BACK PAIN

Back pain is one of the most common pain disorders today and is usually due to muscle spasm, herniated (slipped) disk, or a pinched nerve. Though it is a leading cause of disability, the majority of cases are not due to disease or structural problems, but to weak muscles, defective posture and physical alignment, poor movement, or physical or emotional stress. Back pain that is caused by other diseases or disorders is secondary and is treated by addressing the cause.

According to Ayurvedic medicine, the major factors of back pain are Vata aggravation and bone and muscle weakness.

Home Therapies
* For Vata aggravation without ama (toxins), massage with narayan or mahanarayan oil. If ama is involved, use vishgarbha oil. Follow the massage with mild fomentation or a warm bath. * Since this is Vata disorder, alternate a cleansing enema with an oil enema, preferably in the evening. Use 60 to 70 ml. of sesame oil. The usual course of treatment is 7, 10, or 15 alternating enemas. Cleansing enema is also called as Niruha. The cleansing enema for Vata contains 1) decoction of dashamoola 400 ml. 2) paste of dashamoola 10 gms. 3) oil, ghee & honey each 20 ml. 4) rock salt 3 gms. & water q.s. Till the mixture is 1000 c.c.

Yoga and Breath Therapy
The source of the pain is due most often to pushing oneself beyond physical or emotional capacity. Adjusting the spine during Vata imbalance, however, only perpetuates the problem. The spine seeds stability and, therefore, the mind must first be steady. So, the first step is to learn to relax the mind and focus on the specific areas of back pain. With practice, you can redirect the body's energy and affect the pain.

Improve your posture for your work and activities. Try to avoid all forward-bending exercises and lifting heavy objects. If you have to lift something, do so with a straight back, without bending forward, Bend from the knees if necessary.

Caution- Before trying any of these postures, work with a yoga teacher or therapist to determine the best postures for your condition.

when there is pain, start with simple back-bends, such as Locust, Cat, and Sunbird. To keep the spine aligned practice Hero Pose.

Often the ilio psoas muscle is weak from side to side. This is a deep muscle that runs from to lower back to the upper thigh near the hip joint. To strengthen this muscle, lie down with the legs turned out with a two-foot-spread. Gently lift each leg in this position. This exercise stabilizes the lower back (lumbar), which in turn, allows the spinal muscles to stabilize the spine.