Alternative Medicines for Radiculopathy Treatment

Abstract

'Radiculopathy' refers to a set of conditions marked by a 'pinched nerve' in the spine. In this condition, a nerve root in the spinal column gets compressed, because of which the functions of the nerve are hampered. The compression of a nerve in the spine leads to pain, numbness, or weakness, and can also cause difficulty in controlling certain muscles. Radiculopathy can be managed effectively with the help of some beneficial herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda.

Radiculopathy: Overview

In Radiculopathy, one or more nerves in the spinal column get 'pinched' or compressed (and inflamed) because of an injury, trauma, or any other condition which causes damage to the discs in the spine. The pinching of the nerves commonly occurs close to the nerve root - that is, the site at which the nerves extend out of the spine to various parts of the body.

Radiculopathy can be divided into three types, characterized by the pinched or compressed nerve/nerves. The three types are:

• Cervical Radiculopathy, in which nerve compression occurs in the cervical spine (upper back or neck). The nerve roots of the cervical region mainly control sensation in your arms and hands.
• Thoracic Radiculopathy - It refers to compression of the nerve root of the thoracic area which is your upper back. This is the least common location for Radiculopathy.
• Lumbar Radiculopathy, in which nerve compression occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back). This condition is also known as Sciatica as the Sciatic nerve is involved which leads to back pain.

People aged between 30 and 50 years usually get affected by Cervical Radiculopathy or Lumbar Radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy: Causes

The main cause of Radiculopathy is that the space close to the root of a nerve in the spine gets narrowed due to different reasons, including injury or other health conditions. Some of the conditions that can trigger Radiculopathy are:

• Bulging or herniated disc
• Degenerative disc disorder
• Tumor of the spine
• Sciatica
• Spinal arthritis or Osteoarthritis
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Bone spurs
• Compression fracture
• Spondylolisthesis.
• Scoliosis
• Diabetes
• Various spinal infections

Radiculopathy: Symptoms

The symptoms of Radiculopathy depend on the pinched/compressed nerve root and the body part which is served by the affected nerve. When a nerve root is compressed, it leads to inflammation. Some of the common symptoms associated with Radiculopathy are:

• Sharp pain in the back, arms, shoulders or legs. This pain is aggravated with certain activities such as coughing or sneezing.
• Acute back pain extending to the foot
• 'Pins and needles'sensations or tingling in the arms/legs
• Numbness in the lower back, hips, buttock, leg, or foot
• Sharp back pain while sitting, sneezing or coughing
• Weakness or numbness in the legs/feet
• Loss of reflexes in the arms/legs
• Pain that worsens while making head/neck movements
• Shooting pain in the rib, abdomen, or one side of the body.

Risk factors of Radiculopathy

Some factors that may increase the risk of developing Radiculopathy include:

1. Age -People who age between 40 to 50 are more prone to this disease
2. Strenuous activities - Some activities such as wrestling and weight lifting may lead to Radiculopathy.

Radiculopathy: Treatment

Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal products for the natural management of Radiculopathy:

1. Hakam churna

A combination of some of the beneficial herbs is used for the preparation of this churna(herbal powder) which can promote overall health and well-being. The herbal ingredients of the churna include Chandershoor(Lepidium sativum), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Kalonji(Nigella sativaa), and Ajwain(Trachyspermum ammi).

The use of Hakam churna can benefit the patients suffering from Radiculopathy because of the combined ability of the herbal ingredients. This churna helps in the detoxification of the body. The churna can alleviate pain and inflammation, treat painful joints, improve liver function, support the digestive system, and balance the Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas.

Dosage:3-5 gm of churna, two times a day after meals with plain water.

2. Boswellia Curcumin capsules

The preparation of these capsules includes a combination of two powerful anti-inflammatory herbal ingredients-Shallaki(Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin(Curcuma longa).The Shallaki herb is known for its ability to fight inflammation, while Curcumin is considered an excellent antioxidant.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for Radiculopathy patients because the capsules can reduce pain and inflammation, support the healthy functioning of joints, increase blood supply to joint tissue, improve the biochemical structure of cartilage, and promote cardiovascular health.

Dosage:2 capsules, two times a day after meals with plain water.

3. Yograj Guggul tablets

Several potent herbs and other natural ingredients are combined with 'Guggul' herb(Commiphora mukul)for preparing these tablets.The herbal components of the tablets include Amalaki(Emblica officinalis), Haritaki(Terminalia chebula)Ardraka(Zingiber officinale)Yavani(Trachyspermum ammi)Karavi(Piper chaba)Pippali (Piper longum)Gokshura(Tribulus terrestris),Mustaka(Citrus rotundus)Jeeraka(Cuminum cyminum)Chitraka(Plumbago zeylanica)Devdaru(Cedrus deodara)Ela(Eletteria cardamomum)Ajamoda(Trachyspermum roxburghianum)Kushta (Saussurea lappa)Rasna(Pluchea lanceolata) & Patra(Cinnamomum zeylanicum).

People affected by Radiculopathy can benefit from the use of these tablets because of the ability of the herbal ingredients to manage diseases that affect joints and bones, treat Arthritis, maintain a healthy metabolism, support healthy muscles, boost immunity, and balance Vata dosha.

Dosage: 2 tablets, two times a day after meals only with plain water.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras tablets

These tablets are prepared from a combination of several powerful natural ingredients, including Swarna Bhasma(Calx of Gold)Rajata Bhasma(Calx od Silver)Abhraka Bhasma(Calx of Mica)Loha Bhasma(Calx of Iron)Mukta Bhasma(Calx of Pearl)Pravala Bhasma(Calx of Coral)Suta Bhasma (a compound of purified and processed Mercury and Purified Sulphur)and juice extract of Aloe Vera.

These tablets are highly beneficial to treat different types of pain, maintain healthy functioning of the brain, keep the nervous system healthy, support the digestive system, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.

Dosage: 1 tablet, two times a day (30 tablets) after meals only with plain water.

5. Ashwagandha capsules

Standardized extract of 'Ashwagandha' herb(Withania somnifera) is used for preparing these capsules. The potent herb has immense medicinal significance, particularly because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

People suffering from Radiculopathy can benefit from the use of these capsules because Ashwagandha herb has the ability to manage pain and inflammation, support nerve functions, enhance mental health, strengthen the muscles, reduce metabolic imbalances, rejuvenate the body, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.

Dosage: 2 capsules, two times a day after meals only with plain water.

Contact my assistant to provide you the costing/ordering and delivery information at - costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or call at +91-172-5214030 Or Check Website - www.PlanetAyurveda.com

Conclusion

The herbal products offered by Planet Ayurveda for Managing Radiculopathy are 100% pure and natural products that are completely safe to use. The preparation of these products does not involve the use of any chemicals, artificial colors, preservatives, binders, fillers, or additives. However, it is recommended that people suffering from Radiculopathy should use these herbal products under the guidance of an expert Ayurveda practitioner.