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Sciatica is a condition in which there is excruciating pain originating from the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is often a symptom of some disorder pain. Sciatica is characterized by sharp and shocking pain that radiates from the hips thighs, calf muscles, or the toes in one or both legs. The compression and inflammation of the sciatic nerve can lead to discomfort, weakness, and tingling sensation.
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Ayurveda and Sciatica Pain
Ayurveda sees diseases as the result of a disturbance in the balance of life forces called doshas in the body. Treatment, therefore, focuses on restoring balance and strengthening the body’s immune system. The Ayurvedic system of medicine addresses the body, mind, and soul to achieve complete health. The treatments include herbal medicines, therapies and yoga, and meditation.
Sciatica is known as Girshrasi in Ayurveda. Ayurveda considers sciatica as a Vata roga meaning it relates to the disturbing vata dosha, one of three energies present in the human body. It is caused by the aggravation of Vayu (air) which is responsible for the muscle movement and the sensation of the nerves. It can also be due to the vitiation of Kapha representing phlegm and body fluids.
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Symptoms Of Sciatica Pain
People suffering from sciatica have ached with burning sensation and shooting pain. Leg pain and low back pain are other symptoms. The pain in lower limbs extending to the feet is more common and the person feels intense pain while walking, standing, or bending over and many everyday activities. Acute conditions may disturb life’s routine.
Causes For Sciatica Pain
The most common causes of sciatica are aging, pelvic infections, spondylitis, osteoporosis, tumors, degenerative diseases, and diabetic neuropathies. These conditions are caused by lifting heavy weights on the head or back, riding two-wheelers on bumpy roads, bad postures while bending forward or lifting objects, long time spent standing (in women), etc. Constipation can also cause or aggravate sciatic pain.
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Ayurveda Treatment for Sciatica
Ayurveda prescribes various types of internal medications like Churnas (Powders), Pills, Grithams, Gutika, Lehyams (Paste form), Thailams (Oils), Kashayas (Decoctions), Asavaarishtams using herbs like Ashwagandha, Dasamoola, Raasana, and Satavari.
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Ayurvedic therapies for an external treatment called Panchakarma include many procedures. Abhyanga is a whole-body massage using medicated oils for deep healing of the body, mind, and soul. Kati vasthi a treatment given to the back for relief from spinal compression, Vasthi a medicated enema, Navarakizhi, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Virechan for purgation are some therapies performed according to the condition of the patient and underlying causes, under the supervision of the physician. Most of the patients find relief from the symptoms within four to six weeks.
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Prevention For Sciatica Pain
Proper postures should be adapted for lifting and bending etc. A well-balanced diet and exercise help in maintaining the body’s defense mechanism and the ability to heal itself.
