Back Pain (Sciatica)

  

Ayurveda Name: Gradhrasi

Type of Illness: Back pain experienced in the region of the buttocks, back of the thigh and the leg. Patient experiences difficulty in walking. The pain is associated with the Sciatica Nerve which is part of the nerve system that controls the muscles of the back of the knee and lower leg, and provides sensation to the back of the thigh, part of the lower leg and the sole of the foot.

Causes of Illness: According to Ayurveda philosophy, the human body consists of three doshas - Vatha, Pitha and Kappha. An imbalance of the three doshas leads to disease. Sciatica is usually caused by an increase or aggravation of "Vatha Dosha".

At a practical level, the buttocks and part of the thigh and legs are serviced by the Sciatica nerve. Pressing of the Sciatica Nerve and inflammation of the surrounding areas of the Sciatica nerve leads to this disease. The damage of the sciatica nerve slows down or prevents conduction of impulses through the nerve. This also causes inflammation of the surrounding area.

Damage to the Sciatica nerve can be caused through strenuous activity such as lifting of weights or over exposure to cold wind. The Sciatica nerve could also be injured by fracture of the pelvis, or other trauma to the buttocks or thighs. Prolonged sitting or lying with pressure on the buttocks may also damage it. Systemic diseases such as diabetes can typically damage many different nerves, including the Sciatica nerve. The Sciatica nerve may also be harmed by pressure from masses such as tumor or abscess, or by bleeding in the pelvis.

Specific Symptoms:

• Sensation changes in the back, calf, or sole of the feet
• Numbness and decreased sensation
• Tingling and burning sensations
• Mild or severe pain
• Abnormal sensations
• Weakness of the knee or foot resulting in difficulty in walking
• Inability to move the foot (in severe case)
• Inability to bend the knee (in severe case)

Ayurveda Treatment:

The illness is treated with a combination of internal herbal pills, herbal decoctions and elixirs/wine, and external oil applications and hot fomentation.

1. Yogaraja Guggulu: Internally taken herbal pills made from Guggulu resin (from the Camphora Mukul tree), 25 herbs, and ghee. Effective for nervous system-related pains. Dosage: Two pills, twice daily.
2. Dashamula Arishta: A fermented herbal elixir/wine made with about 63 herbs, plums, jaggery, honey, and water. It has anti-inflammatory properties and tones the nerves. Dosage: One tablespoon, twice daily.
   Main ten herbs:
   • Aswenna - Alysicarpus vaginalis
   • Polpala - Aerva lanata
   • Ela batu - Solanum melongena
   • Katuwel batu - Solanum xanthocarpum
   • Hin Nerenchi - Tribulus terristris
   • Thotila - Oroxylum indicum
   • Beli fruit - Aegle marmelos
   • Et demata - Gmelina arborea
   • Palol - Stereospermum suaveolens
   • Hin medi - Premna integrifolia