Low Back Pain or Ache

Above 50 years, low back pain is associated with several other diseases as well, like diabetes or high blood pressure (BP). It is usually characterized by dull or sharp aching pain in the lower part of the spine.

As it causes the restriction in the day-to-day activities, it had gained its clinical importance and is considered to be one of the most common health complaints.

Ayurveda refers this condition as katishoola (kati-low back; shoola-pain). Also known by katigraha and prishtagraha.

Low Back Pain - Causes:

• Various diseases of the vertebral column, spinal cord, and meninges
• Fibrosis
• Lumbago
• Intervertebral disc prolapsed
• Other diseases of the abdominal and pelvic organs
• Lack of calcium after delivery
• Obesity
• Tubercular infections
• Fractures
• Tumors
• Degenerative disorders
• Fall
• In modern days, however, defective posture, stress and incorrect lifting of heavy weights are primary causes

 

Low Back Pain - Clinical Approach:

Vata vitiation, bone weakness and muscle weakness are the major factors to consider when providing treatment.

If the disease is in nirama avastha (devoid of aama), then localized oil massage (abhyanga) with vatahara taila followed by swedana (fomentation) or avagaha swedana (warm tub bath) will be effective. If in aamavasta the selection of the oil must be done accordingly.

Katibasti is a special treatment procedure particularly done for the lower back disorders. In this treatment, warm medicated oil is retained on the affected part in a specially constructed wall made out of dough of wheat flour.

Since this is vata disorder, panchakarma procedure like basti (enema)- (alternating cleansing enema and oil enema) is beneficial.

Internal medications particularly meant for vata pacification has to be administered according to the disease manifestation for acquiring the maximum benefit.

Along with the treatment, the patient has to follow the proper pathya and apathyas: do not lift heavy weights, take rest till pain disappears, and avoid all the vata aggravating diet and regimen.