Volume 2 - Issue 3 (May-Jul)

Review Article
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Previously, this was known as ‘white finger’- a part of
Raynaud’s phenomenon. This occurs due to decreased
blood flow and is commonly seen in persons who
continuously use high frequency vibrating machines.
Studies reveal that the dentists are more prone for this
disorder than rock drillers. Garlic (Allium sativum) 5
and ginkgo are effective in increasing the circulation.
Systemic garlic consumption can be increased through
our diet. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) 2 leaf extract contains
flavonoids, glycosides, terpenic lactones (ginkgolides),
which increases the elasticity of vessel walls and
rheologic properties of blood.
Backache
This is a very common disorder seen among dentists,
which usually originates from the muscles, nerves,
bones or joints. Red pepper and devils claw are
very effective in alleviating back ache. Red pepper
(Capsicum annuum) 6 contains capsaicin, which is a
powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. It
can be mashed and applied directly over the affected
region. The secondary storage root of devils claw
(Harpagophytum procumbens) commonly called as ‘puli
nakham’ 3 contains glycosides, phenols and flavinoids
and is found to be an effective anti-inflammatory and
analgesic. The harpagosides inhibits the lipooxygenase
and cyclooxygenase pathways of inflammation.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
It is considered as a repetitive stress injury more prone to
endodontists caused by frequent flexion and extension
as in a filing motion. Numbness, tinkling or burning
sensation in the thumb and fingers, particularly the
index and middle fingers are the common symptoms
associated with this syndrome. The tunnel formed
by the carpal bones of the wrist houses the median
nerve which gets compressed by inflammation of the
tendons, which pass through it. Resin from bark of
boswellia (Boswellia serrata) 2 is an anti-inflammatory
(lipooxygenase inhibitor) and analgesic agent. Tea
made from the bark of willow (Salix babylonica) 5
provides anti-inflammatory action by inhibiting the
cyclooxygenase pathway. It is called as ‘natural asprin’
as it contains salicin, which has the chemical structure
similar to aspirin. Another most important herb is
turmeric (Curcuma longa) 6 which contains curcumin.
It is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. Turmeric
inhibits both cyclooxygenase and lipooxygenase
pathway of inflammation.
Conclusion
Hope this review can go a long way in encountering and
preventing most of the cumulative trauma disorders in
a more acceptable way and in accordance with nature.
Thereby, helping the dental surgeon to maintain a
healthy professional life - the ayur way.
References
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Ashtanga Hridayam (Vagbhata Published by Chaukhamba
Sanskrit pratishthana).
Bhaishajya Ratnavali (Govinda Dasa; Published by
Motilal Banarasi Das).
Charaka Samhita (Charaka; Published by Chaukhamba
Sanskrit Pratishthana).
www.herbalremediesworld.com
www.herbalremedypro.com
www.who.int (WHO Geneva 2004; Guidelines on
Herbal Pharmacovigilance).
Indian Journal of Multidisciplinary Dentistry, Vol. 2, Issue 3, May-July 2012
513