Alternative Treatment For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS): Decompressing compressions!

Our body is a fascinating machine, with so many complex connections made of nerves, veins, arteries , ligaments, and tendons, some connections are made of chemicals like Acetylcholine. As fascinating as it is, it is dangerous too. A single malformation, compression, or cut during surgery even to the minute structure can collapse the whole system and impart an imbalance. We experience falls or stumbling on objects on a daily basis, as well as being hit by a door or a table corner, but fortunately, we have several protective mechanisms in place to prevent or implement corrective actions. However, this is not always the case. Consider a traumatic incident such as a car accident or a fall down the stairs; a high impact blow can cause a displacement or a fracture. Bones and joints are surrounded by several other structures, as told earlier veins, arteries, ligaments, muscle, tendons, and so on. A displacement or a fracture of these bones is not just going to affect the bones, it will affect everything around it, it can compress or it can penetrate.

Thoracic outlet syndrome is one such disease caused by the abnormal placement of bones leading to compression of the underlying structure and in this article, we are going to walk you through the characteristics of this condition and all the treatments available.

Let us give you a small intro to Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

As the tail of the name suggests, it is a syndrome, a group of diseases or symptoms. The thoracic outlet is a space between our collar bone or medically called the clavicle and the first rib. There are a lot of important structures involved in this area, compression of which can cause symptoms and grave complications. When an abnormality from congenital defect or trauma or abnormal posture causes this outlet to narrow and compression is formed, this could affect not only the thoracic outlet but also the areas these structures supply to.

Causes

• Massive trauma from accidents or repetitive trauma during a job or sports.
• Congenital defect causing a narrow thoracic outlet.
• Sometimes poor posture can also exert pressure and compress the underlying structure.

Structures involved in Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

Structures involved are so important in the case of TOS, it is on this basis, the condition is divided into three types.

• Nerves- Neurogenic TOS – This is the commonest among all, compression occurs to the brachial plexus passing through the thoracic outlet.
• Veins- Venous TOS- One or more veins can be compressed under the bones and can lead to blood clots.
• Arteries- Arterial TOS- Least common type, but is dangerous. Compression can lead to an aneurysm (bulging of the artery, which is extremely painful and can lead to rupture of the artery.

It doesn’t have to be in a particular type, sometimes different structures are compressed at once and many symptoms may be exhibited.

Characteristics of TOS

The symptoms vary for each type:

Neurogenic TOS

• Numbness and tingling sensation in the fingers.
• Loss of certain functions or feeling of weakness in the affected upper limb.
• Pain in the shoulder, neck, or/and hand.

Venous TOS

• Bluish discoloration of the hand along with pain and swelling
• Feeling of fatigue and weakness in arms during activities
• Blood clot in the veins of the upper part of the body
• One more finger show discoloration or paleness
• Throbbing lump adjacent to the collar bone.

Arterial TOS

• Paleness (pallor) or bluish discoloration (cyanosis) in the fingers or the whole arm.
• Pain in the affected upper limb
• Affected limb is cold to touch.
• Weak or completely absent pulse.

Risk Factors

Even though trauma and congenital issues outweigh any other cause, being a female increases your risk of getting diagnosed with this condition. Age is also a reason of concern, 20 to 50 years old have been shown to be prone to this syndrome.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination and medical history
• Arteriography, Venography
• Electromyography (mainly in Neurogenic TOS)
• USG, CT, MRI
• X-Ray

Treatment

• Physiotherapy
• Medication that eases pain and inflammation. If there is a chance for a clot, then blood thinners also may be prescribed.
• If the above-said methods didn’t work, surgery is the last resort, and is called thoracic outlet decompression.

In venous and arterial compression, the risk of complication is too high to go slow on treatment. Blockage of blood flow for a long time can cause cyanosis (bluish discoloration), and then unavailability of oxygen and nutrients can cause cell death, which can even lead to a situation where amputation is unavoidable.

If you have only mild compression, it is better to avoid exerting any pressures into the area by avoiding lifting heavy objects, bad posture, practicing daily stretching, gentle massage over the area, heating pads, taking an occasional break from the job to avoid long unconscious bad postures, etc. can also help ease the symptoms.

Now, let’s delve through the possibilities in Ayurveda

Ayurveda is known for its effectiveness in treating body aches, and nerve issues. The reason the science of life is outstanding in this sector is that it treats the underlying reason. Our body is full of channels that transport different elements through it. If a disease arises, it is always due to either obstruction, overflow, abnormal direction or regurgitation. If you know about Vata dosha, it is all about the normal circulation of all elements, whether that be blood, food, fecal matter, or urine. Any obstruction in this can vitiate Vata, it can be compression from growth or a bone. In this case, it is a bone, what we focus on is to decompress and relax the muscle and other structures in the thoracic outlet.

So, the possible treatments are:

• Safe yoga postures that won’t pressurize the thoracic outlet
• Gentle massage with suitable oil to relieve the compression and Vata vitiation.
• Internal medications for pain relief and good blood flow.
• You can also opt for post-surgery care to revive your damaged nerves and blood vessels, after careful assessment of your condition.

Finding the best doctors and medicines for your condition is now easy!

We are Planet Ayurveda – Excelling daily in giving the best consultations and high-quality medicines. It is our motto to satisfy every patient that reaches out for the right treatment and safe medicines. We have both classical medicines as well as medicines we created, tailor-made to serve the needs of each customer. All our medicines are chemical-free and vegetarian, safe for any age.

Here are some carefully picked up medicines that can help with TOS

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

Product’s Description

1. Boswellia Curcumin

Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa, turmeric) are two remarkable ingredients that are undoubtedly the best when it comes to pain and inflammation. The benefits of turmeric are numerous, it can help you with healing from damages caused by TOS and shallaki is a body replenishing tonic used to boost general health, but also it is, hands-down, the best anti-inflammatory, and analgesic substance to incorporate in to treatment against TOS.

Dosage: Recommended to take 2 capsules twice daily.

2. Yograj Guggul

Yograja guggul is a classical medicine in tablet form that is used for generations in India. It is a polyherbal tablet enriched with chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), pippali (Piper longum), Yamani (Trachyspermum ammi), etc. Phytoconstituents augmented to this medicine from 29 ingredients contain all the analgesics and anti-inflammatory properties to help you have a smooth sailing throughout your treatment.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day is recommended.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

A polyherbal medicine in powder form with drugs including Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Fenugreek), Haridra (Turmeric), etc. specially formulated for Amavata. But you can incorporate this medicine into your routine for TOS as well. Surprised? No medicine in Ayurveda serves just one purpose. This carefully created combination of drugs with natural steroids, curcumin, and a lot of antioxidants in its active constituents will help you relieve the muscle tension, inflammation, facilitate blood flow in its maximum capacity and recover from the localized trauma that lead to TOS.

Dosage: Recommended intake is 1 tsp twice a day with warm water, 10 minutes before a meal.

4. Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras

Tablets that are made using Swarna Bhasma (fine powder of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (fine powder of Silver), Abhraka Bhasma (fine powder of Mica), Loha Bhasma (fine powder of Iron), Pravala Bhasma (coral calcium powder), Mukta Bhasma (fine powder of pearl) and Suta Bhasma (purified and processed Mercury and Purified Sulphur). Vrihat vat Chintamani ras is a rasoushadi with the extreme capacity to revive the damaged cells, at a pace like no other. Great in neurogenic TOS to recover lost functions of brachial plexus, and effective in venous and arterial compression to revive all the damages that occurred due to impaired circulation.

Dosage: 1 tablet, twice a day, to be chewed.

5. Bone Support

A poly herbo-mineral capsule containing Shudh Laksha (Laccifer lacca), Suhanjana Beej (Moringa oliefera), Mukta (Compound of Pearl Calcium), etc. Laksha in Ayurveda is mainly indicated for trauma, especially trauma that occurs to the chest cavity. Which makes it the prime choice for treating trauma-induced TOS. Mukta provides nourishment to the bone, helps it heal from the trauma, and brings it back to its normalcy.

Dosage: Recommended intake 1 capsule twice daily.

Conclusion

An accident doesn’t have to change your life, a single displacement of the bone, narrowing of a canal doesn’t need to make your life hell. With the right guidance and medicines, we can manage all of it and smile at the life that tries to throw us down. We are here with you to make sure that happens!!

Hold hands with us!! Hold hands with ayurveda!! For more details of our products check out our website www.planetayurveda.com and for queries you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.