Easing Back Pain the Ayurvedic Way in Kerala

Dr. Vishnu B.A.M.S

Introduction

Many of us will experience back pain at some point in our lives,  but most of the time, it’s not a serious issue. It could be due to a simple strain in a muscle or ligament. However, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider if your back pain lasts more than a few weeks, is severe and doesn’t improve with rest, spreads down your legs (especially below the knee), causes weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss.

Back pain is a widespread issue that often leads people to seek medical help or miss work. It’s a major cause of disability globally, with lower back pain being the most common type. A 2020 study found that lower back pain is the leading cause of work absence and disability worldwide.

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that originated in ancient India. It encompasses a holistic approach to health and well-being, emphasizing the balance of the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat various ailments. Ayurvedic treatments offer effective relief for back pain by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and alleviating inflammation. These remedies also improve circulation, easing pressure on the affected area. Furthermore, Ayurvedic treatments restore body balance, enhance overall well-being, and reduce stress while improving mental clarity

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is an uncomfortable or painful sensation in the back of the body. It comes in different types depending on where it hurts:

• Neck pain (Cervical): Felt in the neck region.
• Middle back pain (Thoracic): Located in the middle of the back.
• Lower back pain (Lumbar): Common and affects the lower back, between the ribs and buttocks, often called Lumbago.
• Tailbone pain (Sacral): Centered around the tailbone area.

In Ayurveda, back pain is connected to imbalances in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), showing up differently based on these imbalances. Here are some Ayurvedic explanations for the types of back pain:

• Sandhigata Vata: Joint pain and stiffness, mainly due to increased Vata dosha.
• Greevagraham: Stiffness in the back of the neck, limiting neck movements, linked to Vata imbalance.
• Greevashoolam: Pain in the upper back, including the upper spine and shoulders, often tied to both Vata and Kapha imbalances.
• Katigraham: Stiffness and difficulty moving in the waist or lower back, associated with increased Vata.
• Katishoolam: Pain in the lower back, also related to Vata imbalance.
• Gridhrasi: Low back pain, sensations, and numbness radiating to the legs (similar to sciatica), often attributed to Vata imbalance.

In Ayurveda, back pain is often linked to lifestyle choices and health conditions. Eating too many cold, dry, and light foods can disturb the Vata balance, contributing to back pain. Overdoing sexual activities or exercises without proper warm-up can strain back muscles and joints. Lack of good sleep disrupts the body’s healing, potentially causing back issues. Injuries, like muscle strains, or underlying inflammatory diseases such as arthritis, can directly lead to back pain. Infections and sudden weight gain, especially around the abdomen, can also put a strain on the back, resulting in discomfort.

Ayurvedic Treatments

For effective relief from lower back pain in Ayurveda, a combination of internal medicines and external therapies is recommended. Internal medicines help heal damaged tissues, prevent further deterioration, and nourish the structures. External treatments like Panchakarma procedures, Pizhichill, and Kativasti, are administered.

Conservative Ayurvedic Treatment:

Internal Medicines:

• Kashaya (Decoction): Herbal liquids prepared by boiling medicinal herbs.
• Asava and Arishta (Fermented Preparations): Fermented mixtures with digestive and therapeutic properties.
• Gulika (Tablets): Medicinal pastes rolled into tablets.
• Choornam (Powder): Ground herbal powders for various treatments.
• Ghrita (Medicated Ghee): Ghee processed with medicinal herbs for internal use.

External Body Treatments:

• Abhyangam: Full-body massage with Ayurvedic oils for pain relief and improved blood circulation.
• Kati Basti: Application of warm herbal oil on the lower back held in place with a dough dam, beneficial for lower back issues.
• Pizhichil: Continuous pouring and massaging of warm medicated oil for muscle tone, body strengthening, and musculoskeletal problems.
• Njavara Kizhi: Beneficial for degeneration-related issues, providing relief from pain and stiffness.
• Greeva Basti: Application of medicated lukewarm oil on the cervical spine to restore lubrication and enhance joint mobility.
• Lepa: Application of a medicated paste on joints for localized relief from pain and inflammation.
• Pichu: Application of a warm, medicated oil-soaked cotton pad to alleviate pain, reduce stiffness, and promote relaxation.
• Agni Karma: Applying heat to painful joints with a special instrument to improve blood flow and relieve pain.

Shodhana Chikitsa (Purification Treatment):

In Ayurveda, the purification treatment, known as Shodhana Chikitsa, employs Panchakarma therapies to effectively address low back pain by cleansing the body and balancing doshas.

• Virechana (Purgation): Eliminates excess pitta dosha through medications inducing multiple bowel movements, expelling toxins.
• Vasti (Enema): Prime Panchakarma treatment involving herbal preparations administered through the anal route.

Sneha Basti: Enema therapy using medicated oil. Beneficial for lower backache, gout, and rheumatism, providing relief by introducing oil into the colon.

Kashaya Basti: Similar to Sneha Basti but involves medicated decoction instead of oil. Treats lower back pain, gout, and rheumatism with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.

• Nasya (Nasal Installation): Instillation of herbal substances through the nasal route. Extremely useful in managing cervical spondylitis.

In Ayurveda, the treatment is customized for each person because everyone is different. This personalized approach is a key principle of Ayurveda, recognizing that each individual has their own unique body constitution (Prakriti), current imbalances (Vikriti), and specific health issues.

Yoga for a Strong Back

Yoga is great for easing back pain because it focuses on the muscles that support your back and spine. In yoga, you do different poses that help stretch and strengthen these muscles. This reduces tension, increases flexibility, and improves your balance and bone structure, making your back feel better.

Trikonasana(Extended Triangle):

• Triangle Pose is a standing position that stretches your legs, reduces stress, and improves stability. It also helps with digestion and can ease back pain by stretching muscles.

Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose):

• Cobra Pose increases flexibility in your spine and strengthens supporting muscles, making it helpful for relieving back pain.

Makarasana (Crocodile Pose):

• Crocodile Pose focuses on various parts of the back, especially the lower back. It’s beneficial for finding relief from lower back pain.

Dandasana(Staff Pose ):

• Staff Pose stretches the muscles in your legs and heightens awareness of your spine. It serves as a good warm-up and contributes to back strength.

Cat-Cow Stretch:

• This pose involves rounding and arching your spine alternately. It’s commonly used to warm up and relieve lower back pain.

Stretching with daily morning yoga can be a great way to ease tension in your spine, especially if you tend to toss and turn during the night and wake up with back pain. Regular yoga poses in your daily routine can enhance your body’s flexibility and alleviate discomfort in your spine, improving overall mobility and reducing spinal pain.

Yoga Postures for Back Pain Management

Yoga can be beneficial for back pain in several ways: 

Strengthens Core Muscles: Yoga engages and strengthens the core muscles, providing better support for the spine and reducing strain on the back.

Improves Flexibility: Yoga poses enhance flexibility, promoting better range of motion in the spine and reducing stiffness contributing to back pain.

Promotes Proper Posture: Yoga encourages awareness of body alignment and posture, helping individuals maintain a more ergonomic position throughout daily activities, preventing back strain.

Stress Reduction: Yoga often involves relaxation and mindfulness techniques, reducing stress levels. Lower stress can contribute to less tension and discomfort in the back.

Increases Blood Flow: Yoga poses stimulates blood circulation, delivering nutrients to the spine and promoting healing in areas that may be causing pain.

Enhances Body Awareness: Yoga encourages mindfulness of movement and sensations, fostering a better understanding of how the body moves and improving overall body awareness to prevent injury. While yoga can be beneficial, it’s crucial to approach it mindfully and consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen, especially if you have existing back issues.

Some Yoga Asanas helps in Back pain.

Child’s Pose (Balasana): Kneel on the mat, sit back on your heels, and reach forward with your arms, lowering your chest towards the ground.

Cat-Cow Stretch (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana): On your hands and knees, alternate between arching your back (cow) and rounding it (cat) in a flowing motion.

Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana): Start on your hands and knees, lift your hips towards the ceiling, and straighten your legs, forming an inverted V shape.

Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana): Lie on your stomach, place your hands beneath your shoulders, and lift your chest while keeping your pelvis on the ground

Dheemahi: Your Ayurvedic Destination

At Dheemahi Ayurveda, we take pride in our team of expert doctors who prioritize your health and well-being. With a rich heritage spanning five generations, we offer authentic and traditional Ayurvedic treatments. Our commitment to your health includes regular follow-ups to address your concerns.

For a comprehensive understanding of your condition, our daily consultations involve physical examinations, enabling our doctors to gather valuable insights. We recognize the importance of routine follow-up check-ups, especially for chronic diseases.

In cases requiring therapies to alleviate symptoms, our doctors provide essential supervision. Our Panchakarma therapies are meticulously supervised, and your treatment schedule is diligently documented.

We understand the integral role of the mind in achieving a healthy life. The tranquil atmosphere of Dheemahi Ayurveda Village plays a significant role in the healing process. Our spacious garden and living rooms offer a serene environment to support your journey to well-being.

With our in-house pharmacy and medicine manufacturing unit, we provide authentic medicines that ensure effective treatment. Our team of professionals guides you toward a holistic state of health and vitality by offering personalized daily routines for diet and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Back pain can significantly affect your quality of life, but with Ayurveda’s holistic approach, relief and healing are possible. Dheemahi Ayurveda, a leading Ayurvedic center, provides personalized treatment plans that include Ayurvedic medicines, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments. By addressing the root causes and incorporating stress management techniques, Dheemahi Ayurveda aims to offer long-lasting relief, enhance overall well-being and the best Back Pain Treatment in Kerala. If you’re seeking effective and natural solutions for back pain, Dheemahi Ayurveda, with its top Ayurveda doctors, is prepared to address any issue and impress you with our results.

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