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Ankylosing Spondylitis

Witness : Mr. Zhu

Symptom : Ankylosing Spondylitis

From a Western medical point of view, ankylosing spondylitis is a hereditary and autogenous immune disease. It mainly affects the vertebrae and their surrounding soft tissue, including tendons and ligaments. The main manifestation of the disease at its onset is the inflammation of the sacroiliac joints that are located on both sides of the hips. It then gradually spreads to body parts above this—to the lumbar vertebrae, thoracic vertebrae and eventually to the cervical vertebrae. It can also affect the global areas where soft bones and ligaments are attached and also the hip joints. In the worst cases, patients may develop a severely hunched back.

My condition started deteriorating 24 years ago when I had just finished serving in the military. I had very severe lower back pain and was unable to sit for long periods. I was not able to turn my body when I slept on my back. I was even woken up in the night because of the pain. My right hip joint was extremely painful and I was unable to move it. I visited all of the major hospitals to receive treatments. I took all kinds of Chinese medicines, Western medicines, painkillers and alternative medicines. I also tried acupuncture, chiropractic, massage treatments and traction therapies, none of which were effective.

I was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis by Dr. Chang-De Chou at the Tri-Service General Hospital. Under his guidance, I started taking immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory painkillers, and began a routine of swimming twice a week. My condition gradually improved. I started hiking in order to train myself; my condition subsequently stabilized. However, there was no progress in terms of the stiffness throughout my spine and the mobility of my right hip joint. In retrospect, my life over the past 24 years really had been one of suffering, both physically and mentally. This is not something that normal people would be able to understand. 

I visited Dr. Wen for the ringing in my ears. In the course of my visit, I mentioned that I had ankylosing spondylitis. Dr. Wen said that he was able to treat it. He then inserted needles in my scalp, ears and abdomen. The mobility of my right hip joint had been poor due to the long-term lack of adhesion. Surprisingly, there has been significant improvement. After three consecutive treatments, I was able to ride a bike. In the past, my entire spine and right hip joint were so tight that they made “cracking” sounds; these conditions have been greatly alleviated due to the treatments. I have truly witnessed the magical power of Dr. Wen’s scalp needles. Now, my condition is continuing to improve. I hope that my dream of restoring my right hip joint to its normal state will soon be realized.