Ankylosing Spondylitis: Are you affected?

If so, you might be suffering from a chronic inflammatory disease known as ankylosing spondylitis. It is estimated that around half a percent of people in Central Europe are coping with ankylosing spondylitis.

Men are afflicted by the condition about twice as much as women. In 95 percent of ankylosing spondylitis cases, a so-called "positive rheumatoid factor" has been pinpointed. Onset of the disease generally occurs between the 20th and 40th year of life, though it might even begin at an even earlier age. If often takes years for patients to receive the correct diagnosis.

Gastein is an absolute expert when it comes to treating ankylosing spondylitis. The Gastein Healing Gallery is the world's biggest center for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. Every year, thousands of diagnosed patients come to Gastein Valley to take advantage of the intensive form of radon therapy provided by the Healing Gallery. Treatment programs involving thermal water and radon vapor baths also provide relief to ankylosing spondylitis sufferers.

Under certain conditions it is possible in Austria for employed persons diagnosed with Bekhterev's disease to receive an annual Healing Gallery treatment as a voluntary benefit by the health insurance carrier.  This can be extremely helpful for patients, because after a recommended 3-week therapy program in the Healing Gallery, pain relief continues for an average of 9 months. Less pain equates to reduced need for medications, which in turn improves the patient's overall quality of life.

When the pain eventually re-intensifies, it is time again to enjoy the many benefits of this form of natural pain therapy.

We would be glad to provide you with information about Healing Gallery therapy, what to expect from therapy and how you might potentially obtain a co-pay from your insurance provider. Simply send your questions to kur@gastein.com.