Category: Stiff Joints

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.

  1. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
  2. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
  3. MORINGA CAPSULES
  4. NIRGUNDI SWARAS
  5. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
  6. BALA ASHWAGANDHA THAILAM

Herbal Remedies for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Herbal Supplements for Myofascial Pain Syndrome

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.

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April 12, 2023

Ayurvedic Solutions for Sciatica Treatment and Prevention

Abstract

Sciatica is a debilitating condition in which a patient suffers pain and paresthesias in the sciatic nerve distribution. It is commonly referred to as any lower back pain or radicular leg pain. The pain is associated with the pathology of the sciatic nerve or sciatic nerve root pathology. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body. Pain due to the sciatic nerve will worsen with the flexion of the lumbar spine, twisting, and bending. Motor functioning of lower extremities adductors and hamstring is directed by the sciatic nerve. It also provides indirect motor functioning to the calf muscles and anterior lower leg muscles. The sciatic nerve provides sensation to the lower and posterior aspects of the legs and also the plantar aspect of the feet. Is due to the inflammatory changes in the nerve and causes irritation of the nerve. Direct compression of nerves leads to motor dysfunction. Let’s discuss this in detail!

Introduction

Sciatica is a painful condition in which the sciatic nerve of one or both legs is involved. It is much associated with lower back pain radiating to the legs and affects the movement of the legs. It is a neuromuscular disorder. As per the ayurvedic system of medicine it is known as Gridhrasi. The word Gridhrasi is derived from the word Gridhra which means Vulture ( a bird ). The gait of the patients resembles a vulture that’s why it is known as Gridhrasi. The gait is altered as the legs become tense and slightly curved due to pain. Sciatica is characterised by severe pain just like the pain felt by the prey of the vulture while being eaten up. This painful sensation is due to the vitiation of vata dosha.

Sciatica Pain

SYMPTOMS

  • Pain initiates from the hip area and radiates to the thigh, back, and sacral region.
  • Pain in calf muscles and feet.
  • Pricking sensation in the thigh region.
  • Altered gait.
  • Stiffness over the whole limb.
  • Weakness and numbness over legs and feet.
  • Hard to stand up.

CAUSES

  • Herniated or slipped disc:-   Pressure on the nerve root is caused by herniated or slipped disc. This is one of the most common causes of sciatica.
  • Spinal stenosis:-  It is the abnormal narrowing of the spinal canal. This leads to the narrowing of spaces for the passage of spinal nerves.
  • Spondylolisthesis:-  It is the slippage of one vertebra so that it is out of line one above it and narrows the nerve exit. The extended spinal cord pinches the sciatic nerve.
  • Osteoarthritis:-  Jagged edges of bones compresses the lower back nerves.
  • Trauma:-  Trauma injury to the lumbar spine and sciatic nerve.
  • Muscle Spasm:-  Small muscles that lie in the buttocks become tight and spasm. This can irritate the sciatic nerve.
  • Cauda Equina Syndrome:-  This condition affects the bundle of nerves at the end of the spinal cord. This causes pain down the leg and numbness around the anus.

DIAGNOSIS

1. Physical Examination

The physician will ask you to walk and notice how your spine carries your weight. Later you should be asked to walk on your toes to check the strength of your calf muscles.

1. Leg Raising Test

You have to lie on your back with straight legs. Then you have to slowly raise the legs and determine the point where the pain begins. This helps to identify the disc problems.

2. Radio imaging

  1. X- Rays:- To look for spinal fractures, disc problems, infections, and tumours.
  2. MRI:- MRI can show pressure on nerves, disc herniation, and any arthritic condition.
  3. Electromyography:- This is for examination of electrical impulses and how we’ll travel through the sciatic nerve.
  4. Myelogram:- To determine if a vertebra or bone is causing pain.

AYURVEDIC OVERVIEW OF GRIDHRASI  (SCIATICA )

Ayurveda is an ancient science that believes that a disease is caused due to the vitiation of doshas or by strotas dushti. When the pressure is exerted on the Gridhrasi Nadi ( sciatic nerve ) then there is a sensation of pain from the Kati Pradesh ( Lower back ) to the foot. In this disease, four strotas are being vitiated ( stroto dushti ).

  • Raktavaha strotas
  • Mansvaha strotas
  • Medovaha strotas
  • Pranvaha strotas

Gridhrasi is explained as among 80 types of vata imbalance disorders. It is a specific type of pain that travels from Stick Pradesh through the back of the Kati Pradesh and Urru till the foot.

COMMON CAUSES OF GRIDHRASI

  • Intake of vata aggravating foods like Bengal gram, Pigeon pea, Red lentils, and Flat beans.
  • Excessive intake of dry and cold food.
  • Suppression of mala ( urine and faeces)
  • Excess of walking
  • Trauma or injury

TYPES OF GRIDHRASI

There are two types of gridhrasi mentioned below:-

  • Vataj Gridhrasi
  • Vata kaphaja Gridhrasi

Symptoms of Vataj Gridhrasi

  • Shooting type pain
  • The curved posture of the leg and body
  • Stiffness and tingling sensation in the joints of the waist, thigh, and knee

Symptoms of Vata Kaphaja Gridhrasi

  • Poor appetite
  • Drowsiness
  • Excessive salivation
  • Anorexia

AYURVEDIC LINE OF TREATMENT

As this is the vata disorder, pacifying all vata measures should be undertaken.

Panchkarma

  1. Snehan:-  Application and pouring of oil over the affected area should be carried out.
  2. Swedana :-  Application of Poultice ( upnaha swed ) is effective.
  3. Anuvasan Basti:-  It is performed with saindhavadi oil.
  4. Virechan:-  In case of constipation virechan should be done.
  5. Agni karma:-  This is done in severe painful areas. It is done by using a metallic rod.

Herbs useful in sciatica

  1. Nirgundi
  2. Bala
  3. Punarnava
  4. Eranda
  5. Shigru
  6. Rasna
  7. Jambira
  8. Masha

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SCIATICA BY PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company offering products worldwide. All the products are prepared by following the ayurvedic texts under the guidance of MD Ayurveda experts. All the products are safe and devoid of all kinds of adverse effects. Let’s have a look at the formulations:-

SCIATICA CARE PACK

  1. HAKAM CHURNA
  2. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN
  3. YOGRAJ GUGGUL
  4. ASHWAGANDHA CAPSULES
  5. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS
  6. DHANWANTHRAM TAILAM

Herbal Remedies for SciaticaHerbal Supplements for Sciatica

PRODUCTS  DESCRIPTION

1. HAKAM CHURNA

It is a wonderful preparation by Planet Ayurveda. This is a classical herbal preparation that is very effective in sciatica and back pain disorders. This combination is also known as Tridoshic Rasayan. It affects all three doshas. Vata regulates the brain and nervous system, Pitta controls metabolism and Kapha maintains the body structure. Hakam Churna is a mixture of herbs like Chandershoor ( Lepidium sativum ), Kalonji ( Nigella sativaa ), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum ), Ajwain ( Trachyspermum ammi ). All four herbs are present in equal quantity. It has the properties to bring vata in balance. It also improves digestion and decreases stiffness and pain.

Dosage:-  1 tsp. twice daily with warm water, after meals.

2. BOSWELLIA CURCUMIN

Boswellia curcumin capsules prepared by planet Ayurveda are the best preparation for inflammatory disorders. The results are long-lasting and the anti-inflammatory effect is permanent. This herb is effective and safe to consume as there are no side effects. The combination is very powerful for joint inflammation in vertebrae. Boswellia extract is generally made from tree gum. It contains at least 15 triterpene acids. Boswellia contains boswellic acid which is a very good anti-inflammatory and supports healthy joint functioning by inhibiting the leukotrienes. The addition of curcumin not only supports joint movements but is also a rich antioxidant. This combination provides comprehensive immune support.

Dosage:–  2 capsules twice daily with warm water, after meals.

3. YOGRAJ GUGGUL

Yograj Guggul is an ayurvedic preparation in tablet form which maintains the balance of vata in the body. It is a combination of various ingredients. It contains Chitraka (Plumbago zeylancia), Yavani (Trachyspermum ammi), Pippalimoola (Trachyspermum ammi), Karavi (Piper chaba), etc. All herbs are taken in fine powdered form. Guggul is melted and all the herbs are added to it. It is converted into tablet form in a uniform size of around 500 mg.

Dosage:-  2 tablets twice daily with warm water, after meals.

4. VRIHAT VATCHINTAMANI RAS

Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras is a classical preparation that is effective in balancing vata dosha. It is used in various nervous disorders. It contains ingredients like Swarna Bhasma, Abhrak Bhasma, Rajat Bhasma, Praval Bhasma, etc. It is enriched with antioxidants, anti-aging, nerve tonic, and many more properties.  It is excellent for increasing the strength of the body. It reduces the chances of age-related health issues. It is very effective in removing toxins from the body.

Dosage:-  1 tablet twice daily with warm water twice daily, after meals.

5. DHANWANTHARAM TAILAM

Dhanwanthram tailam is an ayurvedic oil preparation. It is effective in treating vata dosha disorders. This preparation is based on Kerala ayurvedic practice. It contains herbs like Balamool ( Sida cordifolia ), Agnimanth (Premna mucronate), Patala (Stereospermum suaveolens), Shyonaka (Oroxylum Indicum), etc. No side effects of this oil on external administration are noted.

Dosage:-  Massage externally after warming it up through a water bath method.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE CHANGES

DONOT’S

  • Avoid exercises that stretch your hamstring
  • Avoid sitting for longer times more than 20 minutes
  • Avoid the bed rest
  • Avoid bending over
  • Avoid twisting your spine
  • Avoid prolonged walking

DO’S

  •  Take a high-fibre diet
  • Maintain adequate body weight
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Mobilise and extend the lower back
  • Oil massages

CONCLUSION

Sciatica is a disease of the nervous system. It is characterised by radiating pain in the sciatic nerve. A person suffering from sciatica can have a great result by taking these formulations which have negligible side effects. This is far better than having painkillers that only act as symptomatic relief. Still, it is recommended that an expert’s advice should be taken before starting the treatment.

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