Spine-related disorders are among the most frequently encountered problems for the common man. Low back pain (Lumbago) alone affects up to 80% of the population at some point in life making it one of the commonest noninfectious disorders in the world.
A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue.
They include:
- Infections
- Injuries
- Degenerative and inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, Lumbar spondylosis, Cervical spondylosis, Sciatica, etc
- Bone changes that come with age, such as spinal stenosis and slipped discs.
- Lumbar spondylosis: As your body ages, the discs between the bones of the spine become stiffer and can break down. The bones also wear down and can grow bone spurs. This can also result from injuries or chronic strain or bad posture. When this condition is in the lower back, it’s called lumbar spondylosis.
- Cervical spondylosis: Neck pain can be caused by many things—but is most often related to getting older. Like the rest of the body, the discs and joints in the neck (cervical spine) slowly degenerate as we age. Cervical spondylosis, commonly called arthritis of the neck, is the medical term for these age-related, wear-and-tear changes that occur over time. This can also be caused by chronic bad posture while using computers or a lack of exercise.
- Sciatica: If you suddenly start feeling pain in your lower back or hip that radiates to the back of your thigh and into your leg, you may have a protruding (herniated) disc in your spinal column that is pressing on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine. This condition is known as sciatica.
- Spinal stenosis: As we age, our spines change. These normal wear-and-tear effects of aging can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal. This condition is called spinal stenosis.
- Slipped disc: A common type of disc injury is a “slipped” or herniated disc. A disc herniates when its jelly-like center (nucleus) pushes against its outer ring (annulus). If the disc is very worn or injured, the nucleus may squeeze all the way through. When the herniated disc bulges out toward the spinal canal, it puts pressure on the sensitive spinal nerves, causing pain.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Spinal Disorders
Shodhana or purificatory therapy and Shamana or the palliative treatment together plays a significant role in the management of Spinal Disorders.Ayurvedic treatment of Spinal Disorders includes correction of digestion and metabolism, immuno-modulation, treatment for Pain with Panchakarma therapy and Ayurvedic medicines.
Specific Ayurvedic treatment.
The approach to treating different types of Spinal Disorders differs slightly. In cases of infective Spinal Disorders, the initial focus is on addressing inflammation before directly treating the pain. In most cases, inflammation occurs throughout the body, even if it is only evident locally. Ultimately, the treatment involves strengthening the muscles surrounding the joint and toning the soft tissues. Making mild to moderate lifestyle changes is also necessary for sustainable results.
Changes in diet and lifestyle
- Engaging in appropriate exercises that suit individual capabilities complements the daily Ayurvedic treatments.
- Consuming fruit juices high in Vitamin C helps improve the effectiveness of Ayurvedic anti-arthritis treatments and reduces skeletal pain.
Guggal (Commiphora wightii), is a herb highly effective in treating Spinal Disorders.
