthritis is no longer considered a condition that only affects older adults. Today, increasing cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are being reported among children and young adults. Rheumatologists across Gujarat are observing a concerning rise in early-onset inflammatory arthritis, driven largely by modern lifestyle patterns and environmental triggers. Understanding these risk factors is the first step toward prevention and early management. Tobacco Use: The Biggest Culprit Medical experts strongly identify tobacco consumption as a leading trigger for rheumatoid arthritis . Both smoking and chewing tobacco significantly increase inflammation in the body and disturb immune function. In Gujarat, the widespread use of gutkha and other tobacco products among young people has become a serious public health concern. Rheumatologists warn that tobacco is now emerging as one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for developing RA at a younger age. Reducing tobacco use could significantly ...