Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body. But can occur on both sides also.

Sciatica most commonly occurs when a herniated intervertebral disc, bone spur on the spine or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) compresses part of the nerve. This causes inflammation, pain and often some numbness in the affected leg.

Although the pain associated with sciatica can be severe, most cases resolve with non-operative treatments in a few weeks. People who have severe sciatica that's associated with significant leg weakness or bowel or bladder changes might be candidates for surgery. Ayurveda offers the most effective methods of non-operative treatments for this condition.

Diagnosis in Ayurveda

The condition in Ayurveda is diagnosed to be Gridrasi (Gridah - Vulture) The condition is so named because of the particular posture and style in which the patient suffering from this condition mostly tends to walk - like the vulture walks.

Etiology (causes)

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes pinched, usually by a herniated disk in your spine or by an overgrowth of bone (bone spur) on your vertebrae. More rarely, the nerve can be compressed by a tumor or damaged by a disease such as diabetes.

In Ayurveda the condition is considered to be a Vata predominant condition and any factor which aggravates Vata in the system like excessive exertion, long time work in standing or sitting position, lack of nourishment of structural principals (Dathus ) due to metabolic errors, lack of proper rest to the system like lack of sleep, high levels of stress, sleeping in wrong posture, not having food on time, having foods which does not meet the requirement of the individual , lack of proper exercises or excessive exercises etc. causes Sciatica (Gridrasi).

Risk factors

Risk factors for sciatica include:

Age. Age-related changes in the spine, such as herniated disks and bone spurs, are the most common causes of sciatica.
Obesity. By increasing the stress on your spine, excess body weight can contribute to the spinal changes that trigger sciatica.
Occupatio. A job that requires you to twist your back, carry heavy loads or drive a motor vehicle for long periods might play a role in sciatica, but there's no conclusive evidence of this link.
Prolonged sitting. People who sit for prolonged periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people are.
Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage

Symptoms

Pain that radiates from your lower (lumbar) spine to your buttock and down the back of your leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You might feel the discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.

The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating pain. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock. It can be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate symptoms. Usually only one side of your body is affected.

Some people also have numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the affected leg or foot. You might have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another part

Treatment in Ayurveda

The ayurvedic treatment plan for Sciatica is based on a detailed evaluation of the patient's physical and mental health as every person's composition is unique. Once analyzed and assessed, Sciatica is treated with a combination of intake of internal herbal medicines, external ayurvedic therapies along with a course of Panchakarma treatments. Along with this specific diet a life styles are recommended.

The aim of the treatment is :

Primarily aims to eliminate the "ama" or the toxic build-up in the nerves. This can be correlated to reducing the inflammation in the system which is caused due to the specific condition
The secondary aim is to restore proper digestion and prevent the accumulation of ama. This can be correlated to the healing of the injured tissues and preventing further inflammation.
Finally, the tertiary aim is to nourish the nervous system and remove the imbalance in body energies. This can be correlated to strengthening of the supportive tissues and rejuvenation of the nervous system.
The prescribed medications and therapies may vary based on individual cases. If proper precautions are taken, and the procedure are followed as advised along with absolute rest the condition can be well managed the recurrence can be prevented.

Do not miss out on life due to fear of pain. Contact us today, At Vydehi Ayurveda (VAYU) located in Whitefield, Bangalore, to finally get the right Ayurvedic treatment for Sciatica. Our experienced ayurvedic doctors will help you live a pain-free, happily-ever-after life.