ABOUT LEVATAR ANI SYNDROME
Levator Ani Syndrome is a painful and discomforting long-term condition in which the sufferers experience episodic rectal spasm. The periodic episodes of rectal and anus pain which the sufferers of this condition undergo is a result of the tightening of the muscles of the pelvic floor (also known as pelvic diaphragm). The pelvic floor is the broad muscle in the lower pelvis which provides support to the rectum, urethra and rectum, and also to the vagina and the uterus in women.
Since Levator Ani Syndrome -- which is also called 'Levator Ani Spasm Syndrome' -- is linked to spasm and tightening of the pelvic floor, this condition is a kind of non-relaxing pelvic floor dysfunction. The sufferers of this condition generally complain of discomfort, pain and pressure in the rectum, sacrum, and coccyx area.
According to estimates, Levator Ani Syndrome affects nearly 5.7 percent of males and 7.4 percent of females; with people aged between 30 and 60 years comprising more than 50% of the sufferers of this condition. The line of treatment in Levator Ani Syndrome is mainly focused on reducing pain and managing the symptoms of the condition.
CAUSES OF LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME
Levator Ani Syndrome is a condition in which a muscle near the anus spasms and causes pain; but the exact cause of this condition is not clearly known. However, it is believed that the condition is apparently a result of chronic tension of the muscles of the pelvis floor. In addition, some of the other expected causes of Levator Ani Syndrome are:
- Inflammation in the pelvic region
- Injury to the pelvic floor due to trauma or surgery
- ‘Atrophy’ or shrinking of the vagina
- ‘Vulvodynia’ or pain in the vulva
- Injury during childbirth
- Surgery of Lumbar disc
- Sexual abuse or sexually-related injuries
- Continuing sexual activity despite pain
- Irritable bowel syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, Endometriosis, or other kinds of pelvic pain.
SYMPTOMS OF LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME
Pain in the rectum is the main symptom of Levator Ani Syndrome. This pain, high in the rectum, is not linked to bowel movements. It can be brief or occasional pain which may last for a few hours or days. The pain can be spontaneous and irregular; and may be triggered or worsened while sitting or lying down. The pain is so severe that it can interrupt sleep.
Along with rectal pain, some of the other symptoms of Levator Ani Syndrome are:
- A sense of pressure in the rectum
- Rectal tightness and muscle spasm
- Constipation or Bloating
- Urinary and bowel problems
- Frequent urge to urinate; or inability to start the urine flow
- Bladder pain
- Pain in the tail-bone region
- Painful urination, and
- Urinary incontinence.
DIAGNOSIS OF LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME
In order to diagnose Levator Ani Syndrome, doctors conduct a physical examination and diagnostic testing of the sufferers, and check out their medical history. Moreover, on the basis of the symptoms reported by the sufferers, certain tests are carried out to exclude other diseases which may be responsible for the symptoms. These tests include:
- Blood test
- Imaging tests
- Stool sample
- Endoscopic procedures
TREATMENT OF LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME
Levator Ani Syndrome is a chronic condition for which there is no known cure. The treatment of this condition chiefly focuses on managing the symptoms in a proper and timely manner, so as to reduce their severity and frequency.
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR LEVATOR ANI SYNDROME
Ayurvedic formulations -- prepared from pure and natural herbs -- can prove to be extremely effective in the management of the symptoms of Levator Ani Syndrome. Ayurvedic experts believe that the occurrence of Levator Ani Syndrome is linked to an imbalance in the body's three energies (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha); and, more specifically, an imbalance of a Vata sub-type ('Apaan Vata').
Herbal Remedies for Levator Ani Syndrome
The herbal formulations which can be beneficial for the patients of Levator Ani Syndrome are:
1. Tab. Yograj Guggul:
Yograj Guggul tablets are an excellent herbal formulation prepared from a number of useful herbs with detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties. These tablets provide support and strength to the muscles; keep the metabolism healthy; aid digestion; and rejuvenate and strengthen the skeletal and neuromuscular system. The herbs used for preparing Yograj Guggul include: Shudh Guggulu (Commiphora mukul); Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica); Ardraka (Zingiber officinale); Haritaki (Terminalia chebula); Amalaki (Emblica officinalis); Mustaka (Cyperus rotundus); Pippali (Piper longum); Jeeraka (Cuminum cyminum); Devdaru (Cedrus deodara); and Ela (Eletteria cardamomum).
Patients of Levator Ani Syndrome should take two Yograj Guggul tablets two times a day with plain water, 30 minutes after a meal.
2. Ashwagandha Capsules:
These capsules are prepared from pure extract of the ‘Ashwagandha’ (Withania somnifera) herb. The most useful natural property of this herb is its effectiveness in fighting stress. As such, Ashwagandha capsules can lower the levels of stress and anxiety and bring about a notable improvement in overall health.
For managing Levator Ani Syndrome, the recommended dosage of Ashwagandha capsules is: 1 or 2 capsules to be taken with plain water twice a day, after meals.
3. Cap. Digestion Support:
These capsules are very effective in treating disorders of the digestive system. The herbs used for preparing these capsules work collectively to control constipation, bloating, and acidity; and also balance the natural pH in the stomach. These herb’s extracts are: Amla (Emblica officinalis); Sounf (Foeniculum vulgare); Haritaki (Terminalia chebula); Pippali (Piper longum); Dhania (Coriander sativum); Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum); and Bahera (Terminalia bellerica).
The patients of Levator Ani Syndrome should take two Digestive Support Capsules two times a day, with some water, in middle of meals.
4. Chandraprabha Vati:
Chandraprabha Vati tablets are also beneficial in managing Levator Ani Syndrome. The ingredients of these tablets are some potent herbs which can altogether be extremely useful in controlling the disturbed metabolism of Vata and Kapha doshas. These herbs include: Shilajit (Asphaltum); Mustak (Cyprus rotundus); Haridra (Curcuma longa); Karpoor (Cinnamomum camphora); Sharkara (Sugar); Amalaki (Amla Emblica officinalis); Chavya (Piper chaba); Vacha (Acorus calamus); Maricha (Piper nigrum); Pippali (Piper longum); Dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanicum); Tejpat (Cinnamomum tamalata); Shunthi (Zingiber officinalis) and some other herbs.
To manage Levator Ani Syndrome, two Chandraprabha Vati tablets 2-3 times a day with lukewarm water.
CONCLUSION
The above-mentioned herbal formulations can be helpful in managing the symptoms of Levator Ani Syndrome. Still, it is advisable that men or women who experience recurrent rectal or anal pain or discomfort in the rectum region should consult a doctor immediately, in order to prevent any other health complications.