Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health Archives | Page 32 of 64

Natural Cure For Intervertebral Disc Prolapse

Abstract

The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. Each vertebra is like flat cylinders and between each vertebra there is a disc that is called Intervertebral disc. Intervertebral disc is a hydrostatic, burden bearing structure, forming a fibrocartilaginous joint located between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column permitting slight movement of the vertebrae. It acts as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together, gives extra support and strength to the spine, provides cushioning between vertebrates and functions as a pressure absorbent. Intervertebral disc prolapse (IVDP) is a common disease that affects the spine in which there is a tear in the annulus fibrosus (outer fibrous ring) of an intervertebral disc which leads to bulging out the nucleus pulposus (soft central portion) by damaging the outer ring causing pain in back and frequently in legs and arms. More oftenly, the lower region of the spine is apparently affected in intervertebral disc disease. It can cause periodic or chronic pain that worsens when sitting, bending, twisting or lifting weight; these symptoms depend on the location of the affected discs.

Intervertebral disc prolapse

Introduction

Intervertebral disc prolapse is a condition in which the inner soft part nucleus pulposus herniates out through the weakness in the outer part of the disc annulus fibrosus. Prolapsed disc is sometimes called a herniated disc that may bulge out and compress the nearby structures such as nerves passing from the spinal cord or also cause swellings, which may also put pressure on the nerve. Degenerated discs are prone to herniation and result in pain, weakness, and numbness in legs and back. As the disc degenerates, small bony growths also named as bone spurs start to grow at the edges of affected vertebrae and lead to compression of the spinal nerves that ultimately results in developing problems with walking and other gastro-intestinal issues. Compression/ irritation of either one of five nerve roots(lumbar spine nerve root L4 to S3) which are the branches of Sciatica is more likely to be affected and causes pain in the leg. Elder people are more likely to develop this condition. Symptoms of herniated disc can vary depending on the location and type of tissue involved.

Incidence

Ages between 30-50 are most likely to develop IVDP. This disease affects men twice as often as women. Herniation of discs is the leading cause of neck, back and leg pain. Herniation can happen anywhere along the spine but most commonly develops in the lower back, rarely in the mid- back. It occurs due to sciatic nerve compression.

Causes

Most commonly this condition is caused by following factors

Repetitive mechanical or exertional activities – Bending, twisting, lifting etc. due to this pain rise during the evening time.
Traumatic injury to lumbar disc
Chronic inflammation shows an increase in pain especially in the morning.
Metabolic changes like decreased calcium in the body.
Neoplastic changes
Ageing
Smoking
Obesity
Poor posture
Sedentary lifestyle

Symptoms

Depends upon the site of the affected spine

While the discs in the lower region of spine are more frequently affected in IVDP which causes most commonly it causes Sciatic nerve pain that is a very sharp pain which usually shoots from one side of the buttock, to leg and sometimes may involve foot also.
It may also show symptoms like back pain, tingling and numbness in legs and feet, weakness in leg muscles etc.
When the neck gets involved in IVDP then the symptoms include neck pain that increases on bending and moving the neck, pain near or between shoulder blades, or may travel to arms, hands and fingers, numbness and tingling sensation in arms.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis can be made by

Inspection
Palpation
Movement of spine
Lasègue test/ SLR test used in the clinical examination of patients presenting with low back pain, is an important test for determining nerve root tension.
Magnetic resonance imaging
X-rays
Computed tomography
Myelogram
Electromyogram

Treatment Options As Per Ayurveda

Because of the various causes that can compress or irritate the nerve roots and lead to sciatica, treatment options also differ from patient to patient. Lower back is a Vata specific site and joints (Sandhi) are the site of sleshaka kapha, due to the intake of dosha aggravating factors vata vitiation occur in kapha sthana and because of the raising of ruksha guna leads to reduction in the water content between vertebrates that results in prolapse and nerve irritation or compression. When the cause behind the compression is prolapse or herniation of lumbar disc, traditional method of supportive and conservative treatment is used to help in relieving the clinical signs and symptoms which eliminates the chances of surgeries. The main aim of the treatment is to reduce rukshata and bring back the sneha guna, elasticity and rehydrate the disc, eliminating the osteophytes that are the mala of kapha dosha. The Ayurvedic approach of treating IVDP is Vataghana and kaphaghna that is by reducing the compressive forces that pressurise the sciatic nerve, this treatment is done on initial stages.

Treatment methods include internal medicines by using various types of herbal formulations that support and strengthen our body system wisely and fasten the healing processes. External treatment includes panchakarma procedures that also show positive results in treating IVDP effectively to reduce stiffness and inflammation of the affected area, by using bandages, paste applications, traction and marma chikitsa.

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a herbal manufacturing company that provides great formulation for effective results in many diseases. These medications are accomplished under the supervision of Ayurveda experts and are free from dyes, adulterants, and chemicals so that they are 100% natural. In the above condition Planet Ayurveda gives various medications to manage these symptoms, some of them are

Yograj Guggul
Boswellia Curcumin
Ashwagandha Capsules
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
Hakam Churna

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. Yograj Guggul

This is a classical polyherbal medication traditionally used by ayurveda experts in sandhigata vyadhis, consisting of Guggul resin (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), pippali (Piper longum). This formulation helps to maintain the neuromuscular system and reduces the pain and inflammation, strengthens the metabolic rate and stops the degenerative processes in the body.

Dosage – 2 tablets two times a day with warm water, after meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

This is a polyherbal formulation given by Planet Ayurveda consisting of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (curcuma longa). Boswellia and curcumin both are very effective in neural pain and degeneration process, moreover gives the anti-inflammatory effect as well as relieves stiffness or efficiently works on IVDP patients.

Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily after a meal with plain water.

3. Ashwagandha Capsules

This is a single herbal formulation consisting of standardised extract of Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera). It is very effective in neuro-muscular disorders, also gives relief from the severe pain caused by compression of nerves, helps in managing inflammation and slows down the degeneration process and gives relief from the symptoms of IVDP.

Dosage – 2 capsules twice with warm water after meals

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

It is an Ayurvedic classical herbal formulation described by Acharyas in traditional texts consisting of Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Abhrak Bhasma (Calx of Mica), etc. This formulation is used in Vata and Kapha related disorders such as neuropathies, excessive pain due to compression of nerves or irritation of nerves, degeneration or osteophyte formations that cause neuromuscular diseases and shows symptoms like irritation, stiffness in muscles etc.

Dosage – 1 tablet twice a day to be chewed with plain water after meals.

5. Hakam Churna

This is a polyherbal churna consisting of Chandershoor Lepidium sativum, kalonji Nigella sativaa, methi Trigonella foenum graecum etc. It has the ability to retrieve the normal healthy digestion as well as eliminates the ama dosha from the body and also gives efficient results in painful joints, stiff joints and many other diseases caused by Vata and kapha imbalance.

Dosage – 1 tsp of powder with hot water twice daily.

Conclusion

As we are observing the surge in the number of IVDP patients, it is highly recommended to go with Ayurveda therapy as we can say Ayurveda is very effective and gives miraculous results in every disease. Ayurvedic herbal remedies as well as dietary advice surely gives a disease free and a good quality of life. Ayurveda provides efficacious management for IVDP patients by analysing the root cause and balances the tridosha which helps the patient to get relief. For more details of our products check out our website www.planetayurveda.com and for queries you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com .

What is Monomelic Amyotrophy?- Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment

ABSTRACT

Monomelic amyotrophy is a rarely occurring motor neuron disease which affects more men as compared to women. Age group of 15-25 years is common for onset of this disorder and symptoms start to appear in adolescent years. Monomelic amyotrophy usually affects Asians, however its distribution has been found throughout the globe. MMA or Monomelic amyotrophy is characterized by insidious development of atrophy of upper limb muscles and this grows further in about 2-5 years. After that there is no change in muscle atrophy, i.e. neither there is improvement nor worsens. No sensory loss or pain is reported in these cases and also MMA is not a hereditary disease. In this article you can get all the information about MMA along with its herbal management.

INTRODUCTION TO MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

MMA or Monomelic amyotrophy is a rare motor neuron disorder which causes weakness of muscles in the upper limb. Lower motor neurons are affected in MMA. These lower motor neurons are the cells which aid the communication and transfer of information to muscles from the brain, specifically skeletal muscles, the muscles which are responsible and involved in movements. There occurs loss or muscles mass and weakness of muscles in fingers and arms, i.e. upper extremities. Affected people usually develop the signs and symptoms around the age of 15-25 years. MMA is distributed worldwide but the countries which are affected most are Japan and India. It is not a hereditary disease but sometimes is found to run in families, however no specific gene or genetic mutation causing it is found yet.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

As per Ayurvedic concept, the diseases in which muscle wasting or muscle weakness occur are co related with Mamsa-vata-kshaya which is caused due to the impairment in muscle enzyme (Mamsagni) or Beeja dosha. Here the Vata dosha is impaired which leads to degeneration and wasting of muscles.

Monomelic amyotrophy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

There can be various signs and symptoms of MMA, however symptoms may vary in persons and not all the symptoms and signs will be found in one person:

Weakness of muscles of fingers and hands
Onset of symptoms is seen in forearm or hand and on one side of body
Onset is usually between the age group of 15-25 years
Wasting of muscles which progresses in three to nine years
Other side of the body remains unaffected
No pain or numbness
In rare cases there can be seen spread to disease on other side f body usually after the age of 40 years
Weakness worsens in cold temperature, i.e. Cold paresis
Muscle cramps
Hands remain cold mostly
Tremors

CAUSES OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

The exact cause behind MMA remains unknown and not properly understood. However, the shift in position of the dural sac or thecal sac, i.e. the covering material which surrounds the spinal cord is considered to be the cause of this rare disease condition. Due to repeated flexion (downward movement) of the neck this may occur. It occurs on the spinal cord due to the changing position of the dural sac. Due to all these things, the ability of signals from the brain to arm muscles can be hampered and hence the signs and symptoms of MMA occur. Other than this there are some less common causes like an infection or dysfunction of the immune system.

DIAGNOSIS OF THE MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

The clinical history including signs and symptoms and physical examination will raise a suspicion of MMA in your doctor’s mind. Further this diagnosis is confirmed by certain laboratory tests and imaging tests. Imaging tests like CT scan and MRI shows the compression in the portions of the spinal cord. Further laboratory tests like EMG (Electromyography) shows the reduction in the response of the nerves which carries signals to arm muscles from the brain. However other causes of similar symptoms like trauma, muscle weakness or injury should be ruled out to confirm MMA.

TREATMENT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

MMA is unfortunately considered to be an incurable disease and treatment is given to manage the symptoms of MMA and slow down the progression of disease and weakness of muscles. When the cause of the disease is compression of the spinal cord then a brace is given to be used around the neck which prevents the flexion, i.e downward movement of the neck. Certain muscle strengthening is recommended and in some cases even surgery can be suggested.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

Ayurvedic treatment aims at restoring the balance of the Vata dosha and preventing further damage to muscles. Treatment in Ayurveda aims at stopping or slowing down the progression of muscle wasting by removing the cause.

HERBAL TREATMENT BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR MONOMELIC AMYOTROPHY

Planet Ayurveda is a very well known name in the field of herbal and Ayurvedic pharmaceutical companies and has been serving people for a very long time now. All the products and herbal remedies are purely vegetarian and free from chemicals, additives, dye, fillers, colors, yeast and preservatives. For MMA Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies which help in stopping or slowing down the progression of disease and relieves the complaints.

Products List

Shilajit capsule
Ashwagandha capsule
Boswellia curcumin
Vrihat vatchintamani ras
Brahmi vati gold

Products Description

1. Shilajit capsule

Shilajit (Asphaltum) is used in the standardized form in these capsules. These medicinal capsules impart strength to muscles managing the wasting and weakness of muscles. Shilajit capsule also helps in treating the weakness of muscles and symptoms associated with it.

Dosage– Take 1 capsule twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Ashwagandha capsule

Ashwagandha capsules are prepared using Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb in its standardized form. Ashwagandha capsules help in preventing injuries to nerves and spinal cord, provide muscle strength and treat overall weakness.

Dosage- Take 2 capsules twice after meals with plain water

3. Boswellia curcumin

This therapeutic herbal capsule is prepared from two herbs, i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra (Curcuma longa) in their standardized form. Boswellia curcumin capsules act as herbal pain killers as they help in combating pain present in any part of the body and also inflammation is combated by them.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily after meals with plain water

4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras

Neurological disorders like MMA are caused due to the vitiation or imbalance of Vata dosha and these tablets help in restoring the balance of the dosha and treating disorder from root cause. These tablets are prepared using swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), pravala bhasma (Calx of coral), rajata bhasma (Calx of silver), loha bhasma(Calx of iron) and mukta bhasma (Calx of pearl) etc.

Dosage- Take 1 tablet twice daily after meals with plain water

5. Brahmi vati gold

It is the herbo-mineral combination of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) Swarna makshika bhasma (Calx of copper and iron pyrite) etc. Brahmi vati gold tablets help in treating the nervous system disorder like MMA and also help in restoring the normal transfer of signals from brain to muscles.