Sciatica
Explanation
When the tissues surrounding the sciatic nerves of the calves get inflamed, then that condition is called Sciatica. The main feature of this disorder is that the pain shoots from the lower back to the calves. The pain of Sciatica begins when a person is aged 30 and the condition worsens as it goes on increasing with age.
Reasons/Causes
Signs/Symptoms
The main symptom of the Sciatica can be the time when a shooting pain runs from lower back to the calves and after which, one may experience a feeling of exertion in the muscles.
Sciatica as per Ayurvedic Concept
Gridhrasi, as Sciatica is called in Ayurvedic terminology, has been found to happen due to improper digestion. Only when due to improper food intake, can the ama collect and be deposited in the nook and corner of blood channels. The Ayurveda prescribes a two way process of first clearing away the ama or toxins and then rejuvenating the digestion with herbs. Further several herbs can be prescribed for replenishing the nerves and making sure that the pain does not recur. Massages, including the Panchakarma or ones with medicated oils are found to be effective measures in reducing pain.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
When the tissues surrounding the sciatic nerves of the calves get inflamed, then that condition is called Sciatica. The main feature of this disorder is that the pain shoots from the lower back to the calves. The pain of Sciatica begins when a person is aged 30 and the condition worsens as it goes on increasing with age.
Reasons/Causes
- When the vertebral spine is damaged due to some reason, and causes the spinal nerves to be compressed
- The piriformis muscle may contract and cause the nearby sciatic nerve to be knotted causing unbearable pain
- Improper sitting or sleeping in a crouching posture can also cause sciatica.
- Lower back injury can trigger the pain in sciatic nerves
Signs/Symptoms
The main symptom of the Sciatica can be the time when a shooting pain runs from lower back to the calves and after which, one may experience a feeling of exertion in the muscles.
Sciatica as per Ayurvedic Concept
Gridhrasi, as Sciatica is called in Ayurvedic terminology, has been found to happen due to improper digestion. Only when due to improper food intake, can the ama collect and be deposited in the nook and corner of blood channels. The Ayurveda prescribes a two way process of first clearing away the ama or toxins and then rejuvenating the digestion with herbs. Further several herbs can be prescribed for replenishing the nerves and making sure that the pain does not recur. Massages, including the Panchakarma or ones with medicated oils are found to be effective measures in reducing pain.
Lifestyle Guide & Recommended Diet
- Carbohydrates in good measure have been found effective for facilitating smooth bowel movements and hence, should be had in diet.
- Similarly, for fiber, one can have plenty of greens that also help in cleaning toxins and wastes out of the body.
- Bananas and apples can be had every day for cleansing our digestive system.
- Consuming a very heavy food could cause a pressure on the back and hence, they should be totally avoided.
- Sleeping with a pillow as a support under the knees or flat on the back is best
- Unless the condition is severe, light walking or jogging can be done regularly
- Having hot or cold compress can relieve you during the bouts of pain
- On two or three teaspoons of heated mustard oil, stir 2-3 buds of garlic with a spoon of omum seeds that can be crushed. The oil has to be filtered and used for massaging the sciatica area.
- Take powdered nutmeg and stir fry it in sesame oil till golden brown, further which, the oil can be used for massaging the spot. This can help in relieving the pain from the calf muscles and make you feel better.
