Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica Pain
Ramanathan, 42, had been suffering from persistent lower back discomfort that had spread to the back of his left leg, causing a severe
throbbing and burning sensation behind the knee. When bending forward or reaching out, the pain was exacerbated.
He continued to use strong non-steroid pain relievers that made him drowsy but didn’t provide complete pain relief.
How commonly we hear this, but one needs to know Low back and leg pain could be sciatica !!!
Low back pain is becoming the most frequent musculoskeletal condition. Sciatic pain is a disorder with low back pain that spreads through the hip, to the back of the thigh, and down the inside of the leg. There are many causes for low back pain, however, true sciatica is a symptom of inflammation or compression of the sciatica nerve. Due to injury or compression of the sciatic nerve, sciatica is a common cause of low back pain.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Pain in the lower back and a constant dull ache Weakness in the thigh, leg, and foot muscles is possible.
Restriction in lifting the affected leg -generally tested by SLR test
The pain may spread to the feet or toes.
Numbness in the thighs.
Pricking sensation on the skin.
Recurrent discomfort in the lower back.
A tingling sensation in the toes and feet.
Recurrent discomfort in the lower back.
A tingling sensation in the toes and feet.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica is a common symptom of several different medical conditions. However, an estimated 90 percent of cases are due to a herniated (slipped) disk.
Lumbar spinal stenosis – narrowing of the spinal cord in the lower back.
Spondylolisthesis – a condition where a disk slips forward over the vertebra below it. Other causes – for instance, injury within the spine, and infection. In many cases of sciatica, there is no single obvious cause.
Factors Contributing to Sciatic Nerve Pain
A common risk factor is an age – people in their 30s and 40s are more likely to develop sciatic pain. When it comes to occupation, it is more common in jobs that require lifting heavy loads for extended periods of time. Sedentary people, who sit for long periods of time and are physically inactive, are more likely to develop sciatica than active people.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica Pain
First-line Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica Pain typically includes some combination of physical therapy, medications,
therapeutic injections, and alternative therapies.
Treatment comprises three approaches:
Physical Therapy to immediately reduce pain and inflammation
Ayurveda herbs and medicines for sciatica
Rejuvenation (Rasayana) for maintaining natural strength and vitality.
Medication for Sciatica Pain
Both prescription and over-the-counter NSAID Pain relief medications may be used to relieve sciatica pain temporarily, But Ayurveda suggests many Herbs & Formulations for Sciatica treatments. Herbs like Nirgundi, Bala, Punarnava, Eranda, Shigru, Rasna, Jambira, Masha can be used as supplements for a longer period. Ayurveda Formulations like Yogaraja Guggulu, Triyodashanga guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu, Vishamushti Vati, Prasarinyadi Kashaya, Dasmoola Kwatha, Sahacharadi Kashaya, Rasna- erandadi Kashaya, etc are used by Ayurveda physicians to relieve sciatic pain or back pain .
Massage Therapy for Sciatica
Certain forms of ayurveda massage therapy, like Abhyanga swedana, Pathrapotali swedana (Elakizhi), Sarvangadhara (Pizhichil), Kati Vasti, Vasti (the most important procedure in Ayurveda treatment for Sciatica ) etc., have benefits for pain relief. The benefits of massage therapy include:
- Improving blood circulation, which in turn creates a better healing response in the body
- Relaxing tight muscles, which may be contributing to the pain
- Releasing endorphins, which are hormones in the body that function as natural pain relievers
Massage Therapy for Sciatica
Certain forms of ayurveda massage therapy, like Abhyanga swedana, Pathrapotali swedana (Elakizhi), Sarvangadhara (Pizhichil), Kati Vasti, Vasti (the most important procedure in Ayurveda treatment for Sciatica ) etc., have benefits for pain relief. The benefits of massage therapy include:
- Improving blood circulation, which in turn creates a better healing response in the body
- Relaxing tight muscles, which may be contributing to the pain
- Releasing endorphins, which are hormones in the body that function as natural pain relievers
Lumbar Therapeutic puncture for Sciatica
Just like Lumbar therapeutic injections may help treat pain stemming from conditions that affect the sciatic nerve ayurveda has been using a physical therapy program called AGNIKARMA procedure providing enough pain relief. These therapies are directed toward relieving the inflammatory changes and underlying causes of Sciatica, releasing the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthening and nourishing the entire spine & supporting tissues. Usually the treatment period is 4- 5 weeks according to the severity of the disease. In 4-6 weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved with treatment. Ayurveda stands as a better alternative to surgery for Sciatica.
Some Simple Home remedies for Sciatica
- Apply (DO NOT MASSAGE) medicated ayurvedic oil such as mahanarayana taila or pinda taila as it increases blood flow to injured areas, thereby speeding healing.
- Use a warm towel or a salt poultice to relieve pain.
Ensure that the treatment feels warm for 15 to 20 minutes.
- During a bath, alternate between warm and cold water to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
- Incorporate superfoods such as turmeric and ginger into your diet.
Some Simple Home remedies for Sciatica
- Apply (DO NOT MASSAGE) medicated ayurvedic oil such as mahanarayana taila or pinda taila as it increases blood flow to injured areas, thereby speeding healing.
- Use a warm towel or a salt poultice to relieve pain.
Ensure that the treatment feels warm for 15 to 20 minutes.
- During a bath, alternate between warm and cold water to improve circulation and reduce muscle spasms.
- Incorporate superfoods such as turmeric and ginger into your diet.
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Disclaimer
All the Ayurveda treatments will be customized by Physician only after detailed consultation. Treatments may be changed based on the individual strength.