Introduction
Backache is one of the most common ailments. It has assumed staggering dimensions these days. It generally results from sedentary living habits and hazardous work patterns. Emotional stress, which brings about spasm of the muscles, may also cause backache.
The back, known as the life bone of the body, is a complex structure of muscles, bone and elastic tissue. The spine is made of 24 blocks of bone, piled one on top of the other. Sandwiched between these bony blocks are cushions of cartilage and elastic tissues, called intervertebral discs. These discs act as shock absorbers for the back. Mobility would be impossible without these discs.
Epidemiology:
- 10% of adult Population
- 5 out of 10 patients – Clinic
- Everybody in their lifetime suffer from backache
Functions of the spine
- Supports whole skeleton
- Protects the vital & vulnerable spinal cord
- Provides attachment points for muscles
- Absorbs the Shocks & Forces
- Effective Transmission of weight
Soft tissue structures
DISC
- 23 in number
- Shock absorbers
MUSCLES
- Back
- Abdominal
LIGAMENTS
FASCIA
Curves
- Lordosis – I. Cervical II. Lumbar
- Kyphosis – I. Dorsal II. Sacral
Common disc problems are
Slipped Disc (PIVD)
- Cervical
- Lumbar
- Young age group affected
- Bending & lifting weights
- Faulty Posture
- Prolonged Sitting
Spondylitis
- Degenerative
- Cervical
- Lumbar
- Affects 40 Years of age
- Instability – Osteophyte Formation
- Pressure on Nerve root / Vertebral artery.
Causes:
- Congenital
- Trauma
- Infections
- Degenerative
- Malignancy
Non -spine
- Gynecology
- Urinary
- Abdominal
- Metabolic
- Malignancy
- Rheumatism
- Vascular
Women
- Pregnancy / Child Birth
- Weight of the foetus
- Hormonal Changes
- Increase in weight
Symptoms
- In the most cases backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down.
- Shooting or stabbing pain in the back.
- Muscle ache
- Pain that radiates down your leg.
- It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips.
- Limited flexibility or range of motion of the back.
Investigations:
- X Rays
- MRI
References in Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda this condition is described as Katishoola. Kati means to ‘low back’ (hip) and shoola means ‘pain’.
Ayurveda Chikitsa Sutra (Ayurvedic Line of Treatment)
- Chikitsa sutra of Katigriha
- Avarana Vata Chikitsa
- Kapha Vatahara Chikitsa sutra
Bahya Chikitsa:
- Ruksha pinda Sweda
- Katibasti
- Kati Abhyanga
- Pinda sweda
- Nadi Sweda
- Kati Lepana
Abyanthara Chikitsa:
- Sadyovirechana
- Yoga Basti Karma
Useful Ayurvedic Medicines:
Kashayas:
- Gandharva Hastadi Kashaya
- Dashamoola Kashaya
- Guggulutiktaka Kashaya
- Maharasnadi Kashaya
Aristas:
- Balaaristam
- Ashvagandharistam
- Dashamoolaristam
Guggulu:
- Rasna Guggulu
- Mahayogaraja Guggulu
Thailas:
- Karpooradi Thaila
- Kottamchukkadi Thaila
- Prasaranyadi Thaila
- Sahacharadi Thaila
Author:
Dr. Raghavendra Shetty
Ayurveda Doctor
