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Back Pain - An Over View

What Ayurveda Can Do In Back Pain

doctor@ayurdoctor.com

What is the anatomy of the low back?

The first step to understanding the various causes of low back pain is learning about the normal design (anatomy) of the tissues of this area. Important structures of the low back include the bony lumbar spine , iscs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, sacrum and cosix , muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.

The bony lumbar spine is designed so that vertebrae "stacked" together can provide a movable support structure while also protecting the spinal cord from injury. Each vertebrae has a spinous process, a bony prominence behind the spinal cord, which shields the cord's nervous tissue. They also have a strong bony "body" in front of the spinal cord to provide a platform suitable for weight bearing of all tissues above the buttocks. The lumbar vertebrae stack immediately atop the sacrum bone. On each side, the sacrum meets the iliac bone of the pelvis to form the sacroiliac joint .

The discs are pads that serve as "cushions" between the individual vertebral bodies. They help to minimize the impact of stress forces on the spinal column. Each disc is designed like a jelly soft structure with a central softer component (nucleus pulposus) and a surrounding outer ring (annulus fibrosus). Ligaments are strong fibrous soft tissues that firmly attach bones to bones. Ligaments attach each of the vertebrae to each other and surround each of the discs.

The nerves that provide sensation and stimulate the muscles of the low back as well as the lower extremities (the thighs, legs, feet, and toes) exit the lumbar spinal column through bony portals, each of which is called a "foramen."

Many muscle groups that are responsible for flexing, extending, and rotating the waist, as well as moving the lower extremities, attach to the lumbar spine.

What is the function of the low back?

The low back, or lumbar area, serves a number of important functions for the human body. These functions include structural support, movement, and protection of certain body tissues.

When we stand, the lower back is functioning to support the weight of the upper body. When we bend, extend, or rotate at the waist, the lower back is involved in the movement. Therefore, injury to the structures important for weight bearing, such as the bony spine, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, often can be detected when the body is standing erect or used in various movements.

Protecting the soft tissues of the nervous system and spinal cord as well as nearby organs of the pelvis and abdomen is a critical function the lumbar spine and its adjacent muscles.

What are common causes of low back pain?

Ø     Lumbar strain (acute, chronic)

Ø     Nerve irritation

Ø     Lumbar radiculopathy

Ø     Bony encroachment

Ø     Arthritis

Ø     Disc Problems

Ø     Bone and joint conditions

Ø     Congenital bone conditions (existing from birth)

Ø     Degenerative bone and joint

Ø     Injury to the bones and joints

Ø     Over weight

Ø     kidney problems , pregnancy , ovary problems ,Tumors, TB Spine

Ayurvedic Approach

According to ayurvedic system of thought, back pain is a result of imbalance three 'Doshas' of the body: kapha, pitta, and vata especially the vata dosha

According to Ayurveda the combined application of external Ayurveda therapy along with the internal products can give successful result . Kadivasthi ,snehavasthi , elakizhi , njavarakizhi are some of the important Ayurveda therapy for lowe back pain

Kati Vasti

In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower back with in a boundary made out of herbal paste. It is recommended in low back ache and spinal disorders .It relieves pain in sciatica and inter vertebral disc prolepses , inter vertebral slip disc and numbness .

Ela Kizhi

It is a process in which herbal leaves are tied in a cloth bag. This bag is dipped into hot medicated oil and then applied over the body. It relieves from body pain, stiff ness, inflammations , back aches , arthritis and similar ailments

Njavarakizhi

Njavarakizhi is a process where the body is made to perspire by applying muslin bags filled with hot medicated rice mixed with herbs and oil. This is nourishing and helpful for rheumatism , joint and muscle pain and certain skin problems. It is also effective in trauma, muscular wasting, arthritis, general weakness, paralysis etc.

   Avagaha Swedana

Avagaha Swedam, immersing in a medicated medium, is a special treatment in traditional Ayurveda for diseases such as neurological disorders, rheumatism and arthritis and low back pain . It is the fomentation by sitting in a tub or a vessel with vata alleviating decoction . This treatment is also effective for ano rectal disorders like piles and it is also recommended for urinary problems etc

Snehavasthi

Snahavasthi is the application of specially prepared medicated oil through anal rout to balance the vitiated doshas especially vata dosha . This therapy will detoxify, strengthen and stabilize the structures of the lower back

Dos And Don’ts to prevent low back pain

a) If you are a computer professional or an office going person, be careful not to sit in a stretch and strain yourself for a long time.

b) Reduce the consumption of vata-increasing foods,
like pinto beans, beans, and cold salads dry foods etc

f) Undergoing periodical Ayurvedic oil massage or spinal bath.

g) Eat warm cooked meals that are a little oil, not dry.

h) Minimize sexual activity when you have back pain.

j) Avoid exposure to cold weather.

k) Swimming is a good exercise.

l) Avoid lifting heavy objects.

m) Avoid high-heeled shoes.

n) Avoid a sagging bed.

0)Regular mild exercises