Category: Arthritis / Bone / Joint Health

February 1, 2023

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and Its Ayurvedic Management

Abstract

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of various disorders or a collection of symptoms associated with shoulder and upper extremity. The symptoms include sensation of numbness, tingling and pain. The thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition in which compression of the arteries, veins and nerves occur in the passage from lower neck to the armpit. Nerve compression is the most common and so are the symptoms of nerve compression. Diagnosis and identification of thoracic outlet syndrome is a tough and complex thing. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent worsening of the condition. In the following text, we shall discuss some details of thoracic outlet syndrome and its management.

Introduction

Thoracic outlet syndrome is term used for the space present in between the upper chest and lower neck where the group of nerves and blood vessels is found. Thoracic outlet syndrome is a group of disorders that are related to the compression of the nerves and blood vessels of the area present in the upper chest and the lower neck. In Ayurveda, thoracic outlet syndrome can be correlated according to the symptoms with vata, kapha dosha vitiation. The formation of aam by vitiation of kapha dosha is also considered to cause thoracic outlet syndrome. Therefore the ayurvedic management is based on the pacification of vata dosha.

thoracic outlet syndrome

Causes

  • Aetiology is not well understood.
  • But the compression of the nerves and blood vessels is the only known cause.
  • Extra first rib
  • Fracture of the clavicle (collarbone)
  • Soft tissue and bone abnormalities are another cause of thoracic outlet syndrome.
  • Obesity can cause thoracic outlet syndrome as the extra fat can compress nerves and blood vessels.
  • Repetitive arm and shoulder movements
  • Whiplash injury

Risk Factors

  • Tumours or enlarged lymph nodes in the underarm and upper chest.
  • Depression and stress
  • Repetitive injuries of clavicle due to heavy weight lifting
  • Poor posture
  • Sleep disorders

Types of thoracic outlet syndrome

1. Neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome

It occurs due to compression of the nerves that passes from neck to the arms (brachial plexus). more than 91 % of cases are of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome.

2. Venous thoracic outlet syndrome

It occurs due to compression of the vein. It usually leads to thrombosis of the upper body. There are 5% cases of thoracic outlet syndrome.

3. Arterial thoracic outlet syndrome

It occurs due to compression of the artery. There are a few cases of arterial thoracic outlet syndrome.

Arterial and venous syndromes together are known as vascular thoracic outlet syndrome.

Symptoms

  • Weakness in the shoulder and arm
  • Tingling sensation in the fingers
  • Discomfort in the shoulder, arms and fingers
  • Early tiring of the arm
  • Pain is felt in the shoulder and arm
  • Atrophy of the thumb pad is a rare symptom
  • Painful and tingling sensation in the arm and hand.
  • Blueness of the arm and hand
  • Prominence of veins in the neck, shoulder and hand.
  • Swelling can be found in the hand, arm and fingers.
  • Pale and cold hand
  • Pain in the extremity mainly during overhead activity of the arm
  • Subclavian artery aneurysm

Diagnosis and Evaluation

  • Complete medical history is essential
  • Physical manoeuvres to stimulate symptoms
  • Nerve conduction tests
  • Duplex ultrasound to rule to stenosis or blockage of blood vessels
  • Chest X-Ray to look out for any bony deformity
  • Cervical spine X-Ray is helpful in ruling out any deformity related to cervical spine
  • CT scan and MRI is of help
  • Brachial plexus block

Management

1. Physical therapy

It is the most initial and common treatment of neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. It helps in increasing the range of motion of the shoulders and neck. It helps in strengthening muscles. It improves posture.

2. Medications

Analgesics like paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen etc are used to alleviate pain. Anticoagulants and thrombolytic medications are used in the venous thoracic outlet syndrome

3. Surgery

Surgery is indicated in severe cases to correct the compressions.

Risks involved in surgical intervention

  1. Bleeding due to accidental injury to the major blood vessel.
  2. Pneumothorax that is also known as collapsed lung.
  3. Nerve injuries are the most common risk in extensive surgical procedures.

Ayurvedic Management

All the symptoms associated with thoracic outlet syndrome are well correlated with vata and kapha dushti. Therefore, the treatment protocol depends on the pacification of these vitiated dosha. There are various herbs like methi (Trigonella foenumgraecum), shunthi (Zingiber officianale) etc which pacify the vata and kapha dosha.

Herbal Remedies for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a well known GMP certified, ISO 9001:2015 certified and US-FDA registered Ayurvedic Company, which adhered to the aim of manufacturing quality Ayurvedic products as mentioned in the various ancient texts of Ayurveda. formulations are manufactured without additives and preservatives and other kinds of chemicals or artificial flavouring agents which causes a number of side effects on the human body. Products prepared at Planet Ayurveda are pure and do not contain any kind of adulteration. The products are purely organic and vegetarian and gluten free. Planet Ayurveda presents its products which are beneficial in muscular and bone health. Further there are many other products which have analgesic and healing properties, which make them efficient in curing Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

Following is the list of products that are great in managing thoracic outlet Syndrome

  1. Yograj Guggul
  2. Boswellia Curcumin
  3. Aamvatantak churna
  4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
  5. Bone Support
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Herbal Remedies for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Product Description

1. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is a classical ayurvedic proprietary medicine. It is a helpful formulation in the musculoskeletal system and neurological system’s disorders. It contains the herbs amalaki (Emblica officinalis), guggul (Commiphora mukul), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), vidang (Embelia ribes), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), shunthi (Zingiber officinale),  bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) etc. The herbs of the formulation possess properties that enhance muscle and nerve health. By its nerve strengthening property Yograj Guggul is best to treat the neurological thoracic outlet syndrome.

Dosage : Two tablets twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin capsules are enriched with the goodness of shallaki (Boswellia aristata) and haridra (Curcuma longa). The herbs have healing properties and also possess analgesic effects which makes it an efficient formulation in the thoracic outlet syndrome.

Dosage :  Two capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak Churna is known to pacify kapha and vata doshas, which are behind the thoracic outlet syndrome. The product contains ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), haridra (Curcuma longa), methi (Trigonella foenumgraecum), gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) and sonth (Zingiber officinale). Aamvatantak Churna clears aam and relieves the patient from stiffness and eases motion of the limb. Furthermore, it alleviates pain and other symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.

Dosage : -One tsp twice a day with warm water after a meal.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a mineral formulation. The formulation contains Rajata Bhasma (silver calx), Swarna Bhasma (gold calx), Loha Bhasma (iron ash), Abhrak Bhasma (mica ash), Suta Bhasma (compound of purified mercury and purified sulphur), Mukta Bhasma (pearl calx) and Pravala Bhasma (coral calcium). It also contains juice extract of Aloe vera. It is beneficial in demyelination conditions of nerves. It is useful in neuropathies. It corrects neuritis. It is helpful in thoracic outlet syndrome as it relieves numbness, pain and motor dysfunction.

Dosage : One tablet twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Bone Support

As the name of ‘Bone Support’ suggests it supports the bone by supplying all the required material to the bone. Its ingredients include  laksha (Laccifer lacca), shobhanjan beej (Moringa oleifera), Asthi Shrinkhala (Cissus quadrangularis),   Mukta (pearl calcium), praval pishti (Corallium rubrum) and Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Moringa oleifera possesses anti inflammatory, analgesic and vidhradhi pachan (healing of abscess). Ingredients are beneficial in bone disorders. Cissus quadrangularis is helpful in bone health. It is a beneficial herb for healing fractures. It possesses sandhaniya property which means adhesion, hence it adhesives the fractured bones. In addition to this, it relieves fracture pain and heals swelling due to fracture. Thus it is a beneficial herb in the fractures. Arjuna has vranropan property which means wound healer. It too helps in adhesion of fracture bones. Praval pishti and mukta are natural supplements of calcium which are derived from the pearls, corals etc. thus are beneficial in early healing or adhesion of the fractured bone. Thus Bone Support has a magnificent healing and analgesic effect. Therefore it manages the bone health in the fracture or bone abnormality generated thoracic outlet syndrome.

Dosage :  One capsule twice a day after meals with plain water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website – www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

As we discussed Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, we have come to know that it is a bundle of disorders that arise due to compression of nerves and blood vessels. And as per Ayurveda, the syndrome is due to kapha and vata dosha vitiation. As in the contemporary system of medicine, there are drugs that help in alleviating symptoms but do not properly cure the syndrome and in the end, surgery is the last option that remains, which further is full of risks. Whereas, Ayurveda has promising results which suggests proper management of the condition with no risk and side effects involved. Planet Ayurveda’s above mentioned products heals the condition, alleviates the symptoms and increases range of motion of the affected side. By adopting Ayurveda, one can assure oneself about his proper wellbeing to be returned with a healthy body and mind.

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January 31, 2023

Scapular Dyskinesis And Its Ayurvedic Treatment With Herbal Remedies

ABSTRACT

Scapula or the shoulder blade is a bone placed on the upper portion of the back. It is supported by a number of muscles and are responsible for the appropriate movement of the shoulder. There are various difficulties which can hinder the normal movement of the shoulder or arm. One such condition is scapular dyskinesis. The causes, symptoms, diagnosis and ayurvedic aspect of scapular dyskinesis is described as follows.

INTRODUCTION

The term in scapular dyskinesis refers to abnormality in the normal motion or movement. Scapular dyskinesis is identified when the shoulder blade does not function in a natural manner. Scapular dyskinesia is a condition whereby the shoulder blade does not move in a natural way. This movement can either be limited or the shoulder blade can move to places where it should not go. The most common problem associated with scapular dyskinesis is pain and weakness of the muscles which are attached to it. While scapular dyskinesis is an individual disease, it may also be related with a variety of health conditions. The details regarding the causes and symptoms will be explained as follows.

CAUSES

There could be a variety of causes underlying the condition of scapular dyskinesis. It may vary from patient to patient. The various reasons resulting in the condition of scapular dyskinesis can be injuries leading to damage to the nerves, muscles or the joints, etc. There may be different pathological conditions that may result in damaging the supporting structures such as muscles, etc. The loss of flexibility may also be responsible for the condition of scapular dyskinesis. Weakness in the body, especially the core, hips, etc. may give rise to the condition of scapular dyskinesis. Bone fractures or weakness of the bones can also result in scapular dyskinesis. Apart from these, there may be a variety of causes, such as a sports injury. Almost ninety percent of the cases arise due to a dislocated injury. Sports like swimming, volleyball, gymnastics, etc. will make the individual more prone to the condition of scapular dyskinesis. This deformity is observed usually in the males of the age group of 18 to 25 years. These will result in different symptoms described as follows.

scapular dyskinesis

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of scapular dyskinesis will include pain and weakness in the muscles which are attached to the scapula. Scapular dyskinesis can cause pain in the shoulder area, upper chest and in some cases, the mid back region. This pain usually occurs during or after movements of the shoulder blade and is often difficult to isolate. Also there is a possibility of weakness in the muscles attached to the scapula. The symptoms, although will vary from patient to patient, the above described being the most commonly observed. The most common could be as follows. The pain aggravates especially when you raise your arm or while lifting weight. The patient complains of reduced strength in the arm and shoulder. The shoulder region appears to be asymmetrical and looks similar to wings or a bit out of the place. These symptoms may intensify and may be accompanied or associated with excessive stiffness in shoulder, chronic inflammation, etc.

DIAGNOSIS

For diagnosing any diseased condition or deformity, a detailed history should be obtained from the patient. This history would include giving details about the pain such as specific movements that aggravate the pain, when it was first experienced, when the restricted movement was observed, etc. This will be suggestive of the condition. For the confirmatory diagnosis, X- rays or MRI may not be required. The examination of your physical signs may be enough to diagnose scapular dyskinesis. In some cases,a nerve test may be advised, the purpose would be to evaluate the extent of the damage to the nerve. As soon as the condition is diagnosed, appropriate medical treatment should be provided.

TREATMENT

The modern system of medicine deals with the condition of scapular dyskinesis through physical therapy or rehabilitation. This may need the guidance of a trained physiotherapist. This will depend on the extent of the condition and the field of movement of the joint. The physiotherapy may be required for different time periods depending on the condition, usually it lasts for four to eight weeks. These therapies may be accompanied with a dose of oral medications also such as analgesics or anti- inflammatory medicines to cope up with the pain and inflammation. Various exercises may also be advised to improve the strength of the muscles and improve the movement. This was the modern practice of medicine, let’s have a look on the ayurvedic perspective also.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT

The modern perspective of the condition of scapular dyskinesis is described now the Ayurvedic point of view regarding the scapular dyskinesis will be detailed as follows. The condition of scapular dyskinesis can be related to avabahuka in the Ayurvedic perspective. Ayurveda describes avbahuk as a result of the following causative factors such as vata aggravating factors, injury to the neck, dislocation of the shoulder joint, an overgrowth or tumor, etc. This will lead to loss of functions, restricted movement, reduced strength and even atrophy of the muscles. This condition can be dealt with appropriate treatment strategy which includes a variety of ayurvedic formulations such as boswellia curumin, rumogin 5 capsules, ashwagandha capsules, etc. These ayurvedic formulations will be described as follows.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR SCAPULAR DYSKINESIS

Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs such as  rumogin 5 capsules, ashwagandha capsules, etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of scapular dyskinesis. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The ayurvedic formulations beneficial for the condition of scapular dyskinesis is described as follows.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Scapular Dyskinesis
Herbal Supplements for Scapular Dyskinesis

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is an ayurvedic formulation being prepared by planet ayurveda in the form of capsules. It contains a combination of beneficial ayurvedic herbs such as shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and haridra or turmeric (Curcuma longa). This combination helps to manage the pain sensations effectively. It is also known to provide strength to the muscles and bones in the body. Boswellia curcumin capsules will thus help to improve the movement and hence manage the condition of scapular dyskinesis.

Dose – One capsule two times a day, after meals.  

2. Yograj Guggul

Yograj guggul is being prepared by planet ayurveda using various natural and beneficial ayurvedic components such as cumin (Cuminum cyminum), Pippali (Piper longum), bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), etc. This combination of herbs is beneficial in a variety of health conditions. Yograj guggul is very effective in managing the various anti-inflammatory conditions of the joints and bones. This helps to pacify the excessive vata dosha from the body. In turn, this will help to improve the functioning of the shoulder.

Dosage – Two tablets two times a day, after meals.

3. Rumogin 5 capsules

Rumogin 5 capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda using various natural ingredients such as haridra (Curcuma longa), maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), etc. It helps to pacify the aggravated vata dosha from the body. This will help to improve the movement of the shoulder, and will also be effective in managing stiffness and pain impulses. Thus, benefitting the patient of scapular dyskinesis.

Dosage – One capsule two times a day, after meals.

4. Ashwagandha Capsule

Ashwagandha capsules are prepared by planet ayurveda using the natural extracts of ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). The ayurvedic drug ashwagandha is known to be very beneficial for improving the various vataj conditions. It contains various medicinal properties such as antioxidant properties, immune boosting properties, etc. The extracts of ashwagandha are also beneficial in improving the bone and muscle strength of the body.

Dosage – One capsule two times a day, after meals.

5. Hakam Churna

Planet ayurveda prepares hakam churna which contains a variety of beneficial ayurvedic components such as kalonji (Nigella sativa), ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), etc. This will help to improve the digestive system and remove the toxins residing in the form of undigested food. Further, balance between the three dosha (vata, pitta, kapha) will be stabilized and thus, enhancing the overall health condition of the body.

Dosage – 1/2 tsp two times a day with warm water.

Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 842-749-4030.

CONCLUSION

In a nutshell, it can be concluded that the condition of scapular dyskinesis can be managed effectively through ayurvedic formulations as described earlier. The one aspiring to get rid of the diseased condition or maintaining the health of the body, must strictly follow the ayurvedic principles. Constant efforts should be made to stay on the healthier side by following a healthy diet and lifestyle along with the use of natural ayurvedic formulations.

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