Relieving Back Pain: An Ayurvedic Approach to Slipped Discs

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Hello I am Dr Surej, a consultant physician at Ayurbethaniya, ayurveda hospital Thrissur. As an ayurvedic physician, I see a lot of patients struggling with slipped discs. The pain and discomfort can be debilitating, significantly impacting their quality of life. While conventional medicine offers effective treatments, some patients seek a more holistic approach. This is where Ayurveda can be a valuable tool. I have treated many patients with slip disc issues and cured them effectively; hence, I can tell you with confidence that Ayurveda has various treatment possibilities to solve slipped disc issues. As we all know, most people's physical health and posture are being negatively impacted by the fast-paced nature of modern life and sedentary job schedules. Consequently, chronic back pain and slipped discs have become prominent topics in public health discussions. First of all, let me explain what a slipped disc is. 

What Is A Slipped Disc?

A slipped disc occurs when one of the spine's intervertebral discs bulges or ruptures, causing pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. This prolapsed disc might press against the nerve roots or the spinal cord. Other terms used for this medical condition include prolapsed, herniated, ruptured, or, more frequently, slipping disc. Slipped discs can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain in the back, neck, and lower body; partial or total numbness in the areas above and below the affected area; weakness in the lower limbs; a scratchy, itchy, or tingling sensation around the genitalia; and pain during any activity, including walking, coughing, or sneezing. People who have slipped discs also frequently report partial or frequent unconsciousness.

Causes Of Slipped Disc

Reasons for a slip disc will vary from person to person. Here are some common causes of slip discs:

Aging : The disk has an outer, strong section that surrounds the inner portion. It can weaken with age, and the inner portion can extend outwards. This is termed disc degeneration.

Incorrect Posture While Lifting Objects: When lifting heavy objects, people often overlook the need to maintain backbone safety. As a result, the heavy object's load will directly influence the disc, perhaps leading to a slipped disc or disc prolapse.

Obesity : Obese people demand more muscle strength to support their bodies. Because they may be lacking it, the load will be applied straight to the discs. This is another cause of disc slippage and prolapse.

Fall or shock: It is very uncommon. A fall or shock that impacts the disc area directly, can cause a slip disc. It will damage the exterior, and strong portion of the disc and can result in the inner portion bulging out.

How Does Ayurveda Treatment Help for Slipped Discs?

In Ayurveda, health problems such as a slipped disc are frequently linked to an imbalance in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). A slipped disc is usually accompanied by an aggravated Vata dosha, which controls mobility in the body. An imbalance in the vata leads to the increase in the dry quality of vata which leads to the degeneration and dislocation of the spinal discs. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on multiple factors such as addressing the inflammation, detoxification & rejuvination, nourisment of tissue, promoting relaxation and core strengthening, restoring Vata balance and promoting the body's natural healing mechanisms. There are several advantages to using ayurvedic treatment for slipped discs.

Let’s discuss how ayurvedic treatment can assist in controlling and possibly eliminating the symptoms of a slipped disc.

1. Panchakarma Therapy

Panchakarma is derived from the terms "Pancha" and "Karma," meaning "five treatments." Panchakarma promises to remove toxins from the body and restore its health. It offers five therapies: Basti, Nasya, Vamana, Virechana, and Raktamokshana. Among the panchakarma, Basthi is the most widely used treatments in treating a slipped disc condition. Basthi is also one of the most important treatments that are administered to correct the imbalance in Vata.

Panchakarma is a collection of cleansing therapies that purify the body and balance the doshas. Basti promotes the elimination of vata-related toxins from the colon, which can alleviate lower back pain and enhance spinal health.

Read to Know: Panchakarma Therapy: Everything You Need to Know

2. Abhyanga (Oil Massage)

Abhyanga is the Ayurvedic practice of massaging with therapeutic oils. Regular abhyanga therapy provides numerous benefits, whether conducted by an Ayurvedic practitioner or at home. Abhyanga therapeutic oil massage uses heated herbal oils to nourish tissues, relieve pain, and promote circulation. Regular Abhyanga can help lubricate the spinal discs and joints, making them more durable and less vulnerable to damage.

Many people have had therapeutic results and will continue to use this therapy. Research backs up the benefits of general massage. This is most likely related to the anecdotal benefits of abhyanga. At home, perform self-abhyanga every morning after your skin has been prepped with a dry brush and is ready to absorb the oil's hydrating elements. Abhyanga can also aid with stress reduction, blood pressure control, visual improvement, increased energy and alertness, etc.

3. Kati Basti

Kati Basti is a localized treatment in which a dam of dough is placed on the lower back and filled with heated medicinal oil. In Sanskrit, 'Kati' refers to the lower back, whereas 'Basti' implies holding something inside. Kati Basti is a relaxing therapy in which a considerable amount of warm herbal oil is applied to the lower back to relieve pain, stiffness, and inflammation.

Kati Basti also nourishes and strengthens the muscles and connective structures in the lower back. The medicinal oil's warmth stimulates circulation, increasing nutrient supply to the afflicted area and enabling metabolic waste disposal. This therapy also helps to reduce muscle spasms and stiffness, increasing flexibility and range of motion. Regular Kati Basti treatments can help to provide long-term relief and avoid the recurrence of back problems, making them a useful holistic strategy for managing chronic lower back pain.

4. Herbal Remedies & Yoga

Ayurveda employs many herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Herbs like Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Shallaki (Boswellia), and Nirgundi are often used to help treat slipped discs. These herbs assist in reducing inflammation, strengthening muscles, and stimulating tissue regeneration.

Specific yoga postures (asanas) and breathing techniques (pranayama) are suggested to increase flexibility, strengthen the spine, and relieve pain. Gentle, controlled motions can aid in realigning the spine and relieving pressure on the afflicted disc. Pranayama practices also help to relax the mind and reduce tension.

Benefits of Ayurvedic Treatment for Slipped Disc

Patients can avoid surgery by utilising panchakarma and ayurvedic therapies. Patients of all ages can benefit from this safe and efficient traditional Indian treatment. Since the treatment is entirely natural, the body does not experience any unfavorable side effects or discomfort. Ayurveda places a strong emphasis on holistic therapy, and its practitioners frequently draft thorough treatment plans for each patient who seeks their assistance. It is imperative to advise people to seek consultations from a qualified medical professional.

Panchakarma treatments including, oil massages (Abhyanga) and herbal steam treatments (Swedana), can decrease inflammation throughout the body, including that caused by slipped discs. Warm herbal oils applied topically together with steam help to enhance circulation, release tension in the muscles, and encourage relaxation, all of which help to reduce stiffness and pain in the affected area.

Panchakarma therapies target the root cause that leads to the disorder as well as the physical symptoms of slipped discs, providing a comprehensive approach to controlling the condition. Panchakarma therapies improve long-term spinal health and well-being by strengthening the body's natural defenses, fostering regeneration at the cellular level, and restoring dosha balance.

Panchakarma treatments including, purging (Virechana), and medicated enema (Basti), aid in the removal of waste products and toxins from the body, which can worsen slipped disc symptoms and cause inflammation. Through the process of detoxification, panchakarma therapies reduce the load on the spine and assist the body's inherent healing mechanisms.

The benefits of panchakarma therapies include stress relief and relaxation, both of which are critical for controlling slipped disc symptoms. Methods like Svedana (sudation therapy), Nasya (herbal oil administered via the nose), and Shirodhara (warm oil applied to the forehead) might assist inducing mental and emotional relaxation and relieving stress.

With its ability to ease symptoms, reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and enhance general health and vitality, panchakarma can be a beneficial adjunct therapy for those with slipped discs.

Choose Ayur Bethaniya for Slip Disc Treatment

Ayur Bethaniya is the best option if you're looking for an Ayurvedic hospital in Kerala that offers comprehensive Ayurvedic remedies to treat slipped discs or other orthopedic issues. Patients with slipped discs and disc prolapse problems have long been treated by Ayur Bethaniya. Our team of medical specialists, including our Ayurvedic experts, uses a well-proven Ayurvedic disc prolapse and slipped disc therapy procedure. Ayur Bethaniya's Ayurveda treatment for slipped discs is the result of years of thorough research and analysis using the Ayurvedic scriptures. As a result, the treatment's effectiveness is assured.

For additional information about the condition and the recommended course of therapy, speak with us. The ayurvedic treatment formulated specifically for slipped discs will cure the condition and provide the patient with all the energy they need to carry out their duties. Please get in contact with us if you would like more information about Ayurvedic treatment for slipped disc and other ailments.

Feel free to contact us for your queries.

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