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Ayurveda
Keep Back Pain at Bay
by Dr. Savitha Suri
Introduction
Back
pain is the most common complaint among adults under 45. Back pain
brings their activities to a complete halt and intervenes in the
progress of their career. Researchers say that it is really a challenge
to a physician to find out the true cause of back pain.
 Here
is a quick take on the anatomy of the human back. Our body depends on
the spinal column for structural stability and mobility. We twist, bend
and flex with the help of spinal column. The spinal column is made up of
24 vertebrae, 7 in the neck (the cervical vertebrae), 12 in the thorax
(the thoracic vertebrae), and 5 in the lower back (the lumbar
vertebrae). The sacrum, located just below the lumbar vertebrae,
consists of 5 fused vertebrae. The tailbone, or coccyx, with its 3 to 5
fused vertebrae, lies just beneath the sacrum. These vertebrae are
placed one on another from skull to pelvis. Spongy discs are present in
between vertebrae .The spinal column is tightly wrapped by muscles and
ligaments.
The spinal cord is enclosed within vertebral canal which is formed by
alignment of vertebrae.
Acharya sushruta describes anatomy of spinal column as follows.
Prushte trimshat
-
The number of back bones are 30 (Cervical-7 , Thoracic – 12, Lumbar- 5,
vertebrae fused in sacrum -5 , coccyx -1 ). While describing the joints
in spinal column it has been said as “Chaturvimshatihi prishta vamshe“.
This means there are 24 joints in spinal column.
Maamsaanyatra nibaddhani siraabhihi snaayubhistatha. |
Asthinyaalambanam kritwaa ||
The ligaments and tendons hold the bones and muscles together.
Causes for back ache
Bones and thighs are mainly occupied by Vata . Vata controls and directs
the body movements. Back pain occurs when vata in this region gets
aggravated due to unwise physical activities (mithya yoga of
karma), exaggerated physical activities (Ati yoga of karma ) or
less physical activities (hina yoga of karma).
-
Back ache
usually arises from spasm of muscles that support our spine. The
muscles supporting spine go into spasm when we lift things unwisely,
bending over too sharply, sitting in a unsuitable chair, etc. These
type of movements are called as “Mithyaa yoga of karma or
action ” in Ayurveda.
-
Back pain
can be triggered when we sneeze, climb into a car, or bend down to
pick up the newspaper.
-
Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, viral infection, bladder or kidney
infection, gynecological problems in women, tumors and trauma may
also cause back pain.
-
Lack of
motion or hina yoga of karma and bad posture may affect us
when we sit or stand for long periods of time. On the other hand
repetitive motion or Ati yoga of karma like too much of
bending, lifting or twisting also affects our back.
Other potential causes for back ache are:
The vitiated vata causes stiffness of joints, pain and limits the
movements of back.
Solutions for back pain
-
Stay
calm.
-
A
complete bed rest for 24 - 48 hrs relieves back pain in most of the
instances. Walk a little every few hours to keep the blood flowing
and the muscles toned.
-
Applying
vata balancing oil like ksheerabala oil on affected region and Naadi
sweda (mild steam bath on affected area ) of affected region relives
the pain quickly.
See your doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms:
-
If you
are above 50 and sudden onset of severe pain or pain localized to
spine
-
Pain due
to recent fall or trauma.
-
Pain in
hip and leg.
-
Back pain
unrelated to posture.
-
Bowel or
bladder control problems.
-
Numbness
in the groin or rectal area.
-
Extreme
weakness in legs.
-
Unsteadiness while walking
-
Fever or
weight loss accompanying the pain.
-
Pain that
does not lessen over time even after rest
Prevention of back pain
-
Keep the
muscles well conditioned by improving sitting, standing, stretching
postures. Well-conditioned muscles are less susceptible to injury.
-
Never
bend at the waist or stoop to pick up an object. Instead, lower the
body to the level of the object by bending the knees. Grasp the
item, hold it close to the body, and raise yourself with your legs
while keeping your back straight.
-
Do not
lift very heavy objects.
-
Whenever
possible, prop yourself up.
-
Lean
against a wall or pillar while waiting for a bus or standing in line
at the bank.
-
Keep
footstools around the house. Alternatively prop up one leg on stool
while doing standing chores.
-
Sleep on
a firm mattress and find a comfortable position.
-
Wear
low-heeled shoes.
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Standing
straight will do wonders for your back.
-
Sit on a
comfortable chair that supports the curve of lower back.
-
While
sitting for long hours rest feet on a low stool so that knees are
above hips.
-
Do not
sit or stand in one position for a very long time. Get up
periodically and walk for a while.
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Avoid
activities which hurt back.
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Do not
sit in same position for long hours. It may prove hazardous to back.
Take break in between and move around.
-
Avoid
becoming overweight. Overweight increases the risk of back pain.
Tips for software professionals to avoid back pain
-
Select a
correct chair, with a relatively straight back and good lower back
support. If the chair doesn't offer lower back support, keep a
rolled up towel or cushion to support the back.
-
Correctly
position the chair, keyboard, and monitor. Feet should be on the
floor, with knees at hip level; forearms should form a right angle
with upper arms; and the computer terminal should be at eye level.
-
Adopt a
relaxed, upright working posture and allow the chair to support.
-
Avoid
slouching forward or leaning back too far.
-
When you
are at work stand up, walk around, stretch forward, backward, and
side to side once in 30 minutes.
-
Increased
stress and strain enhances the chances of back pain. Hence remember
to relax! Yoga and meditation are best techniques to relax
-
Eat
healthy food which is rich in fiber. Avoid sweets, oil, soft drinks
and overeating to reduce the chances of weight gain.
-
Sex
should be avoided during acute stage of back pain as it exaggerates
the condition.
Ayurvedic Home remedy for backache
Ingredients
Nirgundi leaves (Hindi - samhaalu) (Botany- Vitex negundo) (English -
Five leaved chaste) and Karanja leaves ( Hindi - Ditauri) (Botany -
Pongamia pinnata) (English - Indian beech).
Collect fresh leaves of Nirgundi and Karanja. Tie them in a thin cotton
cloth to form a big ball . Boil this leaves' ball in water and when it
is tolerably hot apply this on affected part. When the leaves become
cold reheat them by putting the leaves' ball in boiling water. After
half an hour take out the leaves from ball , grind them to a paste and
bind it on affected area.
December 25,
2005
Disclaimer
The above article is educational in nature, and is not intended to
diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you have a medical
condition, please consult your physician.
Dr.SavithaSuri B.A.M.S is Chief Consultant physician at Chaitanya
Integrated Medical Center, Udayagiri, Mysore, Karnataka, India. She is
practicing Indian Systems of Medicines since 12 years. By arrangement
with
http://www.ayurhelp.com
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