Ayurveda for Low back pain and Intervertebral Disc bulge & protrusion

The main reason we suffer from back problems is that we are increasingly becoming sedentary creatures. Our spinal disk is like a jelly donut, with a softer center encased within a tough coating. Slipped disk or ruptured disk or herniated disk occurs when the softer jelly pushes out through a crack in the tough case. It can irritate nearby nerves and result in pain, numbness or weakness in arms or legs. As we age, our spinal disks lose some of their water content. That makes them less flexible and more prone to rupturing with even a minor twist. Sometimes, a traumatic event or lifting heavy objects can lead to a herniated disk. Herniated disks are most common in middle ages. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also may increase your risk of a herniated disk. But even so, many people who have bulging or herniated disks experience no pain from the condition. If a bulging or herniated disc press on the sciatic nerve that travels down your leg, it can cause sciatica — sharp, shooting pain through the buttocks, thighs, knees, and calves and to the ankles and toes.

Many people get better in a month or two with conservative treatment. Imaging studies show that the protruding portion of the disk shrinks over time, corresponding to the improvement in symptoms. Muscle strengthening through exercise helps stabilize and support the spine. Ayurveda consider this as a Vata disease namely Gridhrasi; treatment objectives are to balance Vata and thereby alleviate pain symptoms and prevent further degenerative changes of discs & vertebrae. The right therapy & right oil; coupled with internal medications shall be chosen by the doctor after a detailed consultation and examination of the patient. Consult with the physician at one of Dr. Shyam’s Ayurveda centre branches (Karama, Al Nahda, Jumeirah, Dubai Health Care City, Ajman). To schedule a consultation with Dr. Shyam, refer the clinic timings on www.vaidyashyam.com. Ayurveda offers an extensive list of therapies:

Low back pain treatment in Ayurveda

• Lepanam: Application of herbal pastes over the affected area which relieves pain and swelling
• Bandages: Bandages with herbal oils like Murivenna, Karpooradi thailam are effective
• Kadivasthy: Retention of warm oil in the low back with the aid of a dam made with dough
• Elakkizhi & Podikkizhi: warm herbal bags relieve pain and strengthen spinal muscles

In severe & chronic cases panchakarma therapies - Vasthy (Enema with medicated liquids), Virechanam (Purgation therapy), Nasyam (Medicated oils as nasal drops) are also suggested. Self-care measures can help a lot in the prevention and treatment of low back pain. Once the acute pain subsides, muscle strengthening will help to prevent recurrences. Don't do any bending, twisting or lifting. Keep your knees a little higher than your hips and keep your feet flat on the floor while sitting in a chair. Do not sit in the same position for long periods of time. If you are a nursing mother, don’t strain your back by bending over your infant. Practice Yoga postures like Bhujangasana, Salabhasana, Pavana muktasana. If you're seeking for an Ayurveda clinic in Dubai, we're here for you.