Integrative Korean medicine for Ankylosing Spondylitis: A retrospective report of two cases

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease primarily affecting the axial skeleton, leading to progressive stiffness and functional disability. The absence of a definitive cure for AS highlights the need for continued exploration of diverse treatment approaches. Although research has examined Integrative Korean Medicine treatment (IKMT) for AS, existing evidence pertaining to its efficacy remains limited. This study evaluated the clinical efficacy and safety of IKMT in two patients with AS through retrospective chart reviews and follow-up surveys. Data were collected from electronic medical records of patients hospitalized across four Korean medicine hospitals, encompassing medical history, treatment composition, and clinical outcomes measured at admission, discharge, and follow-up. Both patients received multimodal IKMT—particularly acupuncture, pharmacopuncture, herbal medicine, and Chuna manual therapy—most commonly targeting the lumbar region. The patients reported pain relief, improved physical function and quality of life, and high satisfaction with IKMT at both discharge and follow-up compared to admission. No adverse events were reported. These findings suggest that IKMT may provide potential as a safe, supportive option for patients with AS. Further large-scale, controlled studies are warranted to confirm these clinical benefits and develop standardized treatment protocols.