Ayurvedic Approaches And Remedies For Bulged Disc

Bulged Disc

A bulging disc occurs when the inner nucleus of a vertebral disc swells to its outer layer. A disc bulge may happen as a result of a great amount of pressure being placed on the disc, or if the disc has decayed from age and other factors. This projection or bulge can put pressure on the surrounding nerve roots, which lead to pain that spreads down the back and other areas of the body depending on the location of the bulging disc. It is an issue of vertebrae and occurs in the neck region, mid and upper back, and lower back region. Disc problems are happening due to injury or old age factors. When the disc bulges towards the right or left side of the body, it leads to pain, weakness, and numbness in the arms or legs.

According to Ayurveda, three types of energies such as Vata, pitta, and Kapha are governing the entire body to make them healthy. Imbalance in any of three energies or doshas causes different types of health problems. The main reason for the bulged disc is due to the vitiation of Vata dosha which results in pain and numbness in the arms and legs. The first step of treatment to cure bulged discs is the treatment with rest, pain medication, spinal injections, and physical therapy. Ayurveda suggests some treatments and herbal medicines to cure the condition.

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Symptoms Of Bulged Disc

The main symptoms of Bulged Disc are:

• Pain in the fingers, hands, arms, neck, or shoulders.
• Pain in the feet, thighs, lower spine, and buttocks.
• Difficulty in walking or feeling of impairment while lifting or holding things.

Causes Of Bulged Disc

The causes of Bulged Disc are:

• Age

  The age factor is one of the main causes of Bulged Disc because with age there is a gradual decrease in the water content of the spinal disc. As a result, there is less flexibility in the spinal disc and there is a chance of twisting or strain the body.

• Lifestyle changes

  People who have led a sedentary lifestyle or those who smoke increase the chances for bulged discs.

• The strain on the Disc

  Continuous strain on the disc from injury or heavy lifting and strain can wear them down throughout the years. Activities that place stress and strain on the spine can lead to the weakening of the discs.

• Use of back muscles in object lifting

  Lifting heavy objects or Use of back muscles in object lifting leads to this condition. Weakened back muscles can accelerate the process and may lead to a sudden herniation of the weakened disc.

• Wrong Posture

  Bad posture including improper body positioning during sleep, sitting, standing, or exercise leads to the development of a bulging disc.

• Obesity

  Weight gain is another reason for bulged discs.

• Sports Activities

  High contact sports or activities are also risk factors. Runners who fail to use shoes that provide orthopedic support may also develop bulging discs.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Bulged Disc

Ayurveda is a holistic approach that aims to give complete curing of the body. So to overcome the pain and numbness caused by Bulged Disc, Ayurveda prescribes the following treatments:

• Abhyanga

  Massages with medicated oil and herbal concoctions are proven effective in the ayurvedic treatment of Bulge discs. It will give great relief for the complete curing of the body problem.

• Swedana

  swedana is a form of therapy that uses herbal steam to release toxins from the body through the skin. It can relax the body and re-energize it. This treatment will strengthen the cells and make the patient feel better.

• Shodhana

  Shodhana will help in expelling toxic substances from the body. It will detoxify the body and purify it. The person will feel rejuvenated after the treatment method.

• Nasya

  Nasyam therapy is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves administering medications and herbal extracts through the nasal cavity to treat different complications affecting the region above the shoulder. As it effectively reaches the nervous system through nerve endings in the nasal cavity, they have a calming effect on the nerves. They reduce stress and anxiety and promote restful sleep.

• Vasti

  Vasti or Enema treatments are effective in removing Vata-based toxins from the body. In Vasti treatment, the mediated liquids and oils are passing through the anus or vaginal canal and this method is effective for expelling body toxins.

The main Ayurvedic treatments to reduce the symptoms of Bulged Disc are swedana, Shodhana, Nasyam, and Vasti.

Effective Tips To Prevent Bulged Disc

Some of the useful tips to reduce the risk of the bulged disc are:

• Always use comfortable chairs to sit. It’s especially important to take stretching breaks if you often sit for long periods.
• When you are lifting heavy objects using proper lifting techniques. Don’t bend at the waist. Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Use your strong leg muscles to help support the load.
• Excess weight puts pressure on the lower back. So it is important to maintain a healthy weight.
• Practicing good posture when you walk, sit, stand and sleep. Good posture reduces strain on your spine.
• Avoid the use of high-heeled shoes. These types of shoes make your spine out of alignment.
• Regular exercises strengthen your back and abdomen muscles to support your spine.
• Avoid smoking.

Do's And Don’ts As Per Ayurveda

Do’s

• Perform breathing techniques and yoga poses like cobra pose, half wheel pose, camel pose, and bridge pose.
• Practice meditation in your daily routine.
• Maintain proper posture and take a warm water bath.

• Avoid eating chilled foods and beverages.
• Do not eat heavy meals which are difficult to digest.
• Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Avoid physical exertion after meals.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Bulged Disc

The Ayurvedic herbs that are essential for the treatment of Bulged Disc are:

• Shunthi

  It is an effective remedy to balance all three doshas. It has pain-relieving, digestive, expectorant, and aphrodisiac properties that help to treat Vata disorders. It can be used in the form of powder, pill, and paste also.

• Rasana

  It is highly effective in the Vata disorders like Bulged discs. It improves heaviness and heat in the body. It is bitter and consumes it with lukewarm water for good relief.

• Ashwagandha

  This Ayurvedic herb relieves pain, promotes tissue healing, and strengthens the tissue. So it is considered the best herb to treat Bulged discs.

• Guduchi

  Guduchi has immune-boosting and blood purifying properties. It helps in improving the overall strength and can be used as adjunctive therapy along with main medicines in the treatment of bulged discs.

As per Ayurveda, Vata is essential for proper body movements and functions. So Vata aggravation is the primary cause of Bulged Disc. Ayurvedic remedies for bulged discs aim to remove this aggravated dosha and heal body tissues. Effective Ayurvedic herbs to alleviate this aggravated dosha are Shunthi, Rasana, Ashwagandha, Guduchi, etc.

Conclusion

All the information related to Bulged Disc is based on various Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before using herbs and herbal medicines to treat the condition.