Natural Cure For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

ABSTRACT

TOS or Thoracic outlet syndrome consist of a group of disorders in which the nerves or blood vessels in between the space of the collarbone and first rib are compressed. This syndrome results in pain in the neck, shoulder and numbness in the fingers. Various causes like trauma (physical) from repetitive injuries, accident, certain anatomical anomalies like an extra rib, sports related injuries and pregnancy can result in TOS. However in some cases even the cause may remain unknown. You can get all the information about this syndrome from this article in detail and also learn about the herbal treatment of TOS.

INTRODUCTION TO THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Thoracic outlet syndrome is a disorder presented by pain, tingling, numbness and weakness in the arm. This occurs due to compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the neck which goes to the arm resulting in complaints. TOS is a group of disorders and there can be three of its type depending on the compressed structure, i.e. Neurogenic TOS where there occurs compression of nerve and it comprises of about 95% of total TOS, Venous TOS in which main vein is compressed comprising 4% of total TOS cases and least is Arterial TOS where occurs compression of main artery comprising of 1% of total cases of TOS. Each of these TOS are different from each other in a broader perspective.

AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

As per Ayurvedic concept, TOS is caused due to the vitiation of Vata dosha. It is a vicious cycle of Vata dosha aggravation where the symptoms arise due to Vata vitiation; it may be due to any of the previously discussed causes, further these symptoms aggravate more Vata which results in continuity of the symptoms.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

As already discussed, TOS is of 3 types and signs and symptoms also differ as per the structure being compressed. Hence first the signs and symptoms in neurogenic TOS are:

• Tingling or numbness in fingers and arms
• Aches or pain in shoulder, neck, hand or arm
• Grip weakens

Signs and symptoms in Venous thoracic outlet syndrome:

• Pain and swelling in arm
• Bluish discoloration of hand
• There can be a blood clot in the upper body area
• Activity causes fatigue or arm
• Discoloration or paleness in one or more fingers of hand
• Near collarbone there is a throbbing lump

Signs and symptoms of Arterial Thoracic outlet syndrome:

• Hands, arms or fingers become cold
• Pain in arm and hand
• Bluish discoloration or paleness in one or more fingers in hand
• Absence of pulse or weak pulse in affected arm

CAUSES OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

TOS is caused due to the compression of nerves, or blood vessels under the collarbone in the thoracic outlet. This compression can be caused due to various reasons like:

• Inherited anatomical anomalies which are present at birth like presence of an extra rib or an abnormal tightness in the band connecting rib to spine.
• Bad postures like holding the head in a forward position or drooping of shoulders can result in compression in the TOA.
• A trauma causing compression of the nerves in thoracic outlet like car accident resulting in internal changes. Symptoms in such cases often appear after a lot of time.

DIAGNOSIS OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

In TOS or Thoracic outlet syndrome, making a diagnosis can be a difficult task as the symptoms and the severity of symptoms may vary a lot in different people suffering from it. First of all the clinical history and physical examination will be done which will make your doctor suspect the syndrome which is further confirmed by MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging), X-ray, Ultrasound, and CT scan.

TREATMENT OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Conventional treatment of thoracic outlet syndrome generally involves physical therapies which include exercises to strengthen the muscles of the thoracic outlet, secondly medications are given to relieve the inflammation and pain, certain other medications can also be involved. Clot dissolving medicines are given and further surgery can be recommended if conservative treatment doesn’t work.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT OF THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

As TOS is caused due to the aggravation of the Vata dosha, hence the Ayurvedic treatment will aim on bringing Vata dosha back in balance and pacifying it through various herbs and herbal remedies present in nature.

HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR THORACIC OUTLET SYNDROME

Planet Ayurveda has been serving the suffering humanity for almost two decades now. All the herbal remedies and products manufactured here are prepared under strict supervision of experienced MD Ayurveda doctors following the genuine Ayurvedic principles. These remedies are free from any kind of chemicals, additives, colors, dye, preservatives, fillers or yeast which make them more effective and safe than other similar products in markets. For Thoracic outlet syndrome, Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that help in treating it naturally.

Products List:

1. Yograj Guggul
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Aamvatantak Churna
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
5. Bone Support

Products Description

1. Yograj Guggul

Yograj guggul is combination of numerous herbs like Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Pippali (Piper longum),  (Plumbago zeylanica), Devdaru (Cedrus deodara), guggul (Commiphora mukul), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Ardraka (Zingiber officinale) etc. In TOS, these tablets help in treating muscle pain and soreness.

Dosage– Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin capsules are known as natural pain killers. These capsules also help in enhancing the muscle strength, prevent and treat muscle injury and relieve the muscle pain. It is prepared using the extract of Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa) in standardized form.

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

3. Aamvatantak Churna

This herbal formulation contains various medicinal herbs like Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), etc. Aamvatantak churna consists of medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant which give relief from pain and swelling present in the neck, arms and hands. This churna also balances the Vata dosha which is the main culprit of TOS.

Dosage- Take 1 teaspoon twice daily after  meals with warm water.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat Vatchintamani ras tablet is prepared from using various bhasmas like Swarna bhasma (Calx of gold), Loh bhasma (Calx of iron), Rajata bhasma (Calx of silver), etc. As TOS is caused due to imbalance of Vata dosha, these tablets help in pacifying the Vata dosha and restoring its balance. This annihilates the disorder from its root cause.

Dosage– Chew 1 tablet twice daily after meals.

5. Bone Support

These multi component capsules are prepared using herbs like Suhanjana beej (Moringa oleifera), Shudh laksha (Laccifer lacca), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Mukta (Compound of pearl calcium) and Praval pishti (Corallium rubrum). As the name suggests, Bone support capsules help in maintaining the health of bones and prevent injuries to them as well as underlying structures.

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

CONCLUSION

TOS can be really troubling and one should smartly choose the mode of treatment. The herbal remedies mentioned can help in rooting out the disease and help in maintenance of overall health as well. In case of any query kindly visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com. For more queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com