Sciatica Archives | Page 3 of 3 | Dr. Vikram Chauhan's Blog

Back Ache-A threat to life and Management with Ayurveda

Were there times when your lower back laid limitations on you? Ever felt like you couldn’t take a morning walk anymore? Have you ever felt backing off from your favorite sport, or even a simple task such as picking up a sock proves testing? Yes, we concur with the fact that an aching back can very well slow down life as the focal elements of daily functions such as sitting, standing, walking, running involves our back.

Back pain has emerged as one of the most common causes for an absence from workplaces, in this day and age, back pain is not narrowed down to older individuals, in today’s time and age. You must be wiped out with all those external as well as internal medications! The former was just an abridged version of a much larger picture a backache presents. The real query must have been frolicking around you, are these medications enough, what else do I have to execute for a much happier lower back?

Let’s dive deep into the realms of an uncomforting back by kicking off with the causes.

Causes for a Low Back Discomfort

Any discomfort of the bodily structures that guard the back such as lumbar spine, ligaments surrounding them, discs between the vertebrae, spinal cord and associated nerves, the abdominal muscles, pelvic organs or even the skin blanketing it all may impede back ache. It may also arise from an incoherent activity, an injury, stress or strain, poor posture or maybe secondary to any medical condition.

lower back pain

An Ayurvedic Perspective

According to Ayurveda, the tridoshas namely vata pitta and kapha form the cornerstone of ayurveda, back pain plays a victim of the vata’s cold quality that constraints the prevailing structures! This quality of vata also bears responsibility for recurring muscle spasms by squeezing it. Vata’s ruksha guna (dryness) also comes into play with its tissue-eroding nature which is a forerunner to a stiff muscle and inability to function in full form.

Practices for a Healthier Back

1. Lifestyle and nutrition

Ayurveda is not just any science, it’s an ultimatum of life.

Let’s resort to a much healthier lifestyle by exploiting this science. Therefore mentioned backache demands a vata pacifying lifestyle and diet, let’s give the once over the habits that comply with the former, sleep should be optimal- tuck yourself under your blanket when cold winds hit and sleep away! Keep away from cold foods such as ice cream and let it be taken over by a warm hot bowl of soup or any food that is warm, unctuous and aids in an easy digestion negating the cold, dry and processed foods. Avoid much straining and shun the light! An Epsom salt bath is preferred!

2. Herbal Remedies

Indigestion forms the root cause of many diseases and hence can be alleviated simply by resorting to a diet modified in accordance with the cause. Let’s call in common, renowned ayurveda herbs in order to ward off the ama (toxins) that might have accumulated in the body such as yograj guggul, nirgundi, maharasnadi kwath. Dhanwantharam kwatham, Panchasakar churna-these herbs also find application in samana and sodhana therapies that involve in eliminating these toxins, however care should be taken in selecting certain herbal remedies as it may vary according to the prakriti,vikriti and cause of the same.

In order to alleviate the discomfort, anti- inflammatory herbs such as turmeric, ginger etc infused milk can be administered.

3. Yoga

Certain yoga postures in lie with the objective proves fruitful in a healthy and happier back which can be securely done anywhere. However, caution is to be provided while practicing the same as faulty methods might result in detrimental.

cats stretch (marjariasana)
bridge pose(setubhandasana)
locust pose(shalabhasana)
cobra pose(bhujangasana)
reclined twist(natarajasana)
triangle pose(trikonasana)
child’s pose(shishuasana)

Practicing breathing yogas that balance vata can be followed.

4) Meditation

A harmoniously positioned meditation assists in relaxing tense muscles and renders flexibility, the key to meditation lies in the sitting posture we adopt and also cashing in concentration to your breath or something peaceful, domino effect will be a calming vata and voila!

5) Maintaining correct posture

A good postural habit should be given grave concern owing to today’s sedentary lifestyle and also more desktop jobs, postures are not applicable only for sitting, a good posture must be emphasised while standing, walking, lifting objects, climbing etc. in order for the muscle to function with its maximum efficacy, in order to retreat to a correct posture, one can make us of back friendly sofas, easy chairs, usage of low heels in the case of females, sleeping in a recommended position etc.

6) Abhyanga (medicated oil massage)

Abhyanga reaps a remarkable benefit against back pain which are as follows

It pacifies the gati (movement) of vata thereby providing relief from pain, a particular abhyanga identified as Kati vasti is being employed in terms of backache.
Observing abhyanga consistently supports a harmonious relationship with the tridoshas and the body and helps in unclenching the sore muscles thereby relaxing the respective area.

7) Other Ayurvedic Therapies

A dilapidating back pain can be supervised by certain individualised therapies based on the prakriti, etiology, chronicity of the same etc. ranging from abhyanga (oil massage) to pizhichil (warm oil therapy), pinda sweda (fomentation with medicated boluses ) etc.

Many other palliative measures can also be made use of.

Ayurveda to The Rescue

The above mentioned tips can be tailor made in order to inculcate your habits for a healthier back and thereby a content life with which daily tasks will be better off. Ayurveda is a time tested science which never fails to prove its effectiveness by its long lasting results! In today’s time and age, shines itself by its comprehensive lifestyle and dictum that if followed keeps many disorders at bay and keeps our overall wellbeing in check!

How to Treat Cervical Spondylosis with Ayurveda

What is CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

It is the disorder related to aging which involves discs, vertebrae, and ligaments in the neck or cervical spine.

It is also known as Arthritis of the Neck, Cervical osteoarthritis, or Degenerative Osteoarthritis.

In cervical spondylosis, edges of the vertebrae start developing osteophytes. After some time the disc becomes thinner and loses its ability to absorb the shock that increases the risk of spondylosis.

If joints in the neck are swollen it is called FACET JOINTS. It makes pressure on the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots that create a tingling or pricking sensation and pain in limbs. In some cases, there is a loss of sensation and coordination. Some people develop difficulty in walking.

ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA

Cervical spondylosis in Ayurveda is described under “GRIVA SANDHIGATA VATA “or also called as “MANYASATAMBH” means stiffness in the neck. The abnormality in Vata doshas is caused by two procedure, in which one is Kapha and Pitta is not functioning properly.

The shalok describes that MANYA SATAMBH is a vataj dosha. When abnormal Vayu dosha entered into the nerves of neck, then MANYA SATAMBH develop. In this roga(disease) neck is contracted and stiffened inside. Neck become stiff, watering from the mouth, teeth chattering is present, the body becomes rigid type. Back part is stretched, yawning or giddiness is present. They are the symptoms of MANYA SATAMBH.

CAUSES OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

OVERGROWTH OF BONES: The body trying to grow extra bones for making a stronger spine. This overgrowth of bones is called BONE SPURS or OSTEOPHYTES. This overgrowth of bones creates pressure on the delicate or soft area of the spine, like on spinal cord and nerves, which starts causing pain.
DRYING OF GEL-LIKE MATERIAL IN THE DISCS: In our spinal bones, discs are present between there is thick, pad-like cushions. This material protects from shock, injury, lifting, twisting, and other physical activities. This gel-like material start drying gradually and spinal discs become dehydrated bones rubbing with each other, so this is painful.
CRACKS IN THE DISCS: The spinal discs start because of which gel-like material starts leaking. This leakage material puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves that results in pain and numbness.
INJURY OR ANY TRAUMA: Any trauma to your neck, like during road accident, falling, fighting, etc. damage the spinal discs.
STIFFNESS IN THE LIGAMENT: The ligaments of the spinal cord start stiffening that makes your neck stiffed or tight and create restrictions in the movement of the neck.
MORE USING OF NECK: In some occupations or professional works and in some hobbies forceful and continues movements of the neck region, this put the pressure on the spine.
Some genetical factors are also responsible for spondylosis.
As previously present in the family.
Smoking and any drug addiction are also responsible.
Overweight and lazy, inactive persons become primary for cervical spondylosis.
Any hormonal imbalance.

SYMPTOMS OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Normally patients of cervical spondylosis, do not have any symptoms.

The range of clinical features occur from mild to severe or sometimes develop suddenly.

Common symptom is PAIN. Sometimes the pain radiates to the arm and fingers.

The pain mostly accelerates during

Person is in standing position
During the sitting position
While sneezing
At the time of coughing
When you are tilting your neck backward

Another symptom that is common is the weakness of the muscle. Due to weakening of muscles, it is difficult to grasps the objects and it is harder to lift the objects in arms.

Other common signs are:

The neck becomes stiffed
Headache mostly occurs
On the shoulder& leg region and arm, there is tingling sensation and numbness also occur in legs.

COMPLICATIONS OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Cervical myelopathy can create other disabilities at different grading.

Tetraplegia
A chest infection can occur recurrently
Paraplegia
Pressure on the sores

EXERCISE FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Try to keep your body in a straight position. Make your posture straight during sitting and standing, don’t create a C-type curve shape posture of the spinal area. It is also called NECK STRETCH exercise. Hold this step for at least 5 seconds, and do the 5 repetitions.
NECK TILT sideways and also forwardly tilt your neck so that it touches the chest area. Do this for about 5 seconds and repeat this exercise 5 times.
NECK TURNING EXERCISE: Just turn your head at one side in a comfortable manner, stretch your neck muscle softly. Repeat this process, in the opposite direction.
SHOULDER EXERCISE: Move your shoulder in a round or circular manner, this process stretches your neck and spinal muscle.

LIFESTYLE ADVICE

Yoga like Tadasana, bhujangaasan, etc. and other physical activities such as swimming, cycling, light dumbbell, pushups are useful in cervical spondylosis.
PHYSIOTHERAPY is also another option for treating cervical spondylosis.
Painkiller can be used in severe condition.
Avoid physical or mental efforts, try to stay free from mental stress.
Take a good hour of sleep during night time. At least 6-7 hours of sleep is necessary.
Have a soothing massage with lukewarm oil.
Intake of easily digested food should be increased, vegetable soups, dairy products and nuts like almond, cashew nuts are added to your daily life.
Start taking of protein, calcium-rich diet.
Take a sunbath which is a good source of vitamin D, makes your bones stronger.

HOME REMEDIES FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Take two cloves of garlic and crush them. Add this paste to one glass of milk. Put it on a low flame for boiling, when one-fourth part is left, then strain it and divide it into two equal parts. Drink one part in the morning and another one at night time.
Take one tablespoon of castor oil before sleeping time.
Massage with almond oil or sesame oil on the back give a soothing effect.
During pain, you can take one glass of hot milk and add a pinch of turmeric in it. This remedy act as a natural analgesic.
An ice pack can be used during pain or stiffness.
Heat therapy also is used.
Take some cloves of garlic and one tablespoon of ajwain and roasts them until they become reddish brown, now add this material into the warm mustard oil or sesame oil. Massage with this oil mixture.