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Back Pain Overview
Back Pain Overview
Back Pain Overview
The bony lumbar spine is designed so that vertebrae "stacked" together can
provide a movable support structure while also protecting the spinal cord
from injury. Each vertebrae has a spinous process, a bony prominence
behind the spinal cord, which shields the cord's nervous tissue. They also
have a strong bony "body" in front of the spinal cord to provide a platform
suitable for weight bearing of all tissues above the buttocks. The lumbar
vertebrae stack immediately atop the sacrum bone. On each side, the sacrum
meets the iliac bone of the pelvis to form the sacroiliac joint .
The discs are pads that serve as "cushions" between the individual vertebral
bodies. They help to minimize the impact of stress forces on the spinal
column. Each disc is designed like a jelly soft structure with a central softer
component (nucleus pulposus) and a surrounding outer ring (annulus
fibrosus). Ligaments are strong fibrous soft tissues that firmly attach bones
to bones. Ligaments attach each of the vertebrae to each other and surround
each of the discs.
The nerves that provide sensation and stimulate the muscles of the low back
as well as the lower extremities (the thighs, legs, feet, and toes) exit the
lumbar spinal column through bony portals, each of which is called a
"foramen."
Many muscle groups that are responsible for flexing, extending, and rotating
the waist, as well as moving the lower extremities, attach to the lumbar
spine.
When we stand, the lower back is functioning to support the weight of the
upper body. When we bend, extend, or rotate at the waist, the lower back is
involved in the movement. Therefore, injury to the structures important for
weight bearing, such as the bony spine, muscles, tendons, and ligaments,
often can be detected when the body is standing erect or used in various
movements.
Protecting the soft tissues of the nervous system and spinal cord as well as
nearby organs of the pelvis and abdomen is a critical function the lumbar
spine and its adjacent muscles.
Ø Nerve irritation
Ø Lumbar radiculopathy
Ø Bony encroachment
Ø Arthritis
Ø Disc Problems
Ø Over weight
Ayurvedic Approach
According to ayurvedic system of thought, back pain is a result of imbalance
three 'Doshas' of the body: kapha, pitta, and vata especially the vata dosha
Kati Vasti
In this process specially prepared warm medicated oil is kept over the lower
back with in a boundary made out of herbal paste. It is recommended in low
back ache and spinal disorders .It relieves pain in sciatica and inter vertebral
disc prolepses , inter vertebral slip disc and numbness .
Ela Kizhi
It is a process in which herbal leaves are tied in a cloth bag. This bag is
dipped into hot medicated oil and then applied over the body. It relieves
from body pain, stiff ness, inflammations , back aches , arthritis and similar
ailments
Njavarakizhi
Njavarakizhi is a process where the body is made to perspire by applying
muslin bags filled with hot medicated rice mixed with herbs and oil. This is
nourishing and helpful for rheumatism , joint and muscle pain and certain
skin problems. It is also effective in trauma, muscular wasting, arthritis,
general weakness, paralysis etc.
Avagaha Swedana
Avagaha Swedam, immersing in a medicated medium, is a special treatment
in traditional Ayurveda for diseases such as neurological disorders,
rheumatism and arthritis and low back pain . It is the fomentation by sitting
in a tub or a vessel with vata alleviating decoction . This treatment is also
effective for ano rectal disorders like piles and it is also recommended for
urinary problems etc
Snehavasthi
Snahavasthi is the application of specially prepared medicated oil through
anal rout to balance the vitiated doshas especially vata dosha . This therapy
will detoxify, strengthen and stabilize the structures of the lower back
g) Eat warm cooked meals that are a little oil, not dry.