Ayurvedic Treatment for Diffuse Idiopathic Skeletal Hyperostosis (DISH)
Abstract
With the growing number of elderly individuals the health problems of old age are becoming more and more overt. Skeletal changes are mostly seen with increasing age and some result in development of skeletal diseases such as Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH). Most of the time it is asymptomatic but with time it can be converted into its most severe form. Here is the brief introduction of the disease Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) with its symptoms, causes along with herbal management.
Introduction
Ossification of ligament is seen in DISH (Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) which is also known with the name of “Forestier disease”. Mostly it affects the spine. Formation of new bone (ossification/ calcification) at the joint of ligament and tendons to the bone is seen. It can be considered as degenerative osteoarthritis which is potentially progressive in nature.
Location- DISH can affect any part of the skeletal system such as Spine, skull, knees, ankles, hips, feet, shoulders, ribs and hands.
Correlation of Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) in Ayurveda
- Vata dosha along with Kapha is the main cause for this Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis disorder.
- Indigestion and gas formation with stomach upset are the root cause of vitiation of vata dosha which localises in the joints and muscles of the body and causes musculoskeletal disease.
- It can be correlated with ‘ Sandhigata vata‘ as mentioned in Charaka Chikitsa Sthana 28 chapter of ‘Vata vyadhi’.
- When the vitiated Vata dosha reaches the Sandhi it causes inflammation with a painful condition. (Ch. Ch. 28//37).
- It causes heaviness of joints, crepitation during walking or movement of joints, stiffness, deformity of joints.
Causes
The main cause for this disease is unknown but is considered that some of the environmental, genetic, metabolic and mechanical factors are involved.
- Accumulation of calcium at tendons and ligaments are the main reason for development of new bone growth (spur)
- Higher amount of Vitamin A exposure (Dietary factor)
- Regularly lifting heavy objects (Mechanical factor)
- Genetic factors
- Obesity, acromegaly, diabetes are some of the metabolic factors
High risk group
- Men are more prone than women.
- Older age (more than 50 years)
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of this disease is pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion of the neck. Thoracic and cervical spines are generally affected:
- Stiffness
- Pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Weakness in legs
- Numbness in legs with tingling sensation
- Increased risk of fracture of the affected bone
- Myelopathy (Compressed spinal cord)
- Dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
- Dysphonia (difficulty in speaking)
- Sleep apnea
- If this disease affects the lungs then it can cause decreased lung capacity.
- Airway obstruction causes difficulty in breathing.
Diagnosis And Investigation
It is generally diagnosed in general physical examination and by looking at the sign and symptoms:
- X-Ray
- CT-scan
- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging)
Herbal Formulations by Planet Ayurveda for Managing the Disease
Planet ayurveda is having excellent herbal products for DISH (Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis) which are 100% natural products free from all the chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors, yeast, binders, fillers which supports healthy condition of body by maintaining the tridosha (three body energies) of the body which are 100% vegetarian and are formulated by MD Ayurveda doctors.
- Boswelia Curucmin
- Joint Aid Plus Capsules
- Yograj guggul
- Ashwagandha capsules
- Shilajit capsules
- RumoGin 5 Capsules
Products Description
Boswellia Curucmin
Maintains overall health and well being of joints. The key ingredients in it are Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin/ Haridra (Curcuma longa). Both the herbs are anti-inflammatory in nature. They are effective in the painful condition of joints seen in DISH, OA (Osteoarthritis), RA (Rheumatoid arthritis), Cervical spondylitis, Cancer etc.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily, after meals with plain water.
1. Joint Aid Plus Capsules
It helps in maintaining healthy joints. It contains Nirgundi (Vitex negundo)– It helps by lowering down the body temperature and reduces pain and inflammation; Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)- It reduces swelling after injury; Guggul (Commiphora mukul)- Preventing oxidative stress and damage; Sonth (Zingiber officinale)- It boosts the immune system; and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)- It reduces the inflammatory response such as fever, pain, and swelling. It can be used in Arthritis, Inflammatory Disease, DISH, Joint Pain, Joint Stiffness.
Dosage- 1 Capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
2. Yograj Guggul
Ingredients of Yograj Guggul are Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Pippali (Piper longum), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum), Dev (Cedrus deodara), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mustaka (Citrus rotundus) and Ardraka (Zingiber officinale) etc. It balances Tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha) and supports healthy muscles and joints. It is mainly helpful in Vata imbalance disorders like that of joints and bones.
Dosage- 2 tablets twice or thrice daily after half hour of meal with plain water.
3. Ashwagandha capsules
In this formulation Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is the vital herb. It helps the body to adapt to various types of stress. It provides nourishment to the tissues of the body specially to the muscles and bone. It is a nervine tonic good for both mental and physical health. It reduces muscular fatigue, neck and back stiffness, joint pains which are all present in DISH.
Dosage- 1 Capsule twice daily, with plain water, after meals.
4. Shilajit capsules
The vital ingredient is Shilajit (Asphaltum). It is having good results in weakness occured due to any kind of disease like DISH. It is an anti-aging supplement. It is rich in antioxidants which removes toxins from the body. It increases stamina. It enhances cell regeneration.
Dosage- 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water or milk after meals.
5. RumoGin 5 Capsules
It contains Haridra (Curcuma longa)– It reduces swelling and prevents from allergic response with reduction in growth of bacteria; Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)– reduces pain and prevents metastasis of cancer cells, reduces fever and swelling; Sonth (Zingiber officinale)-It boosts the immune system; Maricha (Piper nigrum)– Reduces pain, swelling, fever with improvement in digestion and absorption; and Pippali (Piper longum)– Reduces pain and inflammation caused by injury and enhance the immune system.
Dosage- 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after a meal.
Natural Herbs and Home Remedies
- Garlic (Allium sativum)- Garlic paste 1 tsp in soup and vegetables helps in balancing Vata dosha. It strengthens bones and is known for regenerating bone mass. It is also used in the treatment of bone fractures. Its paste is applied over the joins to relieve pain.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa)– Turmeric powder with honey is having good results in painful conditions. It is anti-inflammatory, anti-cancerous in nature.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)- It is a good source of antioxidants and is known for balancing Vata dosha. It has anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties. It regulates blood sugar level in patients with diabetes and is a memory enhancer.
Conclusion
Patients with DISH are at risk of certain complications including chronic pain, paralysis, loss of range of motion, with difficulty in swallowing. Hence it is very important to treat it with proper management and guidelines.
