What is the best Ayurvedic medicine for back pain?
There is no one single magical remedy for back pain. The treatment has to be a combination of internal as well as external therapies, done in specific order aligned with the protocol. Pacifying
the aggravated Vata dosha is the prime concern, and therapies like Abhyanga, Swedana and Vasti, Tailadhara, external lepas are employed according to the strength of the patient and the
disease. Oil is the best unguent for diseases of vatik origin so oil massage is highly valued in back pain management. Swedana techniques like elakizhi, podikkizhi and njavarakizhi are
proven to be very effective in relieving pain. Different types of vasti (enema) are beneficial not only for mitigating Vata but all three doshas. It also purifies the body by flushing out the toxins.
Is Ayurvedic treatment good for back pain?
It is indeed effective. Ayurveda has succeeded in effectively managing all musculoskeletaldisorders. Keraleeya panchakarma therapies like Uzhichil, pizhichil, dhaara, and Kizhi etc are
highly beneficial in managing back pain. While allopathic back pain management majorly depends on temporary pain killers, traction and surgery, Ayurveda focuses on long term relief
with non-invasive procedures. Therapies like kativasti which are specially curated for the ailments of the low back have proven to be of excellent results. Lifestyle modification is an
important step in managing any disease and is as important as treatment or medicine. As vata is the one that causes pain, staying away from Vata- increasing factors like cold, wind, dried and
fried foods etc. is important.
Which dosha causes back pain?
Vata dosha is the prime culprit when it comes to pains and aches. Vata, when aggravated, gets localised in different parts of the body. When localised in the low back region, it causes back
pain. It might get associated with other doshas in certain conditions. To list a few factors that increase Vata- fasting, walking long distances, strenuous exercise, keeping awake at night,
excessive sexual intercourse, talking and laughing loudly, stress, sleep disturbances, suppression of natural urges, untimely food consumption, overindulgence in cold, frozen, fried
and dried foods etc. Vata not only causes pain but dryness, roughness and coldness too.
Which Ayurvedic oil is good for back pain?
External and internal administration of oils comprises a major part of the treatment protocol of back pain. Oil or taila is the ideal substance for pacifying Vata, and when processed with
appropriate herbs, can make the treatment fruitful. The oil should be of vata mitigating nature and should also be beneficial in alleviating associated doshas (if present). The properties of
commonly used medicated oils go beyond pacifying doshas- they are anti-inflammatory and antispasmodics that help relieve muscle spasms, stiffness and related distresses. Their quick
absorption and rapid action give you instant relief from pain.
What drinks help back pain?
The drinks rich in antioxidants are always the best option as they help break down the free radicals and fight pain. Green tea, herbal tea, juices of fruits and vegetables like pomegranate,
watermelon, carrot, beet, avocado, banana etc make the list here. Smoothies made of nuts, vegetables and fruits also fall into the same category. Ayurvedic herbal decoctions (kashayas)
are known to bolster immunity and prevent diseases.
How to get rid of back pain fast?
As emergency care, you can use a hot and cold compress to relieve pain. While cold compress gives a numbing action on the affected site and reduces inflammation there, hot compress or a
heating pad urges blood vessels to dilate and cause more blood flow to the region. Topical applications like pain killer sprays, liniments, balms, oils also provide instant relief. Likewise, you
can try sprinkling warm water over the affected area. Avoiding causative factors, ensuring proper diet and exercise, taking proper rest, staying away from sedentary life, correcting
postures, all along with taking medications will help to get rid of back pain quickly. Yoga, especially the stretching postures like Bhujangasana, Padahastasana, Shashasana moves the
muscles and creates a good stretch on the low back and lower limb.
What is Kati vasti in Ayurveda?
Kati vasti is an external sneha-sweda technique that provides both unctuousness and fomentation, where warm medicated oil is retained in the low back region. A circular rim is made
with black gram dough and is fixed firmly over the low back where there is maximum pain. The warm medicated oil is poured on the inner wall of the rim and is retained for about 45 minutes.
The temperature is maintained uniform throughout the procedure. Indicated for the back pain caused by Spondylitis, IVDP, lumbar spondylosis, radiculopathy, fracture etc. Kati vasti helps in
pacifying Vata dosha and nourishing the neighbouring tissues.
What is the problem of low back pain?
Low back pain can range from mild muscle aches to gripping pain, sometimes associated with burning sensation and radiation. If not managed properly, it affects the quality of life and makes
it harder to do small tasks. Chronic low back pain can be chaotic and can alter the gait and posture of the person. Giving up the activities you enjoyed once because of the pain might
cause mental distress and lack of motivation. Postural defects can lead to muscle weakness and sometimes, nerve compression. The underlying reasons for back pain such as
intervertebral disc prolapse or intervertebral disc fracture may change the spinal curvature.