Spinal Disc Prolapse/ Disc Herniation/ Disc Bulge

Prolapsed disc is also referred to as slipped disc or Spinal herniation. It is a medical condition involving the spine in which a tear in the outer fibrous ring (annulus ring) of the intervertebral disc is seen; due to this the central soft portion (called as nucleus) of the disc bulges out beyond the outer ring. The tear of this ring may lead to the release of inflammatory chemical mediators causing severe pain even if any of the adjacent nerves are not compressed.

Disc herniation or slipped disc is generally observed due to age related degeneration of bones/muscles and cartilage, trauma, or accidental injuries etc. Herniation can be seen in different areas of the spine, so accordingly symptoms of pain, numbness, tingling sensation , etc. will be seen.

Usually symptoms are seen only on one side of the body, however if the compression is in a large area covering adjacent nerves of both sides then the symptoms are experienced on both sides of the body.

Causes of Spinal Disc Prolapse according to Ayurveda:

• Degeneration of bone/ cartilage/ tendon tissue
• Ageing
• Degeneration of muscle or weakening of muscles in and around the spine.
• Excessive strain on back due to lifting of heavy objects
• Prolonged and regular awkward position of the neck and back
• Stiffening of back muscles and ligaments (e.g. sitting long hours on a desktop job)
• Injury
• Weight bearing activity.
• Excessive strain on the back due to travelling/commuting
• Obesity
  
• Lack of Exercise
• Excessive Smoking and Alcohol consumption.

Symptoms of Spinal Disc Prolapse:

• Pain in upper, middle or lower back
• Pain and tingling numbness radiating from back or neck to upper or lower extremities
• Weakness in muscles, or cramps in muscles
• Tiredness & fatigue
• Depression due to chronic pain
• Loss of weight or weight gain due to chronic pain, etc .

Ayurveda Body Cure’s treatment plan for Spinal Disc Prolapse:

A treatment plan is decided and given after a detailed consultation by our Ayurveda specialist consultant. This comprises of herbal medication, herbal based massage therapies, Detoxification/ Panchakarama, diet and lifestyle changes, Yoga and Yogic breathing techniques, etc.

Herbal Medication:

Based on the individuals’ body constitution, severity of disorder, climatic conditions, etc. bearing in mind all the above factors, customised combination of herbal medication and remedies are prepared and given.

Medications such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundi), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. are used along with herbal oil applications which have their base as sesame or castor oils etc.

Herbal massage based therapies:

Herbal massage based therapies are recommended according to the symptoms and severity of the disorders. This therapy comprises of Kati Basti (Oil Pool over lower back), Pind Sweda (Hot Poultice De-stress massage), PristhAbhyanga (Back Massage) etc which are to be done over affected areas or the areas of pain. Pain and nerve compression is the major factor of concern in this disorder. So in order to reduce this, herbal massage based therapies are beneficial.

Detoxification / Panchakarma:

The most important part of the treatment is the Panchakarma which includes Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Nasal medication), Mrudu Virechan (Mild Purgation therapy), etc.

The detoxification helps in reducing the toxin barrier thus increasing the efficacy of herbal medication and improving the illness and other health issues caused by the disorder.

Diet and lifestyle:

Healthy lifestyle and dietary habits are suggested considering your daily routine and keeping the health issue in mind.

Have a glimpse of your dietary recommendations – Diet for Prolapse Disc.

Yoga, Exercise and Yogic breathing techniques:

Along with the Panchkarma / Detoxification and other recommendations, daily exercise and yoga practice is must. This helps in decreasing the pain and increases muscular flexibility thus reducing other symptoms like tingling numbness, pain, etc. Yoga postures such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Shalabhasana, Matsyasana (Fish Pose), etc. under proper guidance are recommended.

To see a video of the techniques please click – Yoga for Prolapse disc.

Yogic breathing techniques such as Anulom vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Bhramri (Humming/Bee Breathe), etc. are helpful in relieving stress.

Thus Ayurveda Body Cure’s holistic treatment plan will help you get rid of the pain and also minimize further degeneration of your musculo-skeletal system.