Chronic Back Pain - Ayurveda

Symptoms of Chronic back pain range from a dull ache to a stabbing sensation. The pain could make it hard to move or stand up straight. First, a person suffers from acute back pain which comes on suddenly due to an injury from sports, heavy lifting, incorrect postures, and long duration sitting and slowly & gradually it develops as a chronic back pain. The pain which lasts for more than three months, develop as a chronic back pain. If chronic back pain develops, the following symptoms can be seen:

• Muscle aching, burning or stabbing sensation.
• The pain is persistently becoming sharp and worsens with bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking. 
• One may feel stiffness in his lower back.
• Movement of pain will start several times and it may travel to the legs, and there would be a burning sensation and numbness.
• Weakness or tingling in both the legs. 
• It may also be accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

Ayurveda is the biggest contributor to mankind for human longevity and wellbeing in the most natural possible way. Ayurveda can help to heal from chronic back pain in the best possible organic way with the help of authentic medication, dedicated therapy, and massages. 

First, the holistic assessment of the health is done in which the Vaidya looks at the whole picture of the health and try to achieve full understanding of the body. During the assessment, Vaidya determines that what treatment plan will best suit the patient. Then, the treatment course starts followed by therapies like Abhyangam, Vasti, Elakizhi, Kativasti etc depending on the conditions of the patient along with herbal medications wholesome and well balanced cuisines, Yoga & meditation session, fitness session to revitalize the body and bring harmony to mind and soul.

In Ayurveda, the diagnosis procedures are two pronged. One aims to establish the state and type of pathology and second decides the mode of treatment.  It is done through holistic assessment of the health. The Vaidya will look at the whole picture of the patient health and try to achieve the full understanding. They observe, palpate and interrogate with the patients. The Vaidya determines the doshas or body constitution, the health of Dhatus (tissues), the strength of digestive fire, immunity and as well as mental harmony. This involves asking extensive questions on topic like lifestyle, diet, personal and professional life, medical history and any current problems. While knowing the constitution of the body, it will provide insight into which of the doshas are most likely to be in excess and which therapies and treatments plan will best suit the patient. 

Risk factors are factors that do not seem to be a direct cause of many diseases but seem to be associated in any way. A risk factor for Chronic back pain makes the chance of getting a condition higher to suffer from it but does not always lead to chronic back pain. Chronic back pain has several risk factors. These are:

• Weakness of bones and muscles
• Reduce in physical activity and increase dependency
• Arthritis of the Spine- gradual thinning of cartilage inside the spine.
• Spinal stenosis- Narrowing of the spinal canal which may lead to nerve pain
• Disc problem like herniated or bulging disc
• Myofascial pain syndrome- Unexplained muscle pain and tenderness
• It can lead to unplanned weight loss and blood in the stool or urine
• Development of numbness and weakness in both the legs
• Loss of bowel/bladder control
• Inability to urinate or have a bowel movement
• Sexual dysfunction

Way to stop the spread of acute back pain into Chronic back Pain is:

• Sit as little as possible
• Reduce stress in your life
• Learn deep breathing and meditation for relaxation
• Sit with back support placed at the hollow of the back while driving and sitting
• Try to keep your hips and knees at a right angle.
• Stand properly with straight shoulders, forward chest, and balanced weight on both feet and your hips should be tucked in.
• Try to avoid lifting heavy objects if possible.
• Sleeping and laying down should be done on a firm mattress
• Avoid activities which require bending forward at the waist
• Exercise, yoga, and meditation should be done while taking proper advice and precaution form trainers.
• Quit smoking
• Follow balanced and proper diets

In Ayurveda Chronic back pain is treated by using Ayurvedic medications, herbal massages, personalized Yoga & meditation session, ayurvedic therapies, proper and balanced diet plans, and ayurvedic herbs.

Note: Internal medications and therapy are prescribed by expert Ayurveda physician after complete assessment

• Abhyangam: Abhyangam is a Sanskrit word that literally means application of warm oil on the body. It is an old ayurvedic oil massage. In this massage, the oil is applied on the entire body from the scalp to the sole of feet using soft and gentle strokes followed by a steam bath. This massage reduces the aggravated Vata in our body, gives relaxation, revitalize the tissue, and remove toxic wastes from our body. 
• Vasti: It is an important ayurvedic treatment procedure especially meant for Vata diseases. There are many types of Vasti and it is performed under the guidance of an expert Vaidya. It is a proven method of Ayurveda very effective in every aspect. In this treatment, the mediated liquids and oils are passed through the anus or vaginal anal to expel body toxins. It is a result-oriented treatment that provides relaxation to Vata disorders. 
• Elakizhi: Elakizhi is a combination of two words Ela and Kizhi. Ela means leaves and Kizhi means Potli or bolus. It is an ayurvedic treatment method of sweat-inducing. In this process, herbal leaves are fried with medicated oils and other ingredients and tied in a Potli. Then, Potli is dipped into hot medicated oil and slowly applied over the body or on the affected area. It gives relief from body pain, stiff joints, backaches, and similar ailments. This massage therapy is highly effective in treating ailments affecting the joints and bones. 
• Kativasti: Kativasti is a combination of two words Kati and Vasti. The word Kati means low back or waist and Vasti means containing or retaining something inside. Vasti is a ring-shaped compartment made up of special grains or wheat where medicated oil is kept. In this procedure, the Vasti is placed over the affected area and warm medicated oil is poured in the ring. The skin absorbs the oil slowly and after 30-40 minutes, the ring is removed and the remaining oil is massaged over the affected area. This treatment gives relief from back pain, stiff muscles, and also enhances blood circulation. It is one of the most effective therapy/massages for chronic back pain. 
• Yoga & Meditation: It helps in enhancing the regeneration of tissues to strengthen bones and muscles. 
• Personal lifestyle and fitness are evaluated on daily basis during the treatment of Chronic back pain. 
• Regular Yoga and fitness session to give flexibility to joints.
• Warm water bath and steam bath.
• Proper routine of life and wise choice of diet is advised.
• Evaluation of personal lifestyle and fitness on daily basis is done.