Ayurvedic Treatment for Back Pain

Causes of Back Pain

The major causes of back pain are:

• Poor posture
• Stiffness in the back muscles due to a lack of exercise
• Sudden twist
• Sprain or muscle-pulling
• Sciatica
• Spondylosis
• Spinal stenosis
• Infection
• Tumor
• Osteoporosis
• Facet joint dysfunction
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction

Diagnosing Back Pain in Ayurveda

A physical examination is enough to determine the presence of back pain. Ayurvedic Doctors would look for your ability to stand and walk, spinal flexibility, reflexes, leg strength, etc. You may also be asked to undergo further tests to evaluate the presence of any other ailment that could be causing back pain.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Back Pain

Ayurvedic treatment for back pain makes extensive use of Ayurvedic medicine for backache. Below are some of the most widely used herbs for treating back pain in Ayurveda.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): An herbal drug rich in adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, Ashwagandha can play a vital role in keeping inflammation down and strengthening muscles.
• Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Ayurvedic treatment for back pain makes use of Shallaki’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties to reduce pain and inflammation accompanied by back pain.
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul): Guggulu has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant properties. This ayurvedic herb is effective in reducing pain and swelling in the lower back.
• Nirgundi (Vitex negundo): Nirgundi is widely used in Ayurvedic treatment for back pain. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and muscle relaxant properties that aid in the reduction of inflammation, muscle spasms, and stiffness in the back muscles.
• Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic properties of turmeric are beneficial in keeping the inflammation down in the joints.
• Rasana (Pluchea lanceolata): Rasana is rich in anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that make it a great Ayurvedic herb for managing pain and inflammation often associated with musculoskeletal disorders.

The herbs mentioned above work on reducing back pain. However, for a complete treatment for your back pain, you should also include yoga in your daily routine. Cat-cow pose, downward-facing dog pose, extended triangle pose, sphinx pose, cobra pose, locust pose, bridge pose, half-lord of the fishes pose, two-knee spinal twist pose, and child’s Pose are some of the best poses for treating back pain. However, you should consult a doctor before doing any asanas. Additionally, do not exert too much pressure on your back.

In addition to this, keep a close eye on your diet as well. Foods such as fatty fish, dark leafy veggies, nuts, berries, whole grains, etc. help reduce back pain. Keep a tab on processed foods, sugar, alcohol, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)