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.

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-

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