Sciatica and Ayurvedic Treatment

Sciatica is an inflammation of the supporting tissues of the sciatic nerve in the leg. In Ayurveda, it is known as gridhrasi. The condition is caused by the aggravation vaayu that has resulted from strain to the back due to poor conditioning, posture, or due to back sprain caused due to structural damages such as ligament tear. Constipation and cold weather often precipitate an attack of this condition.

Sciatica pain usually occurs on one side when your sciatic nerve is stretched or pinched, usually by a herniated disc, although narrowing of the spine or other vertebral abnormalities can also cause this pain. Sufferer may experience mild tingling sensation to severe pain, which could also cause immobility. Many a time, sharp pain in one part of the leg or hip and numbness in other parts are experienced. The pain increases after prolonged standing or sitting. Sneezing, coughing, or laughing will aggravate the condition. If spinal narrowing is causing sciatica, sufferer may experience the pain after bending backwards or walking few steps.

Nobody knows why some people are more prone to sciatica. Most often, pain begins with an injury, after lifting a heavy object, or after making an abrupt movement.

A number of conditions may make people more susceptible to sciatica. A herniated disc, sometimes called a slipped disc, is the most common cause of severe sciatica.

Sciatica can also be caused by other problems, including inflammation, abscesses, blood clots, tumours, and obesity. Arteriosclerosis can also cause chronic low back pain. When it blocks arteries in the legs, it may cause pain that resembles sciatica caused by spinal stenosis.

Guidelines & Ayurvedic Remedies

When sciatica is not caused by a medical condition such as arthritis, osteoporosis— about 90 per cent of people recover within a month. Despite this, sciatica is still the most common reason for surgery, which can cost a lot.

• If you are experiencing acute lower back pain; lie down in a comfortable position.
• Lying on the side or on the back with knees bent supported by a pillow relieves the stress on the back.
• Alternating ice packs and heating pads at about 20-minute intervals can also relieve the pain.
• Supportive back belts and braces may help some people temporarily, but they can reduce muscle tone over time. If you feel it necessary, you can use them for a short period.
• Strict bed-rest for a couple of weeks is certainly helpful in sciatica. However, long-term bed-rest results in loss of muscle tone and bone strength, increases susceptibility of blood clots, and causes depression and lethargy.
• Begin by walking, stationary biking, swimming, and even light jogging within two weeks of having symptoms, but never force yourself to exercise.
• Getting adequate amounts of sleep, however, is very important and the healthy sleep patterns play a vital role in recovery from back pain and sciatica.
• Apply a paste made of gunja seeds over the painful parts. Alternately, you can use the paste made from dhatoora leaves.
• Nirgundi acts excellently in curing sciatica. Take the decoction made from leaves of this plant, in a dose of three to four spoonfuls twice or thrice a day.
• To get the symptomatic relief from nerve pain, you can take Trayo dasaanga guggulu, two pills, twice a day along with water.

In extreme cases, special therapeutic procedures such as Vasti karma, Kati vasti are advised. In such therapies, medicated oils are administered externally and internally to facilitate the mobility. Here is a typical prescription for sciatica:

1. Sinhanada guggul, 2 tablets twice daily with warm milk.
2. Godante Mishran along with Mahaa raasnaadi kwaatha.
3. Brihat vata chintamani ras, 1 tablet twice daily.
4. Maha vishagarbha taila, for external application.

Note

As we all are genetically different with different constitutions and patterns, we respond to treatments in many different ways. Hence Standard Ayurvedic Treatments are always individually formulated. This article is intended only for information. It is not a substitute to the standard medical diagnosis, personalized Ayurvedic treatment or qualified Ayurvedic physician. For specific treatment, always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic physician.

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