Backpain is a very common problem seen now a days which can range from acute to chronic in severity. It can also be radiating due to associated disease. Back is made up of column of bones i.e. vertebrae’s held together by muscles, tendons and ligaments which is cushioned by shock absorber intervertebral discs. Any injury or damage in any part of spine or nearby muscles or ligaments can cause back pain.

Causes:

Risk Factors:

• Occupational activities
• Pregnancy
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor physical fitness
• Older age
• Obesity and excess weight
• Smoking
• Strenuous physical exercise or work, especially if done incorrectly
• Genetic factors
• Medical conditions, such as Arthritis and Cancer

Lower back pain also tends to be more common in women than in men, possibly due to hormonal factors.

Symptoms:

• Pain that is dull or achy, contained to the low back
• Stinging, burning pain that moves from the low back to the backs of the thighs, sometimes into the lower legs or feet; can include numbness or tingling (sciatica)
• Muscle spasms and tightness in the low back, pelvis, and hips
• Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
• Difficulty standing up straight, walking, or going from standing to sitting

The pain often goes away without treatment, but if it occurs with any of the following people should see their doctor:

• Weight loss
• Weakness in the limbs or imbalanced gait
• Fever
• Inflammation or swelling on the back
• Persistent back pain, where lying down or resting does not help
• Pain down the legs
• Pain that reaches below the knees
• Urinary incontinence
• Difficulty urinating
• Fecal incontinence, or loss of control over bowel movements
• Numbness around the genitals
• Numbness around the anus
• Numbness around the buttocks

As per Ayurveda, all such pain comes under the category of Vata Vyadhi i.e. caused due to vata dosha prakopa.

Treatment:

Various ayurvedic treatments which can be given in such cases are as follows:

• Abhyangam
• Dhanyamladhara
• Kizhi
• Kati Vasti
• Meru Vasti
• Vasti
• Pizhichil

Prevention:

• Avoid long term sitting or standing.
• Avoid sitting in incorrect posture.
• Avoid long distance frequent travelling especially on two wheelers.
• Practice yoga asanas like surya namaskar, bhujangasana, shalabhasana, tadasana etc. for strengthening of the back bone and muscles.
• Control weight.
• Refrigerated food and drinks, junk food, spicy and dry food should be avoided.

Dr Srishti Mehrotra Khanna, B.A.M.S, PG Diploma (Ayu)

Center Head – Jubilee Hills
Travancore Ayurveda