Sciatica Ayurveda Treatment and Management

Nowadays, back pain is a common problem. It may also occur in youngsters. There may be a variety of underlying causes of the backache and one of which is sciatica pain.

Sciatic nerve is a nerve travelling from the buttocks into the legs. This disease is caused due to the irritation to the sciatic nerve. It is a  type of neuropathic pain, which may occur due to injury, compression or dysfunction of the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica and Ayurveda 

Sciatica is termed as GRIDHRASHI in ayurveda. All symptoms are caused by aggravation of VATA humor. The constipation and cold weather may be a risk factor to worsen the sciatica pain, according to ayurveda. Ayurvedic ancient texts have described an extensive treatment of sciatica.

Causes of Sciatica

The main cause of this disease is the irritation of the lumbar sacral spine's roots. Other causes include:

1. Herniated disk
2. Degenerative disc disease
3. Lumbar spinal stenosis
4. Spondylolisthesis
5. Spinal injury
6. Overweight
7. Irregular exercises
8. Sleeping on soft mattress
9. Wearing high heels

Symptoms of Sciatica

The following symptoms may be present :

• Tingling sensation may be experience by a person with sciatica over the lower back, thighs, buttocks and the calf region.
• Burning sensation along the course of sciatic nerve
• Stabbing pain in the back and it may extend to the calf region through the buttocks and back of the thigh. The pain may extend to the foot.
• Numbness in buttocks, thighs or leg
• Pain may aggravate on walking

 Herbal Ayurvedic Trearment for Sciatica

Ayurveda stresses on the correction of the main cause of sciatic nerve irritation. Ayurvedic medicines help correct the aggravated VATA .

As Sciatica is a VATA disease, so ayurvedic medicines also pacify the VATA humor in the body. For relieving pain and treating underlying cause, ayurveda recommends certain herbs and therapies, which may offer support.

How to get relief from Sciatica with Herbs Naturally with Ayurveda Medicine 

The following herbs may be very useful in the cure of this disease. These herbs can be very effective in relieving numbness, tingling sensation, throbbing pain, constipation and backache. You would need to consult to discuss treatment options. The Following ayurvedic herbs have been used traditionally to treat sciatica.

Shudh Kuchla (Nux Vomica)

Shudh kuchla is also known as nux vomica. It can be an excellent remedy for Vata disorders. It may helps in low blood pressure, arthritis, sciatic pain, abdominal pain, migraine, depression, headaches, constipation, upset stomach, rheumatoid arthritis, dementia etc. In sciatica, it can help reduce numbness, tingling sensation and pain. It  may works on nerves as a nervine tonic. It may also reduces irritation caused to the sciatic nerve.

Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)

Boswellia is a resin, also known as Indian Frankincense, used in ayurvedic and herbal medicines for chronic inflammatory diseases and pain disorders. It is commonly used in osteoarthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis. In sciatica, it may help to lower the nerve's irritation and works as an analgesic.

Guggul (Commiphora wightii)

It is also known as Indian bdellium tree. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is antispasmodic, carminative, appetizer, anti-flatulence, muscle relaxant and anti-Vata. It can help reduce inflammation and work as analgesic against the disease.

Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera)

Ashwagandha can be  one of the most powerful ayurvedic herb used in sciatica for strengthening purposes. It can provides strength to the spine, back muscles and ligaments. It may also possesses anti-inflammatory and rejuvenating properties. It can helps to reduce inflammation and irritation to the sciatic nerve. It can also alleviates pain and associated numbness of the buttocks, thigh and legs. Furthermore, it is also immunity booster and aphrodisiac herb.

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Yashtimadhu contains glycyrrhizin alkaloid beneficial in gastritis, gas, ulcer, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, spinal disorders and arthritic problems. In sciatica, it  can soothes the sciatic nerve and alleviates the irritation caused to it. It may also beneficial in disc desiccation or degenerative change of inter-vertebral discs. It can reduces pain and inflammation associated with the sciatica.

Sciatica Pain Relief- Ayurvedic Natural Therapies & Panchakarma Detox

Kati Basti

Ayurvedic treatments can be highly effective for sciatica. One of the ayurvedic therapies is kati basti, which is generally used to treat this pain. It gives great results in sciatica treatment. The patients strats to experience relief after each session. 

Kati basti is an ayurvedic therapy in which medicated oils are used. It help to offer relief from lower back pain, sciatica pain and may provide strength to the back and spine. Generally, it is prescribed for patients with sciatica and chronic backache. Kati basti procedure takes around 30 to 45 minutes per session.

Herbal Steam Bath

Herbal steam bath or ayurvedic steam therapy may also be beneficial for relieving pain, numbness and tingling sensation of the back and legs.

Yoga and Sciatica

Yoga effective alternative and natural treatment for this kind of pains. Some yoga poses help in lowering discomfort and pain associated with the sciatica. Generally, these yoga postures are helpful for providing strength and improving mobility. These yoga postures are

Revolved Triangle Pose, Extended Triangle Pose, Low Lunge, Wide-Angle Seated Forward Bend, Staff Pose, High Lunge, Easy Pose, Raja kapotasana (king pigeon pose), Gomukhasana (cow’s face pose), half spinal twist (ardha matsyendrasana) etc.

Lifestyle during Sciatic Pain

Following lifestyle changes can help patients :

1. Avoid the diet that aggravates constipation. Also, do not consume sour foods such as sour curd and buttermilk.
2. Regular gentle exercise of thigh, back and legs may help, but avoid strenuous exercise such as jumping and long run.
3. Hot water bath may soothe the sciatic nerve irritation.
4. Swimming is also very beneficial for the patients with sciatica.
5. Do not take very dry foods that are devoid of the oil.
6. Correct your sitting posture.