Devanand wasn’t having the greatest vacation of his life as expected, as he had been experiencing back pain with concerning symptoms for more than five weeks now. That was when he decided to visit Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital at Kollam, a center with a legacy of excellence in natural back pain relief.
In the hospital, trained Ayurvedic practitioners with more than 20 years of experience diagnosed him with sciatica. This condition refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, the largest in the body, which travels from the lower back, through the hips, buttocks, and down each leg. Simply put, intense pain originates in the lower back and moves to the legs.
Ayurvedic treatment for sciatica, especially chronic cases, is not something that many have heard about, as sciatica pain treatment mostly relies on opioid medications that have myriad adverse effects. However, would you like to know an interesting fact? Even basic Ayurvedic oil massages, known as uzhichil, are adequate for treating this condition without any complications!
The best care in Ayurveda for sciatica pain, which is caused by the compression of sciatic nerves, involves Panchakarma treatment and other herbal remedies. Unlike allopathic solutions, ayurvedic treatments for this chronic back pain condition aim to remove root causes and restore balance in life.
What is Sciatica?
The sciatica nerve is the largest nerve in your body. It helps in the movement of leg and foot muscles. Sciatica pain is called Gridhrasi in Ayurveda and the condition can occur as a result of any pressure, irritation, or damage to this nerve from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
Even though the causes of sciatica are many, it most often happens when a herniated disc puts intense pressure on lumbar spine roots. Sciatica surfaces with multiple physical symptoms, such as sharp lower back pain, numbness, and sometimes, inflammation in the affected leg.
Sciatica and related back pain are often observed in people between 30 and 50 years of age. In Ayurveda, sciatica is the result of a Vata dosha imbalance, the dosha that controls nerve functions and movements in your body.
Hence, Ayurvedic treatments for Gridhrasi focus on balancing Vata dosha through Panchakarma/detoxification and other natural remedies. Compared to other medical systems, these natural therapies focus on the root cause of the problem.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Mild sciatica can improve or usually go away on its own, but it may return, and the pain can vary widely. The condition usually affects one side of the body, causing lower back and leg pain that starts slowly, feeling like an electric shock, leading to physical discomfort.
In most people, sciatica first appears as a mild tingling, burning sensation, or a dull ache in the lower back and affected legs. The leg pain can worsen after prolonged standing or sitting, and in rare cases, the condition may become severe enough to make them unable to move.
Sciatica symptoms might include;
- Pain radiating from the lower back to the legs.
- Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg.
- Burning or throbbing sensations.
- Difficulty moving or lifting the leg.
- Muscle spasms in the back.
- Trouble controlling bowels or bladder.
People with sciatica often report a tingling sensation in legs and hips, as well as numbness in other parts. Plus, during their appointments and physiotherapy sessions, patients frequently complain about pain and unusual numbness in the back of the calf or the sole.
Sciatica makes the affected leg weak in most cases. So, it is better to consult a trained physician if you have difficulty bending your knees, weakness when bending the foot inward or down, weak or abnormal reflexes, loss of sensation, and difficulty walking on your toes.
Causes of Sciatica
Sciatica occurs due to many reasons, which can be either medical or lifestyle-related. However, the most common cases involve the nerve roots to the sciatica nerve becoming pinched by a herniated disc or an overgrowth of bone, also called bone spurs.
Let’s explore the causes and risk factors of sciatica;
Medical Causes:
Slipped or herniated disc, bone spurs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis.
Lifestyle Factors:
Prolonged sitting, improper posture, or heavy lifting.
Rare Causes:
Tumors, diabetes, or spinal infections.
According to studies, the chances of pressure on the sciatic nerves resulting from a developing tumor are low. Sciatica risk factors are most commonly seen in obese people between 30 and 40 years of age, who are more likely to have bone spurs or a slipped disc in spine as they age.
Both ayurvedic and allopathic systems have recognized that the causes of lower back pain often stem from lifestyle factors, such as prolonged sitting, which is typically seen among IT professionals. Plus, diabetes is another risk factor, as it causes nerve damage in older adults.
People who drive heavy vehicles for longer periods, those engaged in heavy labor such as regular weightlifting, and even gym-goers who routinely lift heavy weights are also at greater risk of developing lumbar spine pain, which can develop into chronic lower back pain (LBP).
Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica
Ayurvedic treatments for sciatica pain start by strengthening the nervous system. The focus of these treatments is on identifying the root causes while also relieving pain, inflammation, and physical discomfort. So, with a regular therapy routine, you can get long-lasting pain relief.
Panchakarma treatment, along with various herbal remedies for back pain, has shown remarkable effectiveness in patients suffering from chronic sciatica. Ayurvedic panchakarma is a powerful detoxification process that includes abhyanga massage and Kati Vasti.
Remember, all the treatments suggested in Ayurveda for sciatica pain are a better and safer alternative to allopathic treatments and medications, which often recommend surgical procedures to remove bone, disc, or other tissue pressing on the sciatic nerve.
Here are some Ayurvedic solutions for sciatica that can work wonders;
Detoxification Therapies:
Several therapeutic processes help eliminate toxins from the body and restore balance to the doshas, particularly Vata dosha, which is relevant for back pain caused by sciatica.
The therapy includes;
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Improves circulation and relaxes muscles. The oils used are entirely derived from natural herbs.
- Kati Vasti: Warm medicated oil therapy for localized pain relief.
- Vasti (Medicated Enema): Detoxifies and pacifies Vata dosha.
- Agni Karma (Heat Therapy): Relieves inflammation and nerve compression.
Herbal Remedies:
Several ancient Indian herbs are known to relieve lower back pain and reduce inflammation in the legs caused by sciatica. Key herbs used in ayurvedic treatments of sciatica and chronic lower back pain are Nirgundi, Ashwagandha, and Punarnava, among others.
Nutmeg, bitter chamomile, and valerian root are also recommended for consumption throughout your back pain treatment. Practitioners often prepare potions to administer to patients, with popular formulations like Yogaraja Guggulu and Dasamoola Kashaya.
These herbs are rich in analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, providing pain relief while reducing nerve irritation and joint stiffness. They also help improve nerve function and blood circulation, supporting a natural cure for sciatica without any adverse effects.
Rejuvenation Therapies:
Yes, a complete cure for sciatica pain in adults is possible by timely panchakarma intervention and natural herbal remedies. However, what if patients need extensive treatment options? Ayurveda suggests pizhichil and navarakizhi as part of sciatica rejuvenation therapies.
Practitioners typically use medically prepared oils like Bala Ashwagandhadi Thailam for such treatments. These oils are a mix of powerful medicinal herbs, that can effectively relieve physical distress experienced after continuous oil massages and detoxification procedures.
By lessening nerve pressure, navarakizhi and pizhichil can help correct fixations (muscle stiffness and spinal misalignments) caused by back pain. These treatments can safely restore the structural integrity of the spine by reducing pressure on sciatic nerve tissues.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations
The effectiveness of ayurvedic remedies for sciatica can be enhanced if you adopt certain lifestyle recommendations along with prescribed treatments. Your doctor will likely make a schedule and propose a vata pacifying diet for over a month or more to follow.
Over and above that, doctors may also encourage the practice of yoga for back pain, which can prevent sciatica from coming back. They will likely suggest gentle yoga poses like cat-cow, pigeon pose, and child’s pose. Also, avoid prolonged sitting and maintain good posture.
For the treatment period and after that as well, it is advised to sleep on a firm mattress and use comfy cushions to reduce strain on the back. Also, it is best to avoid cold, dry, processed, or excessively spicy foods that may disturb vata for atleast the duration your doctor suggests.
Ayurveda’s suggested lifestyle for sciatica relief also suggests eating only vata dosha comforting foods like red rice, wheat, milk, and raisins, as well as warming spices like ginger and turmeric, as these all help in reducing inflammation and pain caused by sciatica nerve compression.
Prevention and Maintenance
Lower back pain prevention measures include stretching exercises to strengthen the back and core muscles. Exercise for sciatica should solely focus on the lower back, hamstrings, glutes, and hips, targeting the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve to improve flexibility.
It is advised to start with simple techniques for proper lifting and posture during daily activities. Certain yoga asanas can make the lower back muscles firm and help in posture correction for back pain without causing any injuries if performed under the guidance of an expert.
Yoga and meditation are effective ways to deal with stress and anxiety when experiencing chronic pain conditions like sciatica. Always remember that Ayurveda and natural remedies for chronic back pain and sciatica focus on overall wellness rather than a short-term cure.
Why Choose Us for Sciatica Treatment in Kollam?
Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital, the best Ayurvedic center Kollam, is dedicated to practicing and promoting Ayurveda for overall well-being. Patients who have visited for treatment of sciatica nerve pain have left feeling satisfied, often able to walk again without pain or discomfort.
Besides offering proper ayurvedic sciatica treatment in Kerala, Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital is also renowned for its back pain treatments of various origins, helping patients avoid the need for future surgeries. Our team of Ayurvedic practitioners has over 20 years of experience.
We offer traditional ayurvedic panchakarma detoxification packages, along with rejuvenation therapies like navarakizhi. The hospital and doctors prioritize authenticity and quality care, drawing upon the Ayurvedic legacy that provides cures without side effects.
Our specialized back pain treatments target posture correction, chronic lower back pain, and balancing Vata dosha. In sciatic treatment, we are committed to ensuring recovery and rejuvenation at the root level, along with improved motor-neuron coordination and maintenance.
Book Your Path to Healing
Our Ayurvedic treatment packages include;
- Panchakarma/detoxification packages
- Rejuvenation packages
- Weight loss packages
- Keraleeya panchakarma/detox package
- Stress relief package
Each main treatment package lasts for 10 to 15 days at a reasonable cost of 3000 per day. Due to limited slot availability, patients are encouraged to book a month in advance, especially for high-demand therapies such as the panchakarma detoxification, keraleeya panchakarma detox, and weight loss packages.
We are dedicated to curating personalized treatment plans for every patient, with a strong focus on holistic pain relief therapies. For chronic lower back pain and sciatica, our treatments intend to gradually reduce the discomfort, completely eliminating the need for surgery recommended by allopathic practitioners.