ABSTRACT
The spine is the central support structure of the body. Maintaining the spine in an optimum state is very essential for the appropriate functioning of the body. The spine is formed by the combination of vertebrae, discs, nerves, spinal cord, etc. Any abnormality in any of the constituting structures will lead to the disturbance in the spine and related functions. One such condition is the herniated disc. The condition of herniated disc will be described in detail along with its ayurvedic aspect through the following article.
INTRODUCTION
Herniated discs can occur in any part of the spine. The disc is the cushiony rubber like matter that is found in between the vertebrae. The vertebrae are the bones that stack up to form the spine. The disc in the spine is composed of a nucleus which is a jelly like substance in the innermost part and an annulus which is rubbery matter on the exterior part. This is the normal structure of the spine. The slipped or herniated disc is a condition in which the nucleus or jelly-like pat bulges out through the annulus or the exterior part. The symptoms of herniated disc will depend on the region of the spine affected. The causes of herniated spine will be discussed as follows.
CAUSES OF HERNIATED DISC
The most probable cause of herniated disc is the disc degeneration. The disc degeneration refers to the gradual or age related wear and tear of the disc. The exact cause of the herniated disc can not be pinpointed as such. The instances of herniated disc as a result of a traumatic event is rare. However, in some cases, it may occur due to excessive use of back muscles while lifting a heavy object instead of legs and thigh muscles. After discussing the probable causes, let us now know the symptoms of herniated disc.
SYMPTOMS OF HERNIATED DISC
Usually the most common site of herniated disc is the lower back. The presenting features will depend on the situation of the disc i.e. the region it is in and whether or not there is pressure on the nerves. Usually, one side of the body is affected by a herniated disc. The common clinical features will include the following -
- Pain in the limbs - The patient may complain of pain in the arms or legs along with the pain in the lower back. He/ she may also complain of pain in the buttocks, thighs, and calf. The pain can be of burning nature and sharp in intensity.
- The patient may experience tingling sensation or numbness in the regions supplied by the affected nerves.
- There may be weakness in the affected area. This may lead to reduced ability to hold or lift articles.
These are some common symptoms presented in a patient of herniated disc. Most of the time, the patient may be asymptomatic. And this condition gets diagnosed only on an imaging test. The diagnostic imaging tests will be described as follows.
DIAGNOSIS OF HERNIATED DISC
The diagnosis of the herniated disc will include the physical examination along with the imaging tests. The physical examinations will aim at checking the reflexes, strength of the muscles, walking ability, sensation to touch, etc. The imaging tests will include X-rays, CT scan, MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), etc. Nerve tests such as electromyography, nerve conduction study may also be advised to assess the state of the nerves.
TREATMENT OF HERNIATED DISC
The management of herniated disc is conservative treatment which revolves around managing the pain sensation and improving the quality of life of the patient. The various medicines will include analgesic medicines, muscle relaxants, neuropathic drugs, etc. In severe cases, cortisone injections may also be required. Physical therapies may also be useful. If the conservative treatment fails to manage the pain, the allopathic doctors may suggest surgical interventions also. But the research shows that almost 97% of the cases do not require surgery, then what is the management strategy? Can ayurveda help to cope with the condition? Let us now learn about the ayurvedic aspect of the herniated disc.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT OF HERNIATED DISC
The condition of herniated disc presents with lower back ache as the main feature. The lower backache can be correlated with kati shool. It can also be kati graha, prishta graha, etc., basically the disorders with dominant vata dosha imbalances. The ayurvedic texts consider vata aggravating factors to be the cause of kati shool. Out of the various such factors, few are mentioned as follows -
- Consuming excessive dry, light, bitter, pungent food.
- Excessive fasting or eating very less food.
- Excessive physical activity or exercises.
- Weight lifting
- Indulging excessively in sexual activity.
- Extreme stress, fear, grief, etc.
- Suppressing the natural urges of the body.
The above causative factors will lead to the vata levels imbalance and result in a variety of features. These may include pain in the lower part of the spine. In some cases, the patient may also complain of radiating pain. Restriction of movement around the affected area is also observed.
Treatment According to Ayurveda - The line of treatment for managing the katishool or lower back ache can include various therapies and methods such as snehana or oleation, swedana or sudation, mridu sanshodhan (mild purgation), basti (medicated enema), etc. Along with the medicinal administration, it is essential to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle also. The ayurvedic formulations useful in the management of the condition of herniated disc will be described as follows.
HERBAL REMEDIES FOR HERNIATED DISC BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Ayurvedic formulations have always presented great health results to the patients willing to uplift their health status. Planet Ayurveda is providing various preparations of natural herbs which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of herniated disc. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The ayurvedic formulations beneficial for the condition of herniated disc are combined under a pack named DISC CARE PACK. The ayurvedic formulations compiled in this pack are described as follows.
DISC CARE PACK
- Boswellia Curcumin
- Aamvatantak Churna
- Yograj Guggul
- Hakam Churna
- Mahatriphala Ghrit
Disc Care Pack
All of the above said ayurvedic formulations will be described in detail as follows -
1. Boswellia Curcumin
Boswellia Curcumin Capsules are being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. It contains a combination of haridra (Curcuma longa) and shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These components help to manage the pain sensations experienced by the patient of herniated disc. Curcumin is a very effective anti inflammatory agent and therefore, useful in managing the inflammation also. Boswellia curcmin helps to improve the joint and muscle health of the body.
Dose - 1 capsule twice daily after meal with warm water.
2. Aamvatantak Churna
Aamvatantak Churna is being prepared by Planet Ayurveda. This churna contains powdered form of various medicinal herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), etc. The combinations of these drugs help to balance the vata dosha of the body. This will help to improve the pain sensations and also the general well being of the patient suffering from herniated disc.
Dose - 1 tsp. twice daily with warm water after meal.
3. Yograj Guggul
Yograj Guggul is a classical formulation mentioned in traditional Ayurveda texts consisting of Guggul resin (Commiphora mukul), Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), pippali (Piper longum) etc. This combination of herbs is very helpful in managing painful joints and muscles. Yograj guggul helps to pacify the excessive vata dosha from the body and also removes ama dosha or endotoxins from the body. It helps to slow down the degenerative processes and boosts up the rejuvenating processes. Thus, benefitting the patient of herniated disc.
Dose - 2 tablets twice daily after meal with warm water
4. Hakam Churna
Hakam Churna is prepared by planet ayurveda. It contains natural extracts of various health benefiting components such as kalonji (Nigella sativa), ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), methi (fenugreek) (Trigonella foenum), etc. These help to improve digestion which will help to eliminate the accumulated toxins in the form of undigested food and improve the vitiation of the bodily dosha. It will therefore bring back the vata dosha in normal state, thus alleviating the pain and improving the condition of herniated disc.
Dose - 1 tsp. twice daily with warm water after meal.
5. Mahatriphala Ghrit
Mahatriphala ghrit is a very beneficial ayurvedic formulation which possesses a variety of medicinal properties. It contains herbal medicinal ingredients such as pippali (Piper longum), draksha (Vitis vinifera), bhringraj (Eclipta alba), etc. prepared in cow ghee (go ghrit) and goat milk. It helps to pacify the vata and pitta dosha of the body. Mahatriphala ghrit helps to improve the strength of the body, as it helps to pacify the excessive vata levels, thus the patient feels relief in pain in the cases of herniated disc.
Dose - 1 tsp twice daily with warm water after meal.
CONCLUSION
After analyzing the above provided information regarding the herniated disc, it can be concluded that although, it is not a fatal condition but if not managed timely and properly, may hinder the quality of life adversely, upto a great extent. The main aim of treatment of the herniated disc will be to pacify the vitiated vata dosha. This will be achieved with the use of ayurvedic formulation along with strictly following a healthy diet and lifestyle. So, ayurveda can effectively manage the cases of herniated disc and improve the health status of the patient.
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