Herbal Remedies for Radiculopathy in Ayurveda

Abstract

Radiculopathy is a condition in which symptoms are produced by the pinching of nerve roots in the spinal column. The pinched nerve roots can be in any area of the spinal cord like in cervical, thoracic and lumbar regions mostly. The symptoms in radiculopathy vary according to the area involved but most commonly tingling, weakness and numbness are included. It is most common in the lumbar and cervical spine. When there is involvement of the lumbar spine it is called as lumbar radiculopathy and when there is involvement of cervical spine it is called cervical radiculopathy. In this article we will be discussing the causes, symptoms, types and ayurvedic management of radiculopathy.

Introduction 

In radiculopathy ‘radiculo’ means nerve roots and ‘pathy’ means disease or a condition. So radiculopathy basically refers to the disease or condition of nerve roots. As mentioned earlier the nerve roots are pinched in the spinal column due to injury or trauma that causes damage to the discs and thus produces symptoms according to areas affected. The pinching usually takes place at the nerve root (the site at which nerves extend out of the spine, for supplying to various parts of the body). In some cases the compression is relieved by rest and exacerbates on doing heavy work, but in some cases the compression is continuous and causes pain and other symptoms of great intensity in the part of the body served by that nerve. For example, nerve root impingement in the neck can cause symptoms like weakness and tingling sensation in the forearm.

Causes

Radiculopathy is generally the result of mechanical compression of nerve roots. This compression is usually the exit foramen (an open hole that helps in the passing of nerves, muscles etc. structures to connect one part to another) or at the lateral recess (it is the projection of the fourth ventricle). Itcan also be the result of following conditions:

1. Intervertebral disc herniation (typically at the levels of C7 and C6)
2. Degenerative disc disease
3. Facet joint degeneration(present between the articular surfaces of two vertebrae)
4. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
5. Ligamentous hypertrophy
6. Spinal epidural hematoma
7. Sarcoidosis
8. Proximal daibetic neuropathy
9. Spondylitis
10. Infections like shingles, HIV or lyme disease

People at risk are generally the ones who are having over exposure to certain work related activities like lifting heavy loads, working in adverse conditions, bending over again and again and many more. Combination of such activities make a person more prone to development of radiculopathy of lumbar regions. Also old age people, overweight persons and people with family history of bone degeneration are more prone to develop such conditions.

Sign and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms in this case are generally understood by observing a patient’s gait, sitting style, talking and many other things. The patient generally complains of pain, numbness (partial loss of sensitivity or sensory stimuli), paresthesia (abnormal sensation on skin without any physical cause) and weakness in the affected part. The weakness is generally followed by less moments of the affected part because the movement causes pain and abnormal sensation.

 Signs (Physical examination)

• It reveals motor and sensory sensation reduced in the parts that are affected.
• Spurling’s test positive (cervical compression test in case of cervical radiculopathy)
• Straight leg raise test positive in case of lumbosacral radiculopathy
• Femoral nerve stretch test positive
• Deep tendon reflex diminished.

Types

1. Cervical radiculopathy: When there is involvement of the cervical spine then it is called cervical radiculopathy. The symptoms generally include pain in the neck, shoulder, arm and upper back areas.
2. Thoracic radiculopathy: The involvement of the thoracic spine is not that common. Though if the involvement is there the symptoms that are noticed include pain and irritation in chest and torso with burning or shooting pain in ribs and in abdomen at any side. Numbness and tingling sensation is also noticed.   
3. Lumbar radiculopathy: When there is involvement of the lumbar region then the pain is usually noticed in lower back regions, hips and legs. In this case symptoms usually worsens if ignored for a long time with walking, standing and sitting.

Diagnosis

After physical examination, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and CT (computerized tomography) scan can also be done as imaging techniques. Electric impulse testing is also done for nerve functioning.

Ayurvedic Overview

In ayurveda, radiculopathy can be understood as “stambha”. Stambha is believed to be the result of vata vitiation. When vitiated vata affects the spinal cord at cervical and lumbar levels then it is called as greeva stambh or kati stambh. This vata produces all the symptoms like tingling sensation, numbness, pain and reduced mobility of the affected part. Vata or typically vayan vayu vitiation is responsible for the degenerative changes noticed in the spinal cord.

Ayurveda explains Snehana (internal and external) as the management of this condition. Internal snehana can be done by administering medicated oil basti to the patient. Sudation of different types is also explained in this condition. In shamana therapy some classical formulations are also given orally like yograj guggul, amritadi Guggul, triphala ghrita and many more.

Treatment

In modern and in ayurveda there is one constant belief in such conditions that the cause must be resolved. Vata vitiation can take place due to the excessive heavy work, repeated heavy work, overweight old age and others. So firstly, resolving the cause is to be done. Then use of non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, analgesics is prescribed in modern medicine as a conservative treatment. If this doesn’t show any improvement then surgery is recommended.

Herbal Remedies for Radiculopathy by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda which is a leading herbal manufacturing unit offers some of its products that can be used in the management of radiculopathy. The products offered are totally herbal and do not cause any side effects. The herbal formulations offered by Planet Ayurveda are as follows:

1. Hakam Churna
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Yograj Guggul
4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras
5. Ashwagandha Capsules

Products Description

1. Hakam Churna

This herbal formulation acts as antispasmodic and reduces the nervous spasm causing numbness and pain. The formulation is the combination of chandrashoor (Lepidium sativum), kalonji (Nigella sativa), methi (Trigonella foenum graecum) and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi). These all herbs combinedly balance the tridosha, reduces stiffness and gives relief from spasm.

Dosage: One teaspoon twice a day after meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia curcumin is a very potent formulation that acts on inflammation and gives relief from pain. This also helps in increasing the mobility of the affected part due to its anti-inflammatory effect. This formulation is a combination of shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and curcumin (Curcuma longa).

Dosage: One capsule twice a day after meals.

3. Yograj Guggul

This is a classical formulation that helps in pacifying vata present in joints, muscles and nerves. It also acts as an antioxidant and hence promotes the immune system. Yograj guggul is a formulation that is made from many herbs like pippali (piper longum), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), ajwain (Carum copticum) and many more. It particularly contains guggul (Commiphora mukul) which is very beneficial in arthritis.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Vrihat vatchintamani Ras is manufactured using swarna bhasma, rajat bhasma, abhrak bhasma, loha bhasma and many more. It helps in pacifying pitta and vata and also supports healthy digestion. It also relieves vertigo, Migraine and helps in reducing numbness. It is a very useful formulation for treating various disorders caused due to vata vitiation.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day after meals.

5. Ashwagandha Capsules

This capsule contains the herbal extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). These capsules help in reducing weakness caused due to the pinching of nerves. It behaves as a nervous tonic. Moreover Ashwagandha also helps in strengthening muscles and reduces terminal numbness. Ashwagandha helps in reducing Paraesthesia also.

Dosage: Two capsules twice daily after meals.

Conclusion

Radiculopathy is a difficult situation to manage if ignored for a long time. One has to be very observant when they have symptoms like numbness, pain or tingling sensation in the body without any reason. The products offered by planet Ayurveda for the management of this condition are totally herbal and are manufactured under expert supervision.