Herbal Remedies for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

Abstract

The thoracic outlet is a ring located just below the collarbone meaning this region is located in the lower part of the neck, formed by the top ribs and just below the clavicle. It extends to the upper part of the arm. This thoracic outlet is surrounded or formed by the muscles, nerves, vessels and bones. These nerves and vessels are supplying the shoulder as well as arm. When there is any injury or any anatomical defect to this thoracic outlet then the person will suffer from thoracic outlet syndrome. So in this article we will discuss thoracic outlet syndrome and its ayurvedic management.

Introduction

Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when nerves and vessels in thoracic outlet are compressed by the ribs or neck muscles. When there is compression of nerves, arteries or veins in the pathway from lower neck to the armpit then it leads to a syndrome called thoracic outlet syndrome. Syndrome means group of disorders. This syndrome causes severe pain in the shoulder along with numbness in the hands. This is named after its position (the space between lower neck and upper chest).

Herbal Remedies for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Treatment

Etiology/Causes

In general the cause of this syndrome is compression of nerves and vessels. Some of the reasons of compression of these nerves and vessels are

1. Anatomical Defects

These defects are present at birth which is also known as congenital defects such as extra rib or abnormally tight fibrous band that connects spine to the rib.

2. Trauma

Any trauma to that region may cause this syndrome. Trauma such as accident or fall from height can cause damage to the internal parts which further compress the nerves and vessels in the thoracic outlet.

3. Repetitive activity

Doing the same thing over and over again, will tear the internal parts around the thoracic outlet such as typing on a computer, lifting things above your head, swimmers, baseball pitchers.

4. Pressure on joints

Obesity is the reason for an undue amount of stress on joints. Someone who is carrying an oversized bag or backpack will show thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms.

5. Weightlifting

The one who is a gym goer may develop thoracic outlet syndrome.

Clinical features/Signs and symptoms

The symptoms of this syndrome vary according to the type of the thoracic outlet syndrome:

1. Neurogenic type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This type of syndrome is related to the abnormalities of bony and soft tissue in the lower neck region. This is the most common type of thoracic outlet syndrome. In this there is a compression of complex nerves (Brachial plexus). Symptoms include numbness of the hands, wasting of hand muscles, tingling and pricking sensation in hands.

2. Venous type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This condition arises due to damage to major veins in the lower neck and upper chest. The symptoms develop suddenly after unusual exercise of the arms. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bluish discoloration of the arm, weakness and heaviness of the neck and arms, dilated veins in the chest wall.

3 . Arterial type of thoracic outlet syndrome

This is a rare type of thoracic outlet syndrome, but this is a serious type of TOS. It is caused by congenital abnormalities in the lower neck and upper chest. Symptoms include cold sensitivity in hands and fingers, numbness, pain and poor blood circulation to the arms and hands.

Risk factors

These people are at high risk developing thoracic outlet syndrome:

Females are more likely diagnosed with this syndrome than males
This is more common in young adults

Diagnosis

Doctor will review the overall symptoms and medical history of the patient along with a physical examination. Some of the imaging diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of this syndrome are:

X-ray: Doctor may order an X-ray which may reveal an extra rib.
Ultrasound: This scan is used to rule out the vascular type of thoracic outlet syndrome.
CT scan: This scan is helpful in identifying the location and cause of vessel compression.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This may reveal congenital anomalies.
Angiography: This test may help to make blood vessels more visible
Nerve conduction study: This test used a low amount of electrical current to measure nerve's ability.

Treatment of Thoracic outlet syndrome

Generally a conservative approach is effective against this syndrome. Treatment may include:

Physical therapy: Physical therapy is the first line of treatment in neurogenic thoracic outlet syndrome. Doctor will suggest some exercises that strengthen your shoulder muscles.
Medications: Doctor will prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs and muscle relaxant pain killers.
These medications have their own side effects. They show bad results on prolonged usage. Now I am going to discuss Ayurvedic management for this syndrome.

Herbal Remedies for the Treatment Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Planet Ayurveda provides various herbal products. This is a manufacturing company which manufactures various herbal products with the standardized extracts of potential herbs. This is an internationally certified company. The products are 100% pure and vegetarian and also made under the guidance of expert Ayurvedic physicians. This company offers following herbal products for this syndrome

Yograj Guggul
Boswellia Curcumin
Aamvatantak Churna
Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
Bone Support Capsules

Products Description

1. Yograj Guggul

This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It is used in various musculoskeletal disorders. It pacifies vata dosha and helps in alleviating the symptoms of this syndrome such as pain. It is prepared from potential herbs such as Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), Pippali (Piper longum), Vidang (Embelia ribes), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa) etc. It is traditionally used in ayurveda for painful joints and muscles. It rejuvenates the muscle strength and neuromuscular system.

Dosage: 1 tablet twice a day with plain water after meals

2. Boswellia Curcumin

It is a poly herbal formulation. It is used in various joint disorders. It is prepared from two effective anti-inflammatory herbs such as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)and Haridra (Curcuma longa). It increases mobility and reduces joint pain. It is helpful in reducing pain and swelling in joints. This herbal product also has an analgesic effect.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with plain water after meals

3. Aamvatantak Churna

It is the best herbal product for vataj disorders. It is a unique herbal combination for joint pains as it contains Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus) etc. This Churna reduces inflammation and swelling.

Dosage: ½ teaspoon twice a day with plain water after meals

4. Vrihat vatchintamani ras

This is the classical ayurvedic formulation. This formulation is used in the treatment of various neurological disorders. It has antioxidant properties and anti-aging properties. It improves the function of nerve cells which are responsible for this disease. It is made using Swarna bhasma, Rajat bhasam, Abhrak bhasma, Loha bhasma, Praval bhasma, Mukta bhasam etc.

Dosage: 1 tablet to be chewed with warm milk twice a day after meal

5. Bone Support

This is a poly herbal formulation used in various musculoskeletal diseases. It makes bones and muscles stronger and healthier. This herbal product is made from the standardized extracts of shuddha Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Hadjod (Cissus quadrangularis), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna) etc. It maintains the proper blood circulation in bones and muscles. It provides strength to the bones.