Low Back Ache (LBA) Ayurvedic Treatment

Pain over the lower back region is a very common problem around the world. It often starts in the middle age. Women usually develop LBA after pregnancy and child birth. Most of the pains are self-limiting after proper rest, but some person develops severe back pain which often needs surgery.

Low Back Ache Signs and Symptoms

Aching/ shooting/ stabbing pain over lower part of spine and hip region, reduced joint flexibility, numbness over lower back, buttock or even to legs. In severe cases, the person feels difficulty to do daily activities.

Low Back Ache Ayurvedic Analysis

Any disease that causes pain, and involves sandhi (joints) or asthi (bones) is categorised under ‘sandhigata vata’- a type of vatavyadhi (disease caused by aggravated vata). Its symptoms are- pain over sakthi (legs), asthi (bones) and sandhi (joints) along with severe weakness. Pain related to mamasa dhatu (muscle tissue) is categorised as ‘Mamsa gata vata’ (vitiation of vata in mamsa dhatu/ muscles). The symptoms of mamsa gata vata are pain, weakness, stiffness, heaviness of the affected part etc.

Low Back Ache Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Any factor that causes aggravation of vata can be the reason for the disease. The aggravated vata get lodged at the low back region and attacks nearby structures like vertebrae, hip joint and/ or muscles resulting in pain. The common reasons are over activity, abnormal postures, increased body weight resulting in stiffness of joints and muscles, over exposure to cold, long travel, riding two-wheeler for a long period, stress etc. Dhatu kshaya (reduced quality of asthi/ mamsa dhatu) is another main cause.

Possible Complications of Low Back Ache Disease

If left untreated, back pain can lead to nerve compression with radiating pain to thighs and legs, bowel and bladder incontinence, weakness of lower body or even paralysis. Chronic back pain often causes sleeplessness, weight gain, anxiety or depression.

Other systemic conditions and precautions to be taken

Consider other systemic diseases (eg: hyperthyroidism, diabetes) of the patient before planning the treatment as they may get worse with the effect of medicine/ treatment procedures.

Low Back Ache Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Internal medicine along with lifestyle modification and exercise are enough to combat recent onset of back pain. Both internal medication and panchakarma therapy are needed in chronic cases. Common treatment procedures are internal and / or external snehana therapy, Swedana therapy (type of snehana and swedana vary with state of dosha and several other factors like physical and mental status of patient, occupation, associated diseases etc), panchakarma like nasya (nasal instillation of suitable medicine), virechana (purgation), Kashaya vasthi (enema with suitable decoction) and anuvasana vasthi (enema with medicated oil). In case of dhatu kshaya, brumhana therapy is done (eg: njavara kizhi). Local treatments (like bandaging, pichu, kati vasti etc) are also useful to strengthen the vertebrae and back muscles. Yoga or physiotherapy along with treatment will promote speedy recovery. Psychotherapy, meditation etc are given for those having psychological issues due to chronic pain and disabilities.

Diet

Follow the diet pattern as prescribed by the physician. Avoid food and drinks that increase vata (eg: cold items, curd, Bengal gram). Consume more milk, pulses, nuts, wheat, unpolished rice, leafy vegetables, water etc. Avoid late night dinner and skipping meals.

Exercise

Mild to moderate exercise or yoga improve recovery. Always seek the advice from physician before planning exercise.

Low Back Ache Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Adopt straight body posture while sitting, standing and laying down. Sleep on a bed with even surface. Do regular oil massage all over the body, especially the spine. Exercise regularly. Avoid long drive on uneven roads/ two wheelers. Do not bear heavy weight which will exert pressure on spine. Maintain a healthy body weight. Expose to mild sunlight in the morning.

Importance of Diet

Follow the menu as directed by the physician even after treatment, as it can prevent recurrence of the pain. Wrong diet will aggravate vata and cause complications.

Lifestyle

Avoid over exertion. Manage body weight. Adopt right body posture while sitting, standing and laying down. Daily oil application and hot water bath improve flexibility and strength of spine and back muscles. Avoid stress. Women should take proper care after delivery as LBA is common in post-natal period. Do not lift weight on hip, or in hands. Avoid un-necessary bending, long drives and wrong footwear.