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 backache, one of which is sciatica pain.

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

Sciatica and Ayurveda

Sciatica is termed GRIDHRASHI in Ayurveda. The aggravation of VATA humor causes all symptoms. Constipation and cold weather may be risk factor for worsening 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 a soft mattress
9. Wearing high heels

Symptoms of Sciatica

The following symptoms may be present :

• A tingling sensation may be experienced by a person with Sciatica over the lower back, thighs, buttocks, and calf region.
• Burning sensation along the course of the sciatic nerve
• Stabbing pain in the back 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 walking.

Herbal Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica

Ayurveda stresses 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. To relieve pain and treat underlying causes, Ayurveda recommends certain herbs and therapies that may offer support.

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

The following herbs may be beneficial in the cure of this disease. These herbs can effectively relieve 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 Kucha is also known as nux vomica. It can be an excellent remedy for Vata disorders. It may help with 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 work on nerves as a nervine tonic. It may also reduce 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 the 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 an analgesic against the disease.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

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

Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza Glabra)

Yashtimadhu contains glycyrrhizin alkaloids beneficial in gastritis, gas, ulcer, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, spinal disorders, and arthritic problems. In Sciatica, it can soothe the sciatic nerve and alleviates the irritation caused to it. It may also benefit disc desiccation or degenerative change of intervertebral discs. It can reduce pain and inflammation associated with 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 start to experience relief after each session. 

Kati basti is an ayurvedic therapy in which medicated oils are used. It helps 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's 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 in the back and legs.

Yoga and Sciatica

Yoga is an effective alternative and natural treatment for this kind of pain. Some yoga poses help in lowering discomfort and pain associated with Sciatica. Generally, these yoga postures help provide 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 a diet that aggravates constipation. Also, do not consume sour foods such as sour curd and buttermilk.
2. Regular gentle exercise of the thigh, back, and legs may help, but avoid strenuous activities such as jumping and long runs.
3. A hot water bath may soothe sciatic nerve irritation.
4. Swimming is also very beneficial for patients with Sciatica.
5. Do not take dehydrated foods that are devoid of oil.
6. Correct your sitting posture.

If you wish to consult Ayurveda, you may contact one of our Ayurveda Practitioners, Gurnam Saini or Pooja Saini, in Melbourne. Both of our Practitioners are Qualified Ayurveda Doctors from India. You may contact us at "Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic." People who can't reach us personally may choose for online Ayurveda consultation.