Category: Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health

June 2, 2023

What is Myofascial Pain Syndrome?- Causes Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Healthy muscles keep our bodies strong and allow them to move freely. Healthy muscles make us enjoy swimming, playing sports, walking the dog, dancing and various other fun activities. There are a lot of daily activities that one must be able to do properly if their muscles are healthy like vacuuming of carpet, bed making or like cutting the lawn grass. Strong muscles play a great role in keeping a good shape of the joints. If muscles around any area get weak it will definitely make that area or joint more prone to injury. For strong muscles the process of muscle contraction must be regulated and if it gets disturbed the muscle health gets affected too. There are a lot of conditions which disturbs the muscles contraction, one among them is Myofascial Pain Syndrome. About this condition we are going to discuss in this article along with its Ayurvedic management.

INTRODUCTION

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is one of the Chronic Pain disorders that affects muscles as well as fascia. This condition is characterized by pressure on the trigger points of the muscles that cause pain in muscles and sometimes in other body parts which is known as referred pain. The typical cause of this syndrome is repetitive muscle contraction which mainly includes repetitive motions that are due to job or any other hobby and muscle tension related to stress. Everybody experiences muscle pain once in a while in their life but if it continues in the same place for a long time then it must be a myofascial pain. So now further we will discuss this syndrome in detail.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

SOME FACTS ABOUT MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Following are some of the facts that one must know about Myofascial Pain Syndrome:

It affects about 85% of people
This condition is misdiagnosed with some other conditions such as neck pain, headache, pelvic pain, shoulder pain, etc.
Women and men are equally affected.
The most affected areas are sternocleidomastoid muscles, trapezius muscle, levator scapulae, infraspinatus and rhomboids.

CAUSES OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Following are the causes of Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Muscle injury
Repetitive muscle strain
Lack of muscle activity
Poor posture
Living or working in cold environment
Pinched nerve
Emotional stress
Hormonal problems
Metabolic problems
Vitamin deficiencies
Chronic infections

SYMPTOMS OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Symptoms vary from patient to patient in the condition of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. Sometimes the symptoms get aggravated at once which is known as flare up and on other times the pain remains dull or constant. Following symptoms can be experienced by a person with Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Deep aching tight, throbbing and stiff like discomfort.
Trigger points develop in the muscles which are small nodule-like formation in the muscles that leads to pain on touch.
Tenderness in muscles
Weakness in muscles
Depleted motion of muscles

Other health issues also coincide with it that are written as follows

Poor sleep
Headaches
Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Fatigue

DIAGNOSIS OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

As we discussed earlier this condition is misdiagnosed with various other conditions. As some people mistake their problem with various problems such as the problems related to ligaments, bones, nerves or tendons but in actual this condition is associated with muscles. There are no specific tests to be performed for diagnosing this condition. On the other hand there are no specific symptoms which can be examined to diagnose Myofascial Pain Syndrome like swelling, redness or any warmth like symptoms. The healthcare provider advises the best method for diagnosing this condition is regular physical examination of muscles. Especially one must have to notice the bulge or trigger points in the muscles which can cause referred pain.

Four trigger points are there which we have to notice

One is an active trigger point which locates within muscles and when pressure is applied, it leads to regional or local pain.
Then is the latent trigger point which is prone to be active but remains dormant.
The other point is the secondary trigger point, this is located in other muscles not in the same one which grasps the active trigger point.
The last and the fourth trigger point is satellite trigger point, this point becomes inactive as it gets overlapped by another region of the trigger point.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Ayurveda is a holistic science which has been working on the aim of maintaining the health of the healthy person and alleviating disease of the diseased person for more than 3000 years. Myofascial Pain Syndrome is a condition that as per Ayurveda is caused by ama dosha accumulation which leads to obstruction in the channels and aggravation of vata dosha which at last leads to pain. The main pathology is mamasavaha sroto dushti which leads to vata dosha aggravation and causes pain as a major symptom.

Sroto Dushti Nidaan: As per Acharya Charaka (Ch Vi. 5/23), Sroto Dushti nidaan are written as – Consuming food having same qualities as that of aggravated dosha, consuming food having qualities that depletes dhatus (bodily tissues), all such type of food items cause toxicity of Srotas (body channels).

Sroto Dushti common symptoms: As per Acharya (Ch.Vi. 5/24), there are four common symptoms of sroto dushti that are ati pravriti (excessive secretion of channels flow), Sang (obstruction), Vimarga gamana (flow of particular channel fluid to some other part), Sira Granthi (Cystic swelling in channels).

Above information is common for all kinds of sroto dushti, in Mamsa Vaha Srotas Dushti in this condition there are symptoms associated with sang (obstruction) in mamsa vaha srotas.

Causes of Mamsavaha Srotodushti

Heavy food intake, intake of food which cause obstruction in channels, sleeping after intake of food, etc.

Symptoms of mamsa vaha srotas dushti

It leads to various disorders associated with muscles.

Treatment of Mamsavaha Sroto Dushti per Ayurvedic texts

According to Ayurveda the line of treatment to be followed is – Agni Karma (para-surgical procedure with the help of heat), Shastra karma (Surgery) or Kshar karma (para-surgical procedure with the help of herbal alkali). In Myofascial Pain Syndrome Agni karma can be used among these three lines of treatments. This procedure assists in removing obstruction from mamsavah srotas and assists in pacifying the vata dosha at that place, helps in relieving pain also. Along with this various herbal remedies are also effective that we are going to discuss below. Let’s have a look!!!!!

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MYOFASCIAL PAIN SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP certified company which has been working as per the aim of Ayurveda for more than 10 years. This company formulates 100% Ayurvedic remedies which consist of pure minerals and herbs. These remedies are free from any kind of added preservatives and synthetic materials so these are devoid of any kind of side effects. Remedies are prepared almost with the aim of relieving all kinds of health conditions. For the purpose of alleviating Myofascial Pain Syndrome following remedies are provided by Planet Ayurveda. Let’s take a look at the properties of all herbal remedies and how they are considered as beneficial for the management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
YOGRAJ GUGGUL
MORINGA CAPSULES
NIRGUNDI SWARAS
VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
BALA ASHWAGANDHA THAILAM

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia Curcumin is a capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda. These capsules consist of standardized extracts of herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Both these herbs have been well known for their analgesic and antiinflammatory properties since ancient times. As this condition is associated with excessive muscle pain so these capsules will help in eliminating that pain effectively.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals

2. YOGRAJ GUGGUL

Yograj guggul is a classical Ayurvedic formulation which is prepared by Planet Ayurveda as mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts. This is a tablet formulation which consists of ingredients such as guggul (Commiphora mukul), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), pippali (Piper longum) and various others. This remedy has been well known for its vata balancing properties since ancient times. So as this condition is vata predminating so this remedy effectively helps in relieving this condition.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

3. MORINGA CAPSULES

Moringa Capsules is a single herbal formulation by Planet Ayurveda which consists of standardized extract of herb sahjan (Moringa oleifera). Moringa herb consists of wonderful antioxidant properties that effectively assist in eliminating free radicals from the body. It has nutritious properties that helps in providing nourishment to the affected muscles and leads to betterment of muscle functions.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. NIRGUNDI SWARAS

Nirgundi swaras is a liquid formulation made up with juice extract of herb nirgundi (Vitex negundo). This is one of the best vata pacifying herbs as well as reduces ama dosha. By reducing ama dosha it helps in removing obstruction in the muscle channels. The pacification of vata dosha helps in relieving pain. Thus nirgundi swaras is a Beneficial Remedy for Myofascial Pain Syndrome.

Dosage: 2 tsp twice daily with added equal amount of water after

5. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a classical ayurvedic formulation which has been used since ancient times for all kinds of vata vyadhi. The formulation is available in tablet form and consists of ingredients such as swarna bhasma (calyx of gold), rajata bhasma (calyx of silver), loha bhasma 9calyx of iron) and various others. These ingredients collectively assist in pacifying vata dosha and reduce symptoms of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. As this condition is also associated with vata dosha aggravation thus this remedy is effective for the same also.

Dosage: 1 tablet once daily to be chewed with warm ghee.

6. BALA ASHWAGANDHA THAILAM

Bala Ashwagandha Thailam is one of the herbal oils formulated by Planet Ayurveda. This oil consists of ingredients such as ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), bala (Sida cordifolia), sesame (Sesamum indicum) and various others. This herbal oil is used for local application. When applied locally by pacifying vata dosha it reduces pain. Also this oil provides nourishment to the affected muscles and improves their functions.

Dosage: Warm the oil and apply locally for 2-3 times a day.

CONCLUSION

Myofascial Pain Syndrome is one of the Chronic Pain disorders that affects muscles as well as fascia. Causes of this condition include Muscle injury, Repetitive muscle strain, Lack of muscle activity, Poor posture, Living or working in a cold environment and various others. Although symptoms vary from person to person, commonly seen symptoms are Tenderness in muscles, Weakness in muscles, Depleted motion of muscles, aching, throbbing pain and stiffness. As per Ayurveda this condition is caused by ama dosha accumulation which leads to obstruction in the channels and aggravation of vata dosha which at last leads to pain. For alleviating this condition various remedies are provided by Planet Ayurveda. If someone is suffering from the same condition then they freely use these remedies without thinking of its side effects as these are 100% pure.

May 27, 2023

Research Shows That 97 Percent of Herniated Discs Do Not Require Surgery. How Ayurveda Can Treat It

Abstract

Herniated discs refers to rupture of the intervertebral disc due to ageing, incorrect posture, obesity and accident. These discs are the protective cushion like pads and act as shock absorbers. It is also called a slipped disc. Here in this article we will discuss herniated discs that do not require surgery and it can be managed with the help of ayurveda.

Herniated Disc

Introduction

Herniated disc is a very painful condition. In this rupture of intervertebral discs occur due to many reasons such as ageing, incorrect posture and other reasons. The people who are obese are more prone to this disease. The most common symptoms of herniated discs are numbness, pain and tingling sensation in the affected area. This problem can be diagnosed easily with the help of physical examination or imaging. Nowadays people opt for surgery but 97 percent of herniated discs do not require any surgery, it can be easily manageable with the help of some ayurvedic herbs and some therapies such as abhyang, snehan, sweden and shirodhara etc. Let’s discuss in detail.

Causes

Aging
Incorrect posture
Obesity
Fall

Symptoms

Most herniated discs occur in the lower back but it can also occur in the neck and other regions. Its signs and symptoms depend on where the disc is present. Some of its symptoms are as follows.

1. Pain

In this case patients feel pain in the calf, thigh, buttocks and part of the foot.

2. Numbness

People who have herniated discs having numbness or tingling sensation in different body parts.

3. Weakness

Due to this problem it affects the ability to hold items.

Risk factors

- - Weight
  - Occupation
  - Genetics
  - Smoking
  - Frequent driving
  - Being sedentary

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination

In this doctor examines the patient’s reflexes, sensitivity to touch, walking ability, range of motion, muscle strength and location of painful region.

2. Imaging

It involves various test such as CT scan, myelogram, discogram, X Ray scans, MRI scans and CT scan

Prevention

- - Exercise
  - Maintain good posture
  - Maintain a healthy weight
  - Quit smoking

Treatment

1. Medication

- - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs- ibuprofen and naproxen etc.
  - Opioids
  - Muscle relaxants
  - Nerve pain medications

2. Physical therapy

A physical therapist can recommend various exercises according to the patient’s symptoms.

3. Surgery

- - Discectomy- removing of all parts of discs
  - Nucleotomy- removal of soft centre of discs with the help of laser excision
  - Laminectomy- removal of part of the vertebrae
  - Spinal fusion- joining of vertebrates together
  - Disc replacement- replacement of discs with artificial implants.

Ayurvedic overview

According to ayurveda this disease can be correlated with aggravation of vata dosha because vata is essential for movement and all physiological functions. As the age increases vata aggravation occurs and causes many vata disorders. Herniated discs can be manageable easily with the help of ayurvedic herbs and some therapies. The therapies which are useful in the management of herniated discs are as follows

- 1. Snehana
  2. Kati Basti
  3. Nasya
  4. Basti
  5. Dhanyamla Dhara
  6. Swedna
  7. Pizhichil
  8. Shirodhara

Let’s discuss these therapies in detail

1. Snehana

It is an ayurvedic massage that can be done on the whole body or affected part. Abhyanga is one of the commonly used techniques to perform massage. It mainly balances tha aggravated vata dosha and strengthens bones, tissue and ligaments. It also reduces the pain, fatigue and relaxes the mind.

2. Kati Basti

In this procedure a frame is made on the affected area and this frame is poured with medicated oil. This procedure is done for a certain period of time and the temperature of the oil should be the same throughout the process.

3. Nasya

In this procedure medicated oil is installed into the nasal cavity. This procedure is very helpful in the management of the symptoms of this disorder.

4. Basti

In this therapy medicated oil is introduced into the intestine through a rectal route. This is the best therapy for management of aggravated vata.

5. Dhanyamla Dhara

In this procedure mainly two ingredients are used such as dhanya and amalaki. The medicated liquid is made from these ingredients and poured on the affected body part. This procedure is very useful in improving the blood circulation and it reduces the pain and body ache.

6. Swedna

It involves many procedures to induce sweating. It widens the channels and liquefies the ama and it is expelled out of the body using panchkarma therapies. It is very helpful in relieving the stiffness and heaviness. This is the best therapy in the management of herniated discs.

7. Pizhichil

This therapy is done by two therapists in which lukewarm oil is used and the therapy is done in two positions i.e. sitting and lying. This therapy should be done for about 10 days.

8. Shirodhara

This therapy involves pouring medicated oil over the forehead. It improves sleep which is disturbed in most of the painful conditions.

Ayurvedic herbs which are useful in the management of herniated disc are

- 1. Shunthi
  2. Rasna
  3. Ashwagandha
  4. Guduchi

1. Shunthi

Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) is a wonder herb that acts on the respiratory and digestive systems. This herb is very useful in the balancing of three doshas. This herb has many properties such as pain relieving, aphrodisiac, expectorant and digestive etc. It is very useful in the management of pain and spasms.

2. Rasna

This herb is very useful in the management of all bone related disorders such as sandhigatvata and aamvata etc. It also improves heaviness and heat in the body. So this herb is highly useful in the management of herniated discs.

3. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is well known for boosting the immune system and strengthening the body. This herb relieves pain and heals the tissue. Due to analgesic and tissue healing effects it is very useful in the management of this disease.

4. Guduchi

Guduchi is an ancient herb that acts on the digestive and circulatory system. It is very useful in improving the overall strength of the body and management of herniated discs.

Herbal remedies for herniated disc by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a worldwide company which treats humans as well as animals. This is a GMP certified company. All the medicines made by this company are natural and free from side effects. This company makes medicines under the observation of MD ayurveda doctors. Planet Ayurveda makes medicine in the form of tablets, syrup and churna. All the products are gluten free. In case of herniated disc following products are offered by Planet ayurveda

Product list

- 1. Boswellia Curcumin
  2. Yograj Guggul
  3. Hakam Churna
  4. Aamvatantak Churna
  5. Maha Triphala Ghrit

Product Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is in the form of capsule and it contains mainly two herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa). These two herbs show antiinflammatory actions and help in relieving joint pain. It is very useful in the management of various conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical spondylitis, ankylosing spondylitis, crohn’s disease and asthma etc. Both of the herbs are safe and support joint health. It is also rich in antioxidant property which helps in the movement of joints.

Dose:- 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Yograj guggul

Yograj guggul is widely used ayurvedic medicine in the management of various bone diseases. The main ingredients of this tablet are Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), musta (Cyperus rotundus), chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) etc. These herbs balance the vata and relieve pain and stiffness. It is very helpful in the management of lumbar and cervical spondylosis. Thus this is the best medicine in the management of herniated discs.

Dose:- 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals

3. Hakam Churna

It is in the form of churna and contains many herbs such as Chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum), kalonji (Nigella sativa), methi (Trigonella foenum) and ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi) etc. Acidity and indigestion aggravates the vata dosha and it causes many problems such as pain and stiffness. Thus, This churna is very useful in the management of indigestion and acidity related problems. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps in the management of various disorders such as cervical spondylitis, stiffness, osteoarthritis, sciatica and rheumatoid arthritis etc.

Dose:- ½ tsp powder twice daily with hot water after meals

4. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is made up of widely used ancient herbs. Some of its main herbs are ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), haridra (Curcuma longa) and sonth (Zingiber officinale). It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation of the joints, tenderness and pain. It is also useful to boost immunity and give relief from swelling. Ashwagandha present in this churna is a wonderful herb that is very helpful in the management of various disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and spondylitis etc and it also gives strength to the body.

Dose:- 1 tsp twice daily with plain water or kumari saar or aloe vera juice after meals.

5. Maha Triphala Ghrit

It is an ayurvedic medicine in the form of ghee and it contains many dravyas such as Kwath dravya of triphala in which amalaki (Emblica officinalis), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) and haritaki (Terminalia chebula) are present. Along with triphala bhringraj (Eclipta alba), vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and other dravyas also present. It shows many properties such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antioxidant, adaptogenic, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, anti obesity and anti diabetic properties etc. Thus this ghrit is very useful in the management of herniated discs.

Dose:- 3 to 6 gram mixed with mishri after meals

Conclusion

It refers to rupture of the intervertebral disc due to ageing, incorrect posture, obesity and many other reasons. These discs are the protective cushion like pads present between the vertebrae. These discs act as shock absorbers. It is also called a slipped disc. The most common symptoms of herniated discs are numbness, pain and tingling in the affected area. Here in this article we have discussed that 97 percent of herniated discs do not require any surgery, it can be easily manageable with the help of some ayurvedic herbs and some therapies such as abhyang, snehan, sweden and shirodhara etc.