Lumbar Spondylosis Ayurvedic Treatment

This is an inflammatory condition of spine at lumbar (lower back) region. It is an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system (body’s defence mechanism) fight against its own cells. Chronic inflammation often causes fusion of vertebral bones and/ or bone growths.

Lumbar Spondylosis Signs and Symptoms

Back pain, joint stiffness in the morning after getting up from sleep (morning stiffness) or a period of rest/ inactivity, feeling better after being active, tenderness (pain on touching the affected area) etc.

Lumbar Spondylosis Ayurvedic Analysis

Aggravation of vata in sandhi (joints) along with ama causes pain, burning sensation, tenderness and stiffness. This condition is called ‘Vatavyadhi’ in Ayurveda. Stiffened lumbar spine is termed as ‘Katigraha’.

Lumbar Spondylosis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vitiation of vata along with pitta is the cause of this condition.

Possible Complications of Lumbar Spondylosis Disease

Reduced joint flexibility, increased risk of spine fracture, osteoporosis, inflammation of eyes, heart diseases etc are the common complications.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider any other associated diseases (eg: high BP, heart diseases) that may adversely affect the effect of medication and treatment.

Lumbar Spondylosis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Management of ama (immature state of dosha) is the primary concern. Internal medication and procedures like dhanyamla dhara are given for this purpose. Mild snehasweda are done without causing aggravation of pain and other symptoms. Ksheeravasti, kashaya vasthi and anuvasana vasthi are performed according to the severity of the disease. Brumhana therapy (nourishing and strengthening treatment) should be done in order to reduce inflammation. Local treatments like pichu, kati vasthi etc are also given.

Diet

Light food having more sweet/ bitter taste is recommended. Avoid spicy, hot food. Wheat, unpolished rice, barley, milk, leafy vegetables etc are good to take.

Exercise

After regaining the joint flexibility, the patient is supposed to do moderate exercises as inactivity increases inflammation and related symptoms. Consult the physician before planning exercise schedule.

Lumbar Spondylosis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

As it is an auto-immune disease, preventive measures may not be much beneficial.

Maintain healthy weight, exercise regularly, adopt normal body posture while sitting/ standing/ sleeping, consume balanced diet containing all the six tastes, drink plenty of water, quit smoking reduce the intake of alcohol, avoid stress.

Importance of Diet

Improper diet may worsen the symptoms as it is an inflammatory disease. Consult the physician/ dietician for a healthy diet plan.

Lifestyle

Patients with lumbar spondylitis should stay active. Avoid sedentary habit. Do regular exercises. Stay well hydrated. Keep body weight within normal limits. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Avoid curd, spicy food, Bengal gram etc and include more sea-fish, leafy vegetables, milk, water etc in diet. Avoid long drives. Follow a regular sleep-wake pattern. Daily oil massage over spine and other joints are recommended.