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Ayurvedic Medicine For Sciatica

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Sciatica is a condition characterized by pain that originates in the lower back and radiates through the buttocks region, extending down the back of the leg. It is caused by the compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve. The irritation is usually caused by a herniated disc (a disc in the spine bulging or rupturing, which puts pressure on the nerve roots) or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord as well as the nerves within it).

The pain is caused due to the pressure that's put on the nerves, giving rise to a tingling and pin-like sensation, sometimes running all the way to the foot. While mostly common in people aged 40 to 50, the condition is also seen rising in the younger generation, pointing towards the increasing health concerns in the younger generation.

How The Condition Is Seen In Ayurveda

Gridhrasi, the name of sciatica in Ayurveda, is predominantly associated with the excess of the Vata dosha (which is responsible for movement and nervous sensations). Aggravation of vata in the lower back causes constriction in the sciatic nerve.

Sometimes the aggravation of kapha dosha is also involved. Since kapha dosha is responsible for lubrication and fluids, its imbalance also contributes to the dryness that takes place in this condition. The name of the condition in Ayurveda has been given because of the characteristic walk of a person affected by it. The person walks with his affected leg being a little bent, resembling a vulture (gridh).

Symptoms Of Sciatica

The most common symptoms of sciatica include a sharp, tingling sensation or pain that runs through the lower back, all the way along the backside of the leg. Some other symptoms include: 

• Numbness 
• Tingling (pins and needles)
• Muscle weakness
• Pain that increases when pressure is put on such that, while sneezing, coughing, or walking.

Dosha-specific Differences

• The main dosha that's responsible for the condition of sciatica is the vata dosha. Since this is the one responsible, it leads to symptoms related to dryness and stiffness during motion. Movement causes intense pain.

• Vata-kapha sciatica shows additional symptoms of an emotional and metabolic nature. The patient might feel lethargic as well as experience a loss of appetite.

• Vata-pitta sciatica, on the other hand, additionally includes the symptoms of pitta dosha, such as inflammation and heat. The patient might feel the pain with a burning sensation due to the inflammation caused by the involvement of the pitta dosha. 

Common Causes And Contributing Factors Of Sciatica

Modern Causes

• Lifestyle habits and posture can affect the pressure on the nerves
• Obesity causes excessive weight on the nerves 
• Dehydration can cause a reduction of cushioning between the discs.
• Smoking reduces oxygen to the spinal tissues
• Trauma-induced injury 
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis 

Ayurvedic Causes

According to ���ϳԹ���, the Ayurvedic cause of sciatica is the imbalance of the three doshas.

• The aggravation of the vata dosha causes stiffness and a tingling sensation coupled with pain. 
• Sometimes the kapha dosha can also be involved in extending the condition to have symptoms related to metabolism, as well as emotional symptoms. 
• The inflammatory and burning sensation, along with the pain, can also be caused by the aggravation of the pitta dosha. 

Known Ayurvedic Medicines For Sciatica

• Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo): Nirgundi is an anti-inflammatory herb used in Ayurvedic treatments to ease pain and swelling. It relaxes the muscles and also reduces nerve irritation and Sciatica pain.
• Bala (Sida Cordifolia): Bala is believed to relax the nervous system and is often used to reduce inflammation and increase flexibility. It's especially useful for muscle pains and discomforts, especially for Sciatica patients.
• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava has diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and detoxify the body, which supports healing in Sciatica.
• Eranda (Castor Roots): Castor oil from the Eranda plant is used in Ayurveda for relieving pain and inflammation. It is applied externally as a warm oil massage on the lower back and legs to help with muscle stiffness and pain.
• Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): Moringa has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to control joint pain and inflammation. It also strengthens bones and muscles, which helps ease Sciatica-related pain.
• Rasna (Pluchea Lanceolata): Rasna is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps relax muscles and also reduces swelling and pain from Sciatica.
• Jambira (Lemon): Lemon is known to cool and soothe inflammation. Additionally, it helps improve circulation and also supports tissue repair, which helps with Sciatica pain.
• Masha (Black gram): Black gram provides nourishment for muscles and joints and relieves muscle strains and nerve pain. It's used in Ayurvedic preparations for boosting muscle strength and relieving Sciatica pain.

Though these medications are for the treatment of sciatica, they should never be used to self-medicate. Any Ayurvedic medication should be taken under the expert guidance of Ayurvedic doctors at . 

Ayurvedic Treatments For Sciatica

• Kati Basti: Involves accumulating warm medicated oil on the lower back to relieve inflammation and pain.
• Swedana (Steam Therapy): This helps to reduce stiffness and pain in the area 
• Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Massage with medicated oils to improve blood circulation and nerve pain

Lifestyle And Dietary Factors To Be Considered

Both lifestyle habits and eating habits affect our bodies. Our posture determines how much pressure we are putting on what part of our body. Incorrect posture can lead to improper pressure being put on muscles and nerves, causing inflammation and pain in nerve roots. Similarly, if our diet is not healthy, and our tissues are weak, it gets easier for them to be affected by minor changes or injuries. Therefore, it's important to take care of both our lifestyle and eating habits to gain holistic health.

Lifestyle Tips

• Staying active and avoiding a sedentary lifestyle, as that prolongs the pressure put on the tissues. If you keep moving, chances are less of the lubrication in your spinal canal will not dry up. 
• Work on your posture. Keeping an upright posture and protecting your back while lifting heavy weights reduces the chances of unnecessary pressure being put on the lower back. Therefore, it reduces the chances of sciatica. 
• Maintaining a healthy weight is very important as it also reduces unnecessary pressure on the back. 
• Getting adequate sleep helps release tension. 
• Staying hydrated provides the body with enough fluids to stay lubricated. 
• Using a heat pad or ice to improve circulation of blood and release muscle tension.
• Quitting smoking reduces the amount of blood being transported to the spine, therefore reducing the amount of needed oxygen reaching the spine. 

Dietary Tips

• Including anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric and ginger in daily life
• Including fibre-rich foods like leafy vegetables, apples, and bananas that help in better digestion, therefore reducing toxin accumulation in the body 
• Drinking plenty of water and healthy fluids like organic juices to keep the spinal discs hydrated. 
• Foods with Vitamin B12, like fish and eggs, help maintain nerve health.

When To Consult An Ayurvedic Expert

At ���ϳԹ���, we focus on the holistic treatment of any kind of disease. It treats every disease to be the result of dosha imbalances, which are affected by everything we do in our lives. It is necessary to keep looking out for severe symptoms. Some of these are:

• Sharp and shooting pain that travels from the lower back across the back of the leg
• Numbness or a “pins and needles” sensation in the whole affected area. 
• Muscle weakness is making it difficult to move the foot or walk.
• Difficulty performing everyday tasks and difficulty with mobility. 

The symptoms should not be ignored as they can progress into serious nervous complications if not treated at the right time. If you observe any of these symptoms, contact the and book an appointment immediately. 

Conclusion

Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to the treatment of sciatica and not just a physical one. It provides the patient with physical therapies to improve blood circulation and release muscle tension, as well as medications that aim to balance the various doshas that are at play as the cause of the condition. It aims to balance the aggravated vata dosha. 

As for your own safety, Ayurvedic medications and therapies should always be done and carried out under the expert guidance of Ayurvedic doctors because it requires a holistic knowledge of the field to prescribe the correct treatment.