Back pain has emerged to be a common orthopedic issue that affects men and women equally. It is generally caused due to many reasons including a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise, and an unhealthy diet. Severe backache can impact one’s healthy lifestyle and lead to physical disabilities.
Irrespective of factors like age or gender, back pain is a significant health concern for all. The modern-day lifestyle has taken a toll on the mental and physical well-being of the population at length. As a result, an increasing number of people are being diagnosed with lumbar spondylosis, muscle sprain, tumors, neuritis, etc. However, one can escape these serious medical conditions by taking appropriate measures and treatment. Ayurvedic treatment for back-pain is one such effective means to ease, manage, and prevent acute to chronic backaches.
Back pain in view of Ayurveda
Kateegraham, an ayurvedic term for back pain refers to the pain felt in the lumbar region of the spinal cord which is a complex structure of interconnected bones, tissues, nerves, and ligaments. The lower back region offers support to the heavy upper body and aids in sensory aspects of the lower body including legs, pelvis, feet, etc. Any injury or damage in this region can impact the overall physiology and well-being.
As per Ayurveda, any discomfort or disease in the human body is a result of imbalanced doshas. Whether it’s an ayurvedic treatment for BP blood pressure or for any other lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, insomnia, etc., the medicines, natural remedies, and exercises are aimed at restoring the dosha imbalance in the body. In the case of back pain, Vata dosha is aggravated resulting in impaired digestion and toxin buildup.
Backache is usually caused by strenuous physical activities, injuries, or a result of a medical condition. Before delving into the varied ayurvedic treatments and remedies further, the aforementioned are some causes of back pain:
- Heavy weight lifting
- Irregularities in the skeletal structure
- Spondylitis due to inflammation of the spinal discs
- A sudden strain affecting muscles and spinal ligaments
- Osteoarthritis
- Improper sitting, standing, and sleeping postures
- Poor Vitamin B12
- Psychological stress & faulty lifestyle
Ayurvedic treatment for back-pain aims at relieving the discomfort and pain in the lower back areas through various natural herbs, remedies, and exercises. The imbalanced Apana Vata that is predominantly responsible for backache is brought to a balanced state through ayurvedic treatment thereby minimizing and eliminating the pain completely.
Ayurvedic treatments for back pain
- Abhyanga
Abhyanga, a typical body massage using warm medicated oils is ideal for relieving stiffness, pain, and discomfort in the lower back region. Popular ayurvedic pain relievers such as mahanaryana taila, kottamchukadi taila, dhanwantaram taila, etc. can be used during massage sessions to leave a soothing impact. These Abhyanga sessions are followed by a steam bath that relieves tension and relaxes the body muscles.
- Kati Basti
This is a specialized ayurvedic treatment for back-pain wherein warm oil is retained in the lower back region in a specific frame for 20-40 minutes. In this session, a flour dough well is placed on the back and filled with warm medicated oils that are replaced instantly when cooled. The warm oils poured during Kati Basti provides lubrication and improves circulation while decreasing pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the region.
- Navarkizhi
Navarkizhi is another pain-relieving ayurvedic treatment that improves muscle flexibility in the lower back region while providing nourishment. It is believed to slow the progression of degeneration and aging. This is a special massage that uses special Shali rice that is boiled in milk and other natural herbs. Opting for Navarkizhi helps in relieving the pressure, pain, and stiffness in the back region while improving conditions like arthritis, spondylitis, and other muscle issues.
Ayurveda Tips to lower & manage back pain
Much like ayurvedic treatment for BP blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia, etc., treatment for back pain includes a combination of herbal medicines, treatments, natural remedies, and lifestyle changes. Since Ayurveda follows a holistic approach to treating health problems, it demands discipline and withdrawal from unhealthy habits. Here are a few tips to lower and manage backache along with other essential ayurvedic treatments:
- Ditch a sedentary lifestyle and indulge in activities like walking, jogging, free-hand exercises, etc.
- Watch your diet. Include calcium-rich foods and avoid consuming food items and drinks that aggravate the Vata dosha.
- Take adequate rest and relax your muscles.
- Applying hot/cold packs to the affected areas relieves pain and reduces inflammation significantly.
- Maintain appropriate sleeping posture as it helps in taking off the strain from the back. Lie straight on the back while placing pillows beneath the knees.
- Increase green veggies in your diet as they provide fiber which enhances the digestive mechanism.
- Exercise regularly to keep the muscles in action. However, exercises that cause strain or discomfort should be avoided. Taking up common physical activities like walking, swimming, and yoga is best suggested to lower backache issues.
