AYURVEDA & LUMBAR DISC BULGE

According to Ayurveda, “vatavyadhi” refers to illnesses affecting the nerves, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and associated structures. Pain, numbness, difficulty moving, etc. are symptoms. Here, kapha (sleshaka kapha, which is located in the joints) is diminished while vata is inflamed. The vatavyadhi-like disease known as gridhrasi is described by lower back/hip to leg discomfort radiating.

Common causes include ageing, excessive activity, improper postures, sedentary behaviour, trauma, and vata vriddhi (aggravation of vata). Vata is also made worse by overindulging in bitter or astringent flavours, skipping meals, sleeping late at night, traveling, prolonged sitting, etc.

The goal of treatment is to lessen symptoms and build stronger back muscles. Internal medications along with procedures like:

• Rukshana (for drying the AMa dosha) Snehana (oil massage)
• Swedana (sudation therapy)
• Nasya (nasal instillation of medicine)
• Virechana (purgation therapy)
• Vasthi (enema)
• Lepana (external application of medicines)
• Bandaging,
• Kati vasthi (retention of medicated oil over the affected part) etc are available for maximum benefits.

Additionally, supportive therapies including physiotherapy, yoga, meditation, and psychotherapy are provided.

Diet:

Diet is a very important factor. A healthy diet can stop a disease from developing, lessen its symptoms, and make recovery simple. Hence maintain a healthy diet that won’t aggravate vata. Whole grains, vegetables, nuts, fruits, milk, tiny fish, and other foods must be included in the diet. Avoid eating curd, peas, tubers, cold, dry food and skipping meals as these practices and habits aggravate Vata dosha.

As directed by your doctor, you can engage in some light activity. Also, Yoga has additional benefits in maintaining balance of the body.

Ayurvedic prevention strategies:

• Prevent overdoing it.
• Make sure you give your lower back enough time to recover between labour-intensive tasks.
• To sleep comfortably, use a bed and pillows.
• Before taking a bath, rub your body well with an appropriate oil.
• Preserve a healthy body weight.
• Get frequent exercise.
• Try to get adequate rest
• Reduce the likelihood of accidents, falls, etc.

The optimal course of treatment will depend on a number of factors, including your general health, the intensity of your symptoms, and others. If your symptoms are minor, you might be able to get rid of them by resting, using ice, taking painkillers, and getting physical therapy. The herniated disc may need to be removed surgically if your symptoms are more severe or do not get better with conservative treatment. However, in many instances, ayurveda can offer a non-surgical remedy that resolves the issue without the need for surgery.