Lumbar Strain / Sciatica
Low back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today. It is a chronic condition characterized by a persistent dull or sharp pain per the lower back. It may be also associated with burning, stiffness, numbness or tingling with the pain shooting down the buttocks and the legs. When we stand, the lower back functions to hold most of the weight of the body. Severe pain in the low back can be quite debilitating to patients. Pain in the lower back restricts activity and reduces work capacity and quality of enjoyment of everyday living and turns daily life into a misery. Survey indicates that 70 per cent of the people suffer from low back pain at some time in their lives. The highest rate of back pain occurs among the 45 to 64 year age group. The incidence of low back pain is greater among women. In 90 per cent of the patients, low back pain resolves within six weeks, i.e. self limited. In another 5 per cent the pain resolves by 12 weeks. Less than 5 per cent of back paid account for true nerve root pain.
Treatment:
Conservative treatment is the most likely course of action for most patients.
Ayurvedic Perspective:
Ayurveda holds that low back pain is a result of vitiation of one of the three principal 'doshas'. 'Kateegraham'/'Prishtasoola' or low back pain is an indication of Vata aggravation and bone and muscle weakness.
Generally affecting men and women above age of 40, here people having less bone density/ low intake of calcium are more susceptible to this disease. With problems due to compression of nerve roots at cervical or lumber region as result of conditions like Spondylitis changes and muscular spasms, the treatment through modern medicine is only Bed-rest, traction and administration of medicines for acute conditions.
