Millions of people suffer from chronic back pain and most of them opt for surgery in the first Case without knowing more about various treatment options. While consulting with the patients it is evident that most of them don’t know about the Ayurveda treatments for back pain in Kerala. Ayurveda accommodates proven treatment methods for treating chronic back pain.
Back pain and its Reasons
Various reasons can lead into back pain including: –
Structural issues, i.e. issues with bones, muscles, ligaments and anomalies related with the spinal discs.
- Arthritis
- Herniated or bulged disc
- Muscles or ligament strain
- Spinal injuries
Structural Causes of Back Pain
But the incidence of back pain is mostly due to lifestyle problems such as,
- Poor posture while sitting or standing
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Smoking
How Ayurveda Sees Back Pain?
It is often linked with imbalance of Vata dosha which governs the functions and movements of the nervous system. Stress, improper posture, ageing, spinal injuries, heredity (rare) could aggravate Vata, which leads to pain, stiffness, inflammation and nerve-related problems.
Rather than focusing only on temporary relief Ayurveda treats the root cause by restoring bodily balance.
Treatments Utilized by Ayurveda for Back Pain
Panchakarma (detoxification)
It helps in expelling toxins (Ama) from body which reduces inflammation and improve joint lubrication.
Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage)
Massaging with warm medicated oil nourishes muscles and nerves, helps in improving circulation and reduce stiffness.
Some of the commonly used oils are: –
- Dhanwantharam oil
- Kottamchukadhi oil
- Mahanarayan oil
Warm herbal oils can penetrate deep into muscles and stimulate it which reduces muscle stiffness and helps in revitalizing blood circulation.
Kati Basti
While Abhyanga is massaging with oil, Kati Basti utilize the technique of retaining warm herbal oil over the area of pain. It provides relief in the case of lumbar pain, disc issues and sciatica (cause by compression of spinal nerve root).
Yoga & Stretching
Even if yoga and stretching are not advised to practice during chronic stages, it is helpful in maintaining a flexible and strong back. While meditation and breathing exercises helps you in building a calm mind. Meanwhile various yogic postures like shalabhasana (locust pose), Marjarasana (Cat-cow pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) could help maintain a strong back with flexible muscles.
Herbal Medicines
There are several herbal compositions that help in strengthening bones, reduce inflammation and support nerve health naturally.
- Aswagandha – Helps to reduce stress and strengthen muscle
- Turmeric – potential anti-inflammatory and pain relieving properties which help reduce joint and muscle inflammation.
- Guggulu – Used in the treatment of muscle and joint paints.
Does it really help to avoid surgery?
In many cases including early disc bulges, chronic muscular back pain and non-complicated sciatica, Ayurveda treatments can really help in reducing pain and improving mobility by reducing the chances of undergoing a surgery.
With effective Ayurveda treatment inflammation decrease, muscle strength improves, and enhances overall mental wellness. So, patients often find surgery is not necessary. Keep in mind that Ayurveda works magic when started early under expert supervision.