Disc prolapse, also known as herniated or slipped disc, is a common spinal condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Disc prolapse occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of an intervertebral disc protrudes through a tear in the outer, tougher layer. These discs act as cushions and shock absorbers between the vertebrae in the spine. When the inner material leaks out, it can irritate nearby nerves, leading to various symptoms.
CAUSES OF DISC PROLAPSE:
- Age: Disc prolapse is often related to aging. As we get older, the intervertebral discs naturally degenerate, making them more susceptible to herniation.
- Trauma: Sudden injury or trauma, such as lifting heavy objects improperly, can lead to disc herniation.
- Genetics: There may be a genetic predisposition to disc issues, making some individuals more prone to prolapse.
- Occupational Factors: Jobs that require repetitive lifting, bending, or twisting can increase the risk of disc prolapse.
SYMPTOMS OF DISC PROLAPSE:
The symptoms of disc prolapse can vary depending on the location of the affected disc, but common manifestations include:
- Back Pain: Dull or sharp pain in the lower back, often radiating down one leg.
- Leg Pain: A shooting pain down the leg, commonly known as sciatica, due to nerve compression.
- Numbness and Tingling: Numbness or tingling in the legs, feet, or buttocks.
- Muscle Weakness: Weakness in the affected leg, making it difficult to walk or stand.
- Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: In severe cases, there may be difficulty controlling bowel or bladder function, which requires immediate medical attention.
RISK FACTORS FOR DISC PROLAPSE:
Several factors can increase the risk of developing disc prolapse:
- Age: As mentioned earlier, the risk increases with age.
- Gender: Men are more prone to disc prolapse than women.
- Obesity: Excess body weight places additional stress on the spine.
- Occupational Factors: Jobs that involve heavy lifting or frequent bending and twisting increase the risk.
- Genetics: A family history of disc issues may raise the risk.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces blood flow to the spine, which can affect the health of the discs.
AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF DISC PROLAPSE
Ayurveda, the traditional Indian system of medicine, offers a holistic approach to managing disc prolapse. Panchakarma, a therapeutic detoxification procedure, plays a significant role in Ayurvedic management
- Diagnosis: Ayurvedic practitioners begin by diagnosing the condition through detailed assessment, including physical examination, pulse analysis, and understanding the patient's Prakriti (constitution).
- Diet and Lifestyle: The patient's diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in Ayurvedic management. A diet that balances the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) is recommended. Avoiding heavy, fried, and processed foods is essential.
- Herbal Remedies: Ayurvedic herbs like Ashwagandha, Guggul, and Shallaki are used to reduce inflammation and support disc health.
- Abhyanga: This involves therapeutic oil massage to alleviate muscle tension and reduce pain.
- Swedana: Steam therapy helps in relaxing the muscles and improving blood circulation.
- Basti: Enema therapy using herbal oils or decoctions helps balance Vata and promote healing.
- Kati Basti: A localized treatment where warm herbal oil is held in a dam created over the affected area, providing pain relief and promoting healing.
- Pizhichil: This involves pouring warm medicated oil over the affected area while simultaneously massaging it.
- Vasti: Medicated enemas are administered to cleanse the colon and reduce Vata imbalance.
- Yoga and Physical Therapy: Gentle yoga poses and physical therapy exercises are prescribed to improve flexibility and strengthen the spine.
- Stress Management: Ayurveda emphasizes stress reduction techniques like meditation and Pranayama (breathing exercises) to promote overall well-being.
- Follow-up and Prevention: Ayurvedic treatment is not just about managing symptoms but also preventing recurrence. Regular follow-ups and lifestyle modifications are essential.
In conclusion, disc prolapse is a common spinal condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Ayurveda, with its holistic approach and Panchakarma therapies, offers an effective way to manage this condition. By addressing the root causes, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall well-being, Ayurveda can play a valuable role in the treatment and prevention of disc prolapse. However, it is crucial to consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized guidance and treatment.
DISC CARE KIT
For treating your disc problem naturally you should start with natural & ayurvedic medicines. Chandigarh Ayurved Centre introduces a complete solution kit named “Disc Care Kit” for treating your disc problem naturally.
All products description in detail:
- Back Care tablet:
CAC Back Care tablet is an herbal and purely Ayurvedic formulation. This tablet helps by strengthening your back muscles in relieving back pain whether it be by sciatica, arthritis, kidney infections, infection of the spine and cancer of spinal cord. It helps to pacify Vata dosha and also helps in maintaining proper blood circulation. This is often used for mild to moderate pain all over the body and relaxes your muscles. It contains herbs that act as natural pain relievers.
Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water after 30 mins of meal.
- Nerve Up Tablet:
It is pure herbo-mineral formulation which helps to balance the vata dosha. It act as nervine stimulator and also reduces Kapha doshas. It mainly acts on central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like Shudha kuchala, Shudha shilajeet, Praval pishti, Shankh bhasma etc. These contains natural Vatahar properties and helps in curing vata diseases. It speeds up physical and mental processes. It helps in painful joints, stiffness , inflammation, swelling and general weakness.
Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal
- Pain-o-kill oil:
As the name suggests Pain-O-Kill Oil reduces pain, inflammation, stiffness, & weakness in slipped disc patients. Applying this herbal oil gives effective results in lower backache, weakness, relaxes muscles, stiffness, & swelling.
Method of usage: Take few oil in your hands gently massage over the affected of the body.
- Trikatu syrup:
TRIKATU SYRUP is purely Ayurvedic formulation made up of three herbs. CAC Trikatu Syrup helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties. This syrup is made up of equal parts of three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum) that maintains the metabolism in the body. The regular use of this syrup balances the thyroxine hormone and treats hyperthyroidism naturally.
Recommended dosage: Take 2 teaspoonful twice daily.
- Rasayan Vati:
Rasayan vati is herbo-mineral ayurvedic formulation, which is 100% natural. Rasayan vati contains various herbs such as Aswagandha, Shilajeet, Amla, Kesar, Musali, Shatavar, Brahmi , Swarn Makshik Bhasam, Yashad Bhasam, Mukta pisti, Praval pisti, Jaiphal, Vang Bhasam, Dalchini, Javitri, Gokhru, Kaunch Beej, Saunth, Mirch, Pipli, Amla, Kesar, Manjith, Anant Mool, Brahmi, Musali, Swarn Vang, etc. These ingredients show antioxidant, aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, immuno-modulator properties. These tablets provide good results in General debility, Psychological disorders, and improves immunity
Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice a day.
- Pain O Kill Tablet:
As the name suggests Pain-O-Kill tablet reduces pain, inflammation, stiffness, & weakness in slipped disc patients. Applying this herbal oil gives effective results in lower backache, weakness, relaxes muscles, stiffness, & swelling.
Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily.