Back Ache in Ayurveda
Sunday, January 3rd, 2010
In Greek mythology, the giant Atlas carrys the weight of the earth on his head. Like Atlas, the spinal column holds most of the weight of the body. Normally sturdy, the back bone suddenly gives in to agonizing pain especially in the lower back. The pain disables a person, completely. The pain could be excruciating.
Structure of the spinal column
The spine consists of small bones called ?vertebrae?. These vertebrae are stacked one above the other forming the spinal column. There are 7 cervical, 12 dorsal, 5 lumbar,
5 sacral, 4 caudal or coccygeal forming a coccyx. The coccyxs is a small triangular bone forming the lower extremity of the spinal column, consisting of four ankylosed rudimentary vertebrae. Between each vertebra there is a washer like ?disc? acting as a cushion. This inter vertebral disk is the plate of fibro ? cartilage between the bodies of adjacent vertebrae. Each disk has a soft gelatinous core (through which the spinal cord passes) and a tough fibrous outer shell. The vertebrae are held together by ligaments, and muscles are attached to the vertebrae by tendons. The cores (openings) in the vertebrae neatly form a long hollow spinal canal to let the spinal cord rum from the base of the brain. The spinal cord, collection of grey and white matter, sensory neurons, Ganglions, spinal nerve etc, connects the brain to the rest of the body allowing us to control our movements. Nerves from the spinal cord branch out and leave the spine through the spaces in between the vertebrae. The spine it self has 3 segments:- the cervical spine, the thoracic spine and the lumbar spine, these three denoting upper part, middle and lower part of the spine, respectively.
Most of the body weight is held by the lower part of the back. Therefore any problem with the bone, muscle or ligament in this area can cause pain. Displacement of an inter vertebral disc from its position between 2 vertebrae is called ?Prolapsed disc?. This prolapsed disc brings pressure on the sciatic nerve and causes pain in the buttocks and legs, called ?Sciatica?.
Causes of back ache
? According to Ayurveda, back pain is caused by vitiation of vata. Vata gets aggravated due to low physical activities or over physical activity.
? Wrong postures, lifting heavy objects by bending over too much the muscles go into a spasm because of these.
? Travelling a long distance, driving a two wheeler or a car.
? Osteoporosis, osteo arthritis, viral infections, kidney problems, gynecological problems in women may also cause back pain.
? Stress and tensions of daily life.
? Damage to nerves due to prolapsed or slipped discs.
? Weak physical condition, poor back muscle tones, back sprains, torn muscles or ligaments and joint problems.
? Very rare causes are neurological diseases, cancer or infection.
First aid
1. Application of cold pack of ice to the paining area for 5 to 10 minutes. The ?over the counter? medications for back ache may also be used along. Cold application should be used within 48 hours after the symptoms start. After 48 hours switch over to application of heat, with a heating pad along with pain relieving medications.
2. Taking a hot shower may help.
3. Avoid bed rest. Try to move about slowly without sudden jerks.
4. It the back pain does not subside then consult your doctor.
Preventing occurrence of low back pain
Prevention is always better than the cure.
While walking, wear comfortable, low heeled shoes. If you are carrying luggage, switch hands or shoulders often. Let your gait be even and let both legs be evenly used while walking.
While standing , stand erect ; do not put more weight on one leg. Keep shifting your weight from one leg to the other. Do not stand for a long time. If you have to, take short foot ? rests.
While sitting, support your back. Do not sit on floor without a back rest or do not sit on a chair which has an uncomfortable back. The back side of the chair should be in ?S? shape, similar to the spinal column. The height of the chair should be so that to let your feet be flat on the floor. Do not sit with crossed legs. Do not keep sitting for a long time but get up and move about frequently. If you are using a computer. Keep the keyboard in such a way that you can type without bending your wrists up and down. Keep your elbows roughly horizontal.
While driving, see that the seat provides you lumbar support. If not use small pillows. Ensure that the head rest is just behind your head. During long drives stop the car frequently and walk about a little. It you start getting back pain while driving, stop driving
While sleeping, do not lie on your stomach. Sleep on your side. If you sleep on your back use a pillow under your knees. Use a firm mattress.
While lifting , heavy objects. When you lift an object do not bend from the hip and lift. Sit in front of the object, keep your back straight. Keeping the object as close to you as possible, straighten your legs and lift straight up. Never pull a heavy object if you can push it.
Ayurvedic treatment
Treatment in Ayurveda is to restore the vitiated ?dosha? to the state of equal balance. For the treatment, internal and external medicines are used. Daily purgation is advised to balance the ?Tri ? doshas?.
Ayurvedic Massages
Panchakarma treatments like abhyanga (oil massage) Basti (medicated enema) are useful.
Mahanarayana oil is applied on the back. The bath ? tub hot water is filled with Ginger powder (1/3 cup), baking soda (1/3 cup). Soak in the tub for 10 to 15 minutes Repeat this bath 2 or 3 times a week. This kind of bath is healing.
Abhyang :- A paste is made of seeds of kulthi, till, Jow, Atis and sennay, root of castor (errand) and punarnava cooked in kanji. Apply the paste directly on back.
Enema: Constipation and back ache go with each other. To prepare the enema, boil 1 tablespoon of dashamoola powder in a pint of water for 5 minutes. When it is cool and add ? cup of sesame. Use it as enema.
Herbs of use
Musta: This herb is a muscle pain killer. Take ? tsp 2 or 3 times a day with warm water.
Nirgundi leaves: Docoction of this herb has been used for steam bath for arthritis and joint pain.
Karanja leaves: These leaves and that of Nirgundi, tied in cloth bag, are used as fomentation.
Boswellia serrata is anti ? inflammatory and anti ? arthritic.
Ashwagandha: has anti ? stress, anti ? oxidant, anti ? inflammatory and rejuvenating properties.
Tagar or Valerian ? these are muscle relaxants.
Ayruvedic drugs
? Hing washtak churn 5 gms daily on empty stomach early in the morning for 1 month.
? Amla churn 5 to 10 gms with honey
? Trifaladi (20 ml) with 10 gms honey and 20 gms khand.
? Powder of equal quantities of ajwain, Saindhav lavan, herad and saunth (dried ginger) and sieve. 5 gms of this powder with luke warm water alleviates pain.
? Yograj guggul, lakshadi guggul.
? Vatgajankush Ras
? Mahanarayana oil.
Note: The herbs and ayurvedic drugs given above are for your general information and for your understanding that Ayurveda system has effective drugs. Please do not use these on your own without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor.
Stress reduction
Stress is the main cause for a number of ailments. Patients do not pay much attention to reduction of stress because most of them do not believe that mental stress could cause physical ailments. Stress raises your blood pressure to a high level, tighten your muscle and can bring on Back ache. Try Pranayama and deep breathing exercise. Do not do these without guidance of Yoga master. Try meditation to calm your self. Whatever method you choose, be firm to drive away mental stress by some method or other.
Yoga and Yogasana
There are excellent asanas to stabilize your spine. Bhujangasanam, salabasam, Gomuk asan etc. Take expert guidance and make yogasana a part of your daily life.
Diet and other regimen
? Ayurveda suggests that back ? ache is due to excess ?vata?. Reduce consumption of ?vata? increasing foods like beans. Avoid fatty, spicy fried foods, sweets, tea and coffee.
? Stop smoking.
? Never ever control natural urges.
? Do not expose your self to cold weather.
? Avoid high heel shoes.
? When you have severe pain avoid sitting for long periods Avoid strenuous exercises, jogging etc.
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