Sacroiliitis Ayurvedic Treatment

The inflammation of sacroiliac joint/s (joint composed by lower part of spine and hip bone) is known as Sacroiliitis. it is caused by trauma/ injuries to the lower spine, arthritic conditions of spine and infections. In some women, sacroiliitis develops during pregnancy.

Sacroiliitis Signs and Symptoms

Sacroiliitis causes pain over low back region, hip and buttocks which may extend up to legs. The symptoms often worsen by prolonged periods of sitting/ standing, running, climbing stairs etc.

Sacroiliitis Ayurvedic Analysis

Pain in the asthi (bones), sandhi (joints) and sakthi (legs) is the symptom of sandhigata vata (aggravation of vata in sandhi/ joint). This is a type of vatavyadhi (disease caused by aggravated by vata) in Ayurveda.

Sacroiliitis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vata is aggravated by increased intake of bitter/ astringent/ pungent tastes, dry and cold food, late night sleep, skipping meals, taking very light food/ less amount of food, over-exertion, continuous travelling etc. When the aggravated vata get dislodged in the joint between trika (sacral bone/ lower part of spine) and kati (hip bone), it causes pain, weakness and difficulty to do active movements of the joint.

Possible Complications of Sacroiliitis Disease

Sacroiliitis for long period will cause severe pain, disabilities to perform day to day activities; and psychological distresses like depression or anxiety.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Sacroiliitis is usually associated with arthritis condition of spine (eg: osteoarthritis). Consider other systemic diseases like diabetes before starting the treatment.

Sacroiliitis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The management is determined after assessing the cause of the disease, its chronicity, state of dosha, presence of ama, occupation, place of residence etc. Internal medications are given. If ama is present, rukshana therapies (eg: valuka sweda, dhanyamla dhara) are provided. Thereafter, snehana (snehapana and/ or abhyanga), swedana (eg: pizhichil), virechana (purgation therapy), vasthi (with decoction and suitable oil/ ghee), lepana (external application of medicines), bandages and katipichu (retention of suitable oils at the site of pain) are done depending on the factors mentioned above. Physiotherapy, yoga, meditation and psychotherapy are incorporated as supportive therapies.

Diet

Whole grains, green vegetables, leafy vegetables, milk, sweet fruits etc are recommended during treatment for fast recovery. Avoid very hot/ cold food, spicy food, meat, curd and tubers.

Exercise

Indulge in mild to moderate exercises/ yoga as per the physician’s advice. Take proper rest. Do not over-stress the spine, sacrum and hip.

Sacroiliitis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Exercise regularly. Maintain healthy body weight. Take proper care of the spine during long journeys (oil massage, mild exercise like bending, proper body posture and seating etc). Take healthy balanced diet and drink more water. Ensure adequate rest. Avoid over-exertion. Apply suitable oil all over the body before bathing. Avoid chances of falls or accidents.

Importance of Diet

Follow the prescribed diet plan during treatment for better recovery. Some of the food items can worsen the condition by further aggravating vata in body. Stick on to a healthy diet, even after treatment to prevent recurrence and complications.

Lifestyle

Avoid over-exertion. Maintain normal body weight. Take proper rest. Avoid abnormal body postures while standing/ sitting/ sleeping. Daily oil massage is recommended all over the body. Do not travel on uneven roads, especially on two-wheelers.