Slip disc is a common problem and increasing in every society. Most of the time the solution advised is surgical intervention. We at Sukhayu Ayurved, under Vaidya Dr. Pardeep Sharma, help in the treatment of slip discs without surgery through a three-dimensional approach. Where we use- ayurvedic medicine, panchakarma, and yoga Asanas. Let’s know-how- treating slip discs successfully is possible through this approach.
What Is Slip Disc?
Slip disc happens when the soft gel-like material that lies between two adjacent vertebrae (bones of the spinal column) does not have sufficient support and it becomes thin and weak. This causes some point in the spine to bulge or protrudes outwards, pushing on the nerve root underneath; this leads to back pain and sciatica.
This problem is a common one. It is likely to occur in people over the age of 50. And more commonly found in women than men. This may be because women tend to wear high-heeled shoes which cause excessive pressure on the spine leading to disc bulges or protrusion. Another reason for this trend could be that most of us drive vehicles and spend long hours sitting at desks. Both these activities link to an increased risk of developing this condition. Injuries are also a common factor behind this condition. The higher up you are on the spine (i.e., closer to your neck), the greater your risk of having a slipped disc. In rare cases, it can even happen without any known cause, but this is uncommon.
How does Slip Disc happen?
The spine consists of bony vertebrae separated by rubbery cushions called discs that provide flexibility and a shock-absorbing function between two adjacent vertebrae. The intervertebral disc lies in the space between the bodies of every vertebra, being responsible for sustaining bodyweight and protecting the spinal cord from injury.
Why does spinal disc herniate?
In everyday life, as we make active movements like bending or twisting. Because of these compressing forces are created on the posterior part of the intervertebral disc. This leads to less movement of water content within the nucleus pulposus and increased pressure inside it which results in reduction or loss of elasticity (elasticity). Due to the increase in pressure on the annulus fibrosus, it breaks or ruptures and the extra fluid leaks out causing.
This can also happen sometimes without any activity. This happens more commonly with people who have osteoporosis, a disease where there is reduced bone density (thinning of bones). As a result, their bones are prone to break when they fall or when pressure is applied to them. In some cases this may be due to a defect in the growth of vertebrae from babyhood which causes slow development of the spine; this can weaken the spinal column and cause slipped discs later in life.
The location of slip disc depends upon several factors like-
• Strain placed by body weight and posture
• Individual’s weakness in part of the spine due to muscle imbalance or structural problems like scoliosis.
What are the symptoms of Slip Disc?
The slipped disc may cause pressure on the adjacent spinal nerves. This leads to pain or tingling sensations radiating from where the nerve exits the back into parts of arms or legs, depending upon nerves’ involvement. The most common symptoms of a herniated disc include:
1. Pain that is worse with movement and better when resting in the acute stage
2. Numbness and pins-and-needles sensation (paraesthesia) over buttocks, lower back, thighs or calf region at onset due to compression of the sciatic nerve
3. Weakness while standing up from sitting down or vice versa due to compression of nerve roots in the lumbar region
4. Loss of bowel and bladder control in severe cases
5. Pain radiating into buttocks, thighs and legs (sciatica) due to compression of sciatic nerves at the lower back level may feel better with rest and worse when walking upright
6. Back pain after long drive or flight on plane usually indicates a slipped disc. The extra pressure from sitting for such a long period can cause slip disc even without any strain
7. Unexplained numbness, tingling sensation or weakness in arms and legs which gets gradually worse with time needs a confirmation of slipped disc by medical investigations like MRI scan or CT Scan
The problem with the slipped disc is that it can compress or irritate the spinal nerves. This results in pain, loss of muscle strength and sensation to that part of your body (Radiculopathy), which if not treated properly may cause permanent damage.
What does Ayurveda say about Slipped disc condition?
Ayurveda explains slipped disc as a condition in which there is excessive Kapha (Phlegm) in your body. This causes Dampness or Mucus accumulation on the intervertebral disc, resulting in its stiffness. As a result, it does not function normally and sometimes ruptures causing pain and nerve compression. The treatment with Ayurveda for slipped disc includes the application of special medicated oils on the patient’s back along with other therapies. These help to reduce excessive production of Kapha that is leading to this disease; this can include Panchakarma therapy also. Other important aspects are proper diet and lifestyle changes.
How do Ayurvedic medicines for Slip disc?
Ayurvedic medicines for slipped disc have natural anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antispasmodic properties that greatly help in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with it. They also improve blood circulation to the affected area, bringing nutrients and oxygen which are essential for healing of tissues. This can reduce or completely get rid of slip-disc-related back pains.
How does Panchakarma detoxify muscles?
Ayurveda recommends Panchakarma therapies for slip disc patients, which provides specialized detoxification of muscles, thereby removing excess Kapha and other toxins from the body. This helps to bring early restorative changes in the affected area, thereby reducing pain and inflammation.
Panchakarma therapies help to cleanse all deep tissues. These are like relaxing muscles through steaming (Swedana), herbal enema (Vasti), Massage with medicated oils. And herbal paste using medicinal herbs like- Malasoota, Bhasma, etc., Shirodhara or Abhyangam using medicated oils, etc.
These ayurvedic treatments help to improve muscle tone by massaging specific oil formulations into the back muscles along with the local application. This helps to relax and strengthen the muscles around the lumbar region.
In addition, these treatments remove Kapha (Phlegm) toxins in muscles and joints thereby curing slipped disc disease.
Panchakarma helps the cleansing of impurities from the circulatory system, digestive tract, and all other organs. This finally result in relief from pain, numbness, and weakness felt by patients with Slip Disc Disease.
How does Yoga help in restoring the natural shape of spine?
Yoga is in practice for many thousand years. And it is, the most effective way to cure slipped disc disease by Ayurveda. In Yoga practices there are lots of postures that can be done lying down or sitting or standing, which helps in straightening the spinal cord.
Many of these poses help in increasing the strength and flexibility of the spine by stretching the muscles around it; it also increases blood circulation to this area thereby providing essential nutrients and oxygen needed for quick healing.
This results in restructuring the shape of the lumbar region back to normal, thereby giving permanent relief from slipped disc-related pains and weakness within a very short period (3-4 months). Some yoga experts suggest doing a group class with an expert teacher who can guide you on how to perform these exercises.
Are there any Precautions and Safety measures while doing Yoga?
While doing yoga for slipped disc disease, it is important that only the recommended postures are done; if not expert guidance should be taken at every step. A gradual progression of stretches is advisable so as to avoid sudden movements and jerks. It is also advisable to rest after the practice for few minutes. If in case any specific pose causes pain then immediately stop performing it until your body adapts to this routine. Also do not perform complicated poses or long duration of poses unless instructed by a qualified professional teacher who can help you with proper alignment and correct breathing techniques, and one should always consult their doctor before starting a physical exercise program including Yoga.
The Final Words
At Sukhayu Ayurved, we follow all these three together. This is the reason at Sukhayu Ayurved we have more than 95% results. And while doing treatment, we focus on realigning the spine to its normal shape.