Sciatica:

Sciatica is the inflammation of the sciatic nerve, usually marked by pain and tenderness along the course of the nerve on through to the thigh and leg. When you have sciatica, you have pain, weakness, numbness or tingling. It can start in the lower back and extend down your leg to your calf, foot, or even your toes. It can be one sided or affect both sides of your body. Sciatica may be due to a ruptured intervertebral disk, narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerve called spinal stenosis or an injury such as a pelvic fracture. In many cases no cause can be found.

Sciatica is usually a symptom of a bulging lumbar disk. Its distinguishing feature is greater pain in the posterior thigh and lower leg or foot over time, rather than in the lower back. Usually, no specific trauma can be blamed. An action as simple as bending over may bring on sciatic pain. Standing, lifting, sitting or straining may aggravate it. Sciatica is common in between the ages of 30 and 50 years. It may happen as a result of the general wear and tear of aging, plus any sudden pressure on the disks that cushion the bones (vertebrae) of your lower spine. Approximately 1 in every 50 people will experience a herniated disk at some point in their life. Of these, 10% to 25% have symptoms that last more than 6 weeks.

The condition usually heals itself, given sufficient time and rest. Approximately 80% to 90% of patients with sciatica get better over time without surgery. You might need surgery if you still have disabling leg pain after 3 months or more of nonsurgical treatment. A part of the herniated disk may be removed to stop it from pressing on your nerve. Avoid driving, excessive sitting, lifting, or bending forward for at least a month after surgery.

Ayurvedic approach of Sciatica (Gridhrasi):

In Ayurveda, Sciatica is correlated with Gridhrasi, which is due to vitiaion of Vata dosha ( air energy ), sometimes the vitiation of Kapha ( Liquid energy) along with Vata brings on the attack.

Ayurveda prescribes the perfect prescription for Ghridhrasi like dietary regimen, life style regimen, internal medicines, Basti Panchakarma, external therapies includes Abhyanga, Patra Pinda Sweda, Pizhichil, Kati Basti and Rejuvenation.

Management of Sciatica at IVAC:

We at IVAC are aimed at Redefining Ayurveda by propagating the ancient traditions of Ayurveda to the modern world, and practicing the Genuine, Traditional & Purest form of AYURVEDA. The treatment consists of Snehana (lubrication of the body), Swedana (Fomentation), Basti (medicated enema), and Shamana (symptomatic oral treatment). Basti Panchakarma is the most effective treatment for vata disorders, although many enemas over a prescribed period of time are usually required. Patra pinda swedanam is a process by which the whole body (or any specific part) is made to perspire. This is done by external application of medicinal boluses, which are tied in a cloth bag (potali). The treatment comprises diet regulations, daily regimens, yoga that includes Asana, Pranayama and Meditation which gives strength to the joints and surrounding ligaments and muscles and a complete panchakarma and rejuvenation treatments to recover one self.

Happy Healing at IVAC !