Ayurvedic Treatment And Herbal Remedies To Cure Sciatica
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Sciatica
Sciatica refers to the typical pain, weakness, and numbness in the leg that affects the movements also. This condition is called Sciatica because it travels alongside the path of the nerve called sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. It can lead to pain in the lower back that travels to the hips then goes down the leg. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body. The common cause is a herniated or slipped disk that gives pressure on the nerve root.
As per Ayurveda, Sciatica is referred to as ‘Gridhrasi’, meaning vulture-like walking of the person suffering from it. Sciatica is caused by Vata aggravation of the Vata Dosha. The impaired digestive system is another cause of Sciatica. The pain of Gridhrasi is defined as stinging or numbing pain that travels across the lower back and buttocks to the thigh and then to the leg. According to Charaka, Stambha, Ruka, Toda, and Spandana are the signs and symptoms of Vataja Gridhrasi.
Different Types Of Sciatica
Depending on the duration of symptoms sciatica can be classified into:
- Acute sciatica
This type of Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated disk, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine compresses part of the nerve. It can cause inflammation, pain, and often some numbness in the affected leg.
- Chronic sciatica
It means the pain does not go away over time and is usually severe enough to cause a crippling level of discomfort. .
- Alternating sciatica
Alternating sciatica is sciatic nerve pain that affects both legs alternately. This type of sciatica is rare and may result from degenerative problems in the sacroiliac joint.
- Bilateral sciatica
Bilateral sciatica is sciatic nerve pain that occurs in both legs together.
Different types of sciatica mentioned in Ayurveda are Acute sciatica, chronic, Alternating sciatica, and Bilateral sciatica.
Symptoms Of Sciatica
The common symptoms of sciatica include:
- Low to high pain in the lower back, buttock, and down your leg.
- Numbness or weakness in your lower back, buttock, leg, or feet.
- Pain that worsens with movement; loss of movement.
- Loss of bowel and bladder control.
- Pain that is worse when sitting.
- A sharp pain that may make it difficult to stand up or walk.
- Pain that radiates down the leg and possibly into the foot and toes.
Causes Of Sciatica
Ayurveda describes the main causes of Sciatica are:
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
Lumbar spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower part of your back.
- Spondylolisthesis
Spondylolisthesis is a spinal condition that causes lower back pain. It happens when one of your vertebrae, or spine bones, slips out of place onto the vertebra below it.
- Tumors within the spine
A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass that exists within or around the spinal cord or spinal column. These can put pressure on the sciatic nerve's root.
- Infection
It means the infection affecting the spine.
- Injury within the spine
Damage to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal .
- Cauda equina syndrome
Cauda equina syndrome is a rare disorder that usually is a surgical emergency. In patients with cauda equina syndrome, something compresses on the spinal nerve roots.
- Age
Those who are in their 30s and 40s have a higher risk of developing sciatica.
- Profession
jobs that require lifting heavy loads for long periods may cause sciatica.
- Sedentary lifestyle
People who are not physically active or who sit for long periods are more likely to develop sciatica.
The major causes of sciatica are lumbar spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, tumors within the spine, infection, injury within the spine, cauda equina syndrome, age, profession, and sedentary lifestyle.
Ayurvedic Treatment For Sciatica
Sciatica is known as Gridhrasi in Ayurveda because the affected person's walks can be compared to an eagle’s walk and the inflamed nerve appears like an eagle’s beak. The Ayurvedic Treatment for this Vata imbalance is:
- Panchakarma Therapy
It is one of the best remedies to treat Sciatica. Panchakarma therapies like Dhanyamla Dhara, Abhyanga, swedana, Elakizhi, Sarvangadhara Pizhichil, Kati Vasti, Vasti are the most important procedure in Ayurveda for curing Sciatica permanently). These therapies are effective for relieving the inflammation and underlying causes of Sciatica. They are relieving the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, and strengthening and nourishing the entire spine and supporting tissues.
- Marma Massage
Ayurvedic marma massage is an Ayurvedic herbal oil massage in which marma or vital points are treated by applying pressure and varying strokes. Marma points are energy points in the body that can be treated to heal the system. The benefits are the marma points in the lower back and thigh are stimulated by massage. Massaging will give healing effects to specific areas and help to improve circulation and relieve the pain.
- Kati Vasti
It is another Ayurvedic treatment for sciatica in which warmed, herbal oil is applied to the lower back area using a container made from dough. Kati Vasti relieves lower back pain and treats complaints affecting the abdomen.
- Herbal Steam Bath
Herbal steam bath, also called ayurvedic steam therapy is also beneficial for relieving pain, numbness, and the tingling sensation of the back and legs.
The important Ayurvedic therapies for the treatment of sciatica are Panchakarma therapy, marma massage, Kati Vasti, and Herbal steam bath.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Sciatica
The following steps can help protect your back and reduce your risk:
- Maintain good posture
Try to follow good posture techniques while you are sitting, standing, lifting objects, and sleeping because it helps to relieve pressure on your lower back.
- Avoid smoke
Nicotine reduces the blood supply to bones. It weakens the spine and the vertebral disks, which puts more stress on the spine and discs and causes back and spine problems.
- Maintain a healthy weight
Extra weight and a poor diet are the two reasons for inflammation and pain throughout your body. To lose weight or learn healthy eating habits, follow the Mediterranean diet.
- Exercise regularly
Exercise includes stretching to keep your joints flexible and exercises to strengthen the muscles of your lower back and abdomen. These muscles work to support your spine. Also, do not sit for long periods.
- Choose physical activities for your back
Consider low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, yoga, etc.
- Keep yourself safe from falls
Wear shoes that fit and keep stairs, and walkways free of disorder to reduce your chance of a fall. Make sure rooms are well-lighted and there are grip bars in bathrooms and handrails on stairways.
Ayurvedic Herbs To Cure Sciatica
The Ayurvedic herbs that will help stop your pain caused by Sciatica are:
- Nirgundi
This herb is known as an excellent herb for pacifying the Vata. Nirgundi is a powerful medicine for joint and nerve pains. This herb reduces inflammation in the body, especially in the back. You can use it either in your bath water or oil to massage the affected area for treating sciatica.
- Guggulu
Guggulu is used to relieve lower back pain, and it nourishes, strengthens, and soothes the muscles of the back naturally. To get relief in pain, apply a Guggulu paste to the affected area for pain relief.
- Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an excellent herb for numbness and pain in the muscles. It also heals inflammation in the body and pacifies the Vata dosha. Mix Ashwagandha in sesame oil to massage the affected area.
- Pippali
It can treat a lot of diseases. Pippali is considered as Rasayana because it relieves soreness in muscles and joints.
- Jaiphal
This herb can treat Vata and Kapha dosha and relieves pain in the nerves and muscles.
Ayurvedic herbs that help to cure the symptoms of sciatica are Nirgundi, Guggulu, Ashwagandha, Pippali, and Jaiphal.
Conclusion
All the information related to Sciatica is based on different Ayurvedic resources. Always prefer the advice of an Ayurvedic doctor before self-medication.
