Spondylolisthesis Ayurvedic Treatment

Spondylolisthesis is the slipping of one spinal bone (vertebra) over other. It may occur from birth (congenital) or following certain diseases. The common causes are over-exertion (stress on spine), sports injuries, trauma (falls, accidents etc), diseases like cancer spine, or as a complication of surgery. It usually occurs at neck or low back region.

Spondylolisthesis Signs and Symptoms

Pain is the main symptom which often increase by activities and relieves on laying on back, tenderness (pain on touching the affected part), radiating pain to arms/ legs, reduced range of motion, walking disability, deviation of spine from its normal curvature and muscle weakness.

Spondylolisthesis Ayurvedic Analysis

Increased vata dislodges at the kasherukasthi (spinal bones) and displaces one or more asthi from normal position leading to pain, weakness, walking disabilities, deformities etc. This is grouped under ‘Vatavyadhi’.

Spondylolisthesis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Vata is aggravated by excess intake of spicy/ bitter/ astringent tastes, skipping of meals, taking very light food, cold and dry food items, over exertion, traveling a lot, keep awakening at night etc.

Possible Complications of Spondylolisthesis Disease

Chronic cases may develop deviation of spine from normal structure (like lateral bend), nerve irritations leading to numbness to arms/ legs, loss of bowel/ bladder control, walking disability etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Spondylolisthesis is often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida etc. Consider the patient’s health condition before planning treatment.

Spondylolisthesis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Treatment is planned depending on the chronicity of disease, state of dosha, presence of ama (dosha in immature stage), presence of associated diseases, prakruthi, occupation and place of residence of the patient. Internal medications are given to remove ama and reduce the symptoms. Rukshana (drying of ama) is done if ama is present. Then, snehana (internal/ external/ both), swedana (mild kizhi), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation therapy), vasthi (with decoction and oil/ ghee), bandaging, kati vasthi (retention of suitable oil at the affected part), brumhana (nourishing therapy for spine and spinal muscles) etc are provided.

Diet

The diet should contain more whole grains, green vegetables, leafy vegetables, milk, nuts etc. Avoid spicy, cold, dry food, meat, pulses, curd and buttermilk.

Exercise

Mild exercises/ yoga can be done without stressing the spine. Follow the instructions of the physician before doing exercise.

Spondylolisthesis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Daily oil application is recommended all over the body in order to prevent any vatavyadhi (disease caused by aggravated vata). Avoid over-exertion, continuous travelling especially on jerky roads, abnormal body postures, chances of accidents and falls, bearing heavy weight etc.

Importance of Diet

Right diet enhances speedy recovery. Intake of food that aggravates vata during and after treatment negatively influence the effect of therapies.

Lifestyle

Take proper rest. Avoid abnormal body posture while sitting/ standing/ laying. Use lumbar belt to support the spinal muscles. Avoid travelling on jerky roads. Exercise regularly.