Category: Bone Disorders

August 16, 2023

Effective Herbal Remedies for Stiff Person Syndrome (Stiff Man Syndrome)

Abstract

Stiff Person Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder of the muscular system that compromises the movement of the body. In its chronic stage, walking can become more difficult for the person, and may need a cane/ walker in the future. This treatment at an appropriate time is mandatory. That is possible if you can recognize the abnormal symptoms in the body. In this article, we will share the symptoms and causes of Stiff Person Syndrome. We will also discuss the treatment of this syndrome in allopathy and Ayurveda and will discuss how Ayurveda is a more potent and safe option for the management of Stiff Person Syndrome.

Introduction

Stiff Person Syndrome is also known as Moersch Woltman syndrome or formerly stiff man syndrome. It is characterized by painful muscle stiffness and frequent muscle spasm. Stiff syndrome takes several months to years to develop. Muscles of the trunk and abdomen are the first to be affected. With increasing symptoms, the muscles of the legs and arms are also affected. Some patients may remain stable over years. The symptoms are much identical to muscular dystrophy, tetanus, myositis, multiple sclerosis, and other muscular disorders. Proper ruling out is a must to know the exact disorder for the correct treatment of the disease. Stiff Person Syndrome can lead to altered posture in chronic cases and limit your walking capacity, you may need a wheelchair or walker to walk.

Ayurvedic Aspect

In Ayurveda, we correlate muscles to Mamsa dhatu. The loss of mamsa dhatu can also be termed Mamsakshaya. Mama is the third dhatu from the seven dhatus of the human body. Impairment of mamsa occurs due to aggravation of Vata dosha. The aggravated Vata dosha also affects our neurological system which also aids in the muscle spasm. Destruction of mams dhatu leads to a subsequent loss of the following five dhatus and impairment of body areas connected to them. Ayurvedic management works on the protocol of nourishing the muscles and nerves and arresting the progression of the disease to the next level. The treatment is explained further in the article.

Stiff Person Syndrome

Causes

  • The exact cause of Stiff Person Syndrome is not known.
  • Since it is an autoimmune disorder it can assume to occur due to a weak immune system and inherited genes.

Symptoms

The main symptoms of Stiff Person Syndrome are

  • Stiffed muscles
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscles spasm
  • Discomfort
  • Hunched posture
  • Difficulty in walking or doing everyday activities.
  • Falling while walking

Diagnosis

The doctor may use several diagnostic methods to rule out the exact diagnosis-

  • Blood tests
  • Electromyography (EMG)
  • Lumbar puncture

Complications

Certain complications arise on long-standing stiffness of muscles which can be any of the following complications-

  • Stress
  • Depression
  • Dislocation of joints
  • Break bones due to repetitive falling
  • Excess sweating

Treatment

Symptomatic treatment is followed for the temporary relief of the patient-

  • Heat therapy
  • Painkillers for reducing pain
  • Anti-spasmodics to reduce muscle spasm
  • Drugs to reduce stiffness
  • Corticosteroids
  • Anti-seizure drugs for pain relief
  • Intravenous immunoglobins
  • Plasmapheresis
  • Stem cell transplant

Ayurvedic Treatment by Planet Ayurveda

Ayurveda treatment for Stiff Person Syndrome includes many treatment modalities. These modalities altogether help in the recovery of patients to a large extent. It improves the overall condition of the patient in most cases-

1. Panchkarma therapies

Panchkarma therapies to reduce muscle stiffness include abhyanga, swedan, sarvang dhara, potli, along with nasya. These therapies are done with various medicated oils and herbs, prescribed by the ayurvedic doctor according to the condition, age, as well as other factors of the patient. These therapies help in strengthening the muscles and delaying the further progression of the disease.

2. Yoga

Certain yogasanas also strengthen muscles and can be practiced easily at home.

Herbal remedies for Stiff person syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

These ayurvedic medicines are used to treat the condition of the patient. Planet Ayurveda provides effective Treatment for Stiff Person Syndrome. Planet Ayurveda is a herbal medicine manufacturing company in India. Their products are 100% pure and are made from standardized extracts of various medicinal herbs. Our company is internationally certified and people worldwide are using the products and medicines. Medicines are prepared according to government guidelines. Planet Ayurveda provides a Stiff-man Care Pack for the management of Stiff Person Syndrome-

Herbal Remedies for Stiff Person Syndrome

Herbal Supplements for Stiff Person Syndrome

Stiff-Man Care Pack

1. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

These capsules are a combination of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). The anti-inflammatory property of these capsules reduces swelling in the body’s muscles. These capsules will improve blood circulation in the whole body muscles promoting a healthy muscular system. Capsules will also improve immunity due to their immune-enhancing properties.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice daily.

2. Hakam Churna

This rasayna churna is prepared from Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Chanders (Lepidium sativum), and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi). This churna balances tridoshas in the body and is very effective in all painful and stiffness disorders. It will reduce swelling and relieve the symptoms of muscle pain, stiffness, and weakness.

Dosage– Eat 1 teaspoon full two times daily.

3. Brahmi Capsules

These fabulous capsules are prepared with standardized extracts of a perennial herb Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri). Taking brahmi helps improve brain functions by preventing brain cell damage. It acts as a brain tonic and is a good memory enhancer. Due to its stress-relieving properties, it is proven to be very beneficial in reducing emotional distress that will ease the symptoms of muscle spasm in stiff syndrome.

Dosage– Take 2 capsules twice a day.

4. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are manufactured with the standard extracts of the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb increases body strength and enhances immunity to fight against infectious disease. Ashwagandha is a very potent herb and has remarkable results in various diseases. These capsules will balance tridoshas in the body and relieve symptoms of pain and stiffness by improving the neurological condition of the patient.

Dosage– Eat 1 capsule twice a day.

5. Kaishore Guggul

These polyherbal tablets are composed of Amalaki (Embelia officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Haritki (Terminalia chebula), Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), etc. This herbal remedy does not contain any animal product. This is highly helpful in inflamed joints and other parts, high toxicity, and muscular disorders such as muscle cramps, muscle stiffness, muscle pain, and strained muscles.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice a day.

Conclusion

Herbs in Stiff-Man Care Pack, restore the imbalance of doshas due to the wrong lifestyle which increases the chances of recovery. These herbs are efficient in maintaining proper blood circulation and managing stiff syndrome. Our talented Ayurvedic doctors are constantly working on the management of such diseases and have succeeded to a large extent. The efforts provide relief to the patients without any side effects

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May 30, 2023

What is Charley horse? How can Ayurveda help?

Abstract

There are 600 muscles in the human body. The muscular system of our body has various functions ranging from supporting the body movement to lifting body weight to giving childbirth. Some help us move, sit or lift things. Some help us breathe, see and pump the blood. Hence, it is very important to keep the muscles strong and healthy. In this article, we will take a look at Charley horse, a painful condition of muscle spasm and how Ayurveda can help deal with it.

Charley Horse: Painful Involuntary Cramp in the Legs or Foot

Introduction-What is Charley Horse?

Charley horse is a painful involuntary cramp in the legs or foot that may last from a few seconds to a day. It is another name for muscle spasm, when a muscle suddenly tightens up on its own and cannot relax. During the spasm, muscle becomes hard and tight and may even become tender to touch. These cramps can happen anywhere in the body but are very common in legs and feet. These cramps can strike at any time of the day even when the person is sleeping.

Causes

While there are no definite causes of charley’s horse, there are some factors that may trigger it.

  • Overusing the muscle
  • Dehydration
  • Stress
  • Poor blood flow
  • Standing or sitting too long.
  • Malfunctioning nerves
  • Pregnancy
  • Infections
  • Medications such as Furosemide, nifedipine, statins etc.

Symptoms

Some of the typical features of Charley’s horse are

  • Sharp pain in the affected muscle
  • Lump of knotted muscles underneath the skin
  • Tenderness
  • Tightening of the muscle groups

Treatment

Most of the cases of Charley’s horse are minor and can be treated with basic stretches and home remedies. Some of the treatment methods used

  • Physiotherapy massages
  • Ultrasound therapy
  • OTC painkillers
  • Muscle relaxants
  • Hot compressions
  • Cold compressions
  • Oil massages
  • Stretches

Ayurveda Perspective and Management on Charleys Horse

Ayurveda mentions muscle cramps as Masagat vata and mamsaashrit vata. This is considered as the result of prolonged factors which vitiate the vata dosha. The aggravated vata dosha takes shelter in the weakened muscles and vitiates the kapha dosha in the weakened muscles. That is how when the muscle strength is reduced spasms occur.

Ayurveda management of muscle spasm includes pacifying the aggravated Vata dosha. Along with the Vata dosha, Kapha dosha should also be pacified to give strength to the weakened muscle tissue. In case of severe prolonged illness, Pitta dosha gets involved as well. It is also pacified with the help of manda(slow) and sthir(stable) substances. Along with the herbs that balance all the three doshas, rejuvenative herbs are used as well.

Ayurveda Herbs That Help in Charley Horse

Ayurveda mentions various herbs that help treat the muscle spasms in case of charley horse syndrome. Some of the herbs that help in the the holistic treatment approach in this case is

1. Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

A great herbal alternative to modern medications in this case is curcumin. Curcumin is the active ingredient of turmeric and has been used from the time immemorial. It has antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the inflammation and pain in the body.

2. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

Withania somnifera has withanolides present in them which work as natural adaptogens. This herb works as a natural steroid and helps provide strength, stamina and nourishment to the body and nervous system. It has antioxidant properties and has stress relieving properties which is why it is beneficial in almost all kinds of disorders.

3. Rasna (Alpinia galanga)

This herb is considered as one of the most useful herbs in case of vata disorders. It has excellent vata balancing properties. Rasna stimulates digestion, has antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties which makes it useful in joint disorders, nervous disorders and muscle spasms.

4. Chandan (Sandalwood)

Chandan or sandalwood is a cooling herb that pacifies the pitta dosha and has antimicrobial properties which makes it a perfect choice for this disorder.. This herb is Pitta pacifying, has cold, light and dry properties and manages the associated weakness and fatigue.

5. Amla (Embilica officinalis)

Amla or Indian gooseberry has antioxidants and helps prevent the body from the attack of free radicals. It is a great source of vitamin C and a huge immune booster. It has a combination of five tastes in Ayurveda and helps prevent bacterial and viral infections. It has cool potency and a sweet post digestive effect which helps in dealing with inflammation in tonsillitis.

Herbal Formulations for Charley Horse by Planet Ayurveda

Planet ayurveda is a GMP certified authentic ayurveda company that manufactures best, 100% pure ayurveda products under the supervision of MD doctors. Planet ayurveda manufactures some of the best herbal alternatives to chemical drugs that also find its mention in ayurveda. All the formulations made by planet ayurveda are 100% vegetarian formulations which are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch and additives. Some of the formulations that work well for Steven Johnson syndrome are

Product List

  1. Boswellia Curcumin
  2. Daily Essentials
  3. Ashwagandha Capsules
  4. Dhanwantharam OilHerbal Products for Charley horse

Buy Now: Herbal Products for Charley horse

1. Boswellia Curcumin:

Boswellia curcumin capsules by Planet Ayurveda are a formulation that has 250 mg of pure standardized extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curucma longa). These herbs are mentioned in ayurveda textbooks to treat pain and inflammation. This formulation is rich in antioxidant properties and has a neuroprotective activity. This is majorly used for pain, swelling, cardiovascular health and joint health.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily

2. Daily Essentials

Daily essentials by Planet Ayurveda is a capsule formulation that has a correct combination of the ayurveda herbs which fulfill the daily essential requirements of the body. The prime ingredients of this formulation are Grape seed, Cow colostrum, Phyllanthus niruri and green tea. It boosts the immunity, removes the toxins from the body, provides longevity and delays the aging process.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice daily.

3. Ashwagandha capsules

Ashwagandha capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared by 500mg extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is known as Rasayana in Ayurveda. It is an immunomodulator, increases the cell count and reduces the inflammation. It also helps in rejuvenation which makes it a perfect formulation to increase the strength of the weakened muscles.

Dosage: : 1 capsule twice daily.

4. Dhanwantharam oil

Dhanwantharam oil by Planet Ayurveda is an oil preparation that is used for local massage. This oil helps in muscle cramps, swelling and helps restore strength of the muscles. It is formulated with various herbs that provide complete nourishment and healing to the body. The prime ingredient of Dhanwantharam oil has bala (side cordifolia) among many others such as Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Shoyanaka(Oroxylum indicum), brihati(Solanum indicum) etc.

Dosage: Massage locally for 15 minutes.

Conclusion

Modern medical science has treatment for almost all the diseases that we see in today’s time but there are many side effects that occur along with the treatment which then gives rise to another set of issues in the body. Ayurveda, a 5000 year old medicinal system has solutions to the root cause of the problem with negligible side effects and hence it is beneficial to always look for natural and herbal solutions that are safe and treat the disease from the root cause.

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