What is Lumbar Spondylosis?
Lumbar Spondylosis, or spinal osteoarthritis, is a common issue in the lower back. It happens because, over time, our spine goes through some wear and tear. This leads to trouble with our spinal discs, bones, and joints. In Ayurveda, we call it “Griva Sandhigat Vata.”
Causes of Lumbar Spondylosis
Imbalanced Vata Dosha
According to Ayurveda, we have ‘Tridoshas’ that control our body’s functional aspects – Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. When among these three doshas, the Vata, which controls body movements, gets out of balance, Lumbar Spondylosis can occur. This can dry out our spinal discs, causing problems and discomfort.
Bad Posture
In today’s world, we often spend lengthy periods in traffic, at school desks or workstations scrolling through our phones or working on our laptops. Slouching or spending too much time hunched over a computer or phone adds extra stress to our spine, causing wear and tear.
Sitting Around
A sedentary lifestyle is one of the major risk factors for every modern-day condition, and lumbar spondylosis is no exception. Lack of physical activity and too much sitting can weaken our back muscles, making them more prone to injury and degeneration.
Poor Diet
Are you the one who often prefers ordering takeouts and can’t stop eating junk food? Gorging on fast foods – noodles, pizzas, burgers, fries, ice cream, and chocolates, maybe a treat to your taste buds, but doesn’t treat well with our health. Consuming junk foods that are plus in calories but minus in nutritional value can weaken your bones and discs. This makes your musculoskeletal system, prone to damage.
Aging
As you age, the connective tissue in your tendons and ligaments becomes stiffer and less flexible. Moreover, our spinal discs turn rigid, making them more prone to wear and tear, resulting in lumbar spondylosis.
Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis
The symptoms of this painful condition may vary from one person to another. However, there are some common tell-tale signs of lumbar spondylosis that you can check. Below listed are lumbar spondylosis symptoms.
Lower Back Pain
It can be dull or sharp and might even travel down to your legs or feet.
Back Stiffness: Your lower back can feel stiff, especially after sitting or standing for a while.
Numbness and Tingling: Your legs or feet might tingle, feel numb, or have a pins-and-needles sensation.
Weak Legs
You might feel like your leg muscles are weak, making it hard to stand or walk for long.
Limited Mobility
Lumbar Spondylosis can make it tough to bend, twist, or lift things.
Headaches
Some folks with Lumbar Spondylosis get headaches due to neck and upper back tension.
Fatigue
Dealing with constant pain and limited movement can wear you out, affecting your everyday life.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Lumbar Spondylosis
If you have been experiencing any of the above lumbar spondylosis symptoms, then you might be searching for treatments well. But before that, you need to consult a doctor for a detailed diagnosis. If you are looking for a time-tested method that can restore your health, then Ayurveda might be the way to go. The conventional medical practice or Western medicine as we call it – focuses on providing relief from your symptoms. However, Ayurveda follows a holistic approach that aims to discover the underlying cause of your disease and treat it. That is why an Ayurvedic consultation will include a detailed discussion regarding your lifestyle, symptoms, and medical history followed by a physical examination. In some cases, your Ayurvedic doctor may recommend X-rays or MRI scans to rule out any other medical conditions. This would give a better idea about your condition and the severity of it.
As Ayurveda mainly focuses on restoring energy imbalance and overall well-being, the treatments vary from one person to another. Unlike Western medicine which follows a similar treatment protocol for patients with similar symptoms, Ayurvedic lumbar spondylosis treatments are customized to suit each person. However, there are a few common massage therapies that are used to strengthen the nerves and muscles.
Panchakarma Therapy
This is like a detox for your body with massage, herbal steam, and enemas. Panchakarma therapy, if done correctly with an Ayurvedic massage expert helps remove toxins and bring balance back to your body.
Abhyanga
A full-body massage with warm oils reduces inflammation, improves circulation, and eases muscle tension. You can even do Abhyanga yourself with warm oils, that can ensure tremendous benefit to the body, mind, skin, and immune system.
Basti
It’s a type of enema therapy using special oils or herbal mixtures. Basti can reduce inflammation, aid digestion, and relieve constipation – which helps in relieving the painful symptoms of Lumbar Spondylosis.
Nasya
This involves putting medicated oils or herbs into your nose. Nasya proves beneficial in treating inflammation, and headaches and ensures better breathing.
Shirodhara
During this procedure, warm oils are poured on your forehead. Shirodhara helps reduce stress, improve sleep, and relax you, especially when you’re dealing with pain and stiffness.
Marma Chikista
Marma therapy unlocks the energy centers in your point, thus helping the body fight inflammation. As this massage therapy removes the energy blockage, it not only offers detoxification at all levels but also provides relief from chronic or acute pain, both locally and distally.
Ayurvedic Herbs for Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment:
Ashwagandha
This herb helps you handle stress and reduce inflammation, easing Lumbar Spondylosis pain.
Guggulu
It’s a resin known for reducing inflammation and pain in joints and muscles.
Shallaki
Another resin, helps with inflammation and pain in the lower back, improving mobility.
Downward-Facing Dog
This pose stretches your spine and strengthens your arms and legs, reducing pain and stiffness.
Cat-Cow Stretch
It helps your spine move better and eases lower back tension, making your body more flexible and less stiff.
Child’s Pose
This one releases tension in your lower back and hips, helping you manage Lumbar Spondylosis symptoms.
Why Choose Swasthya Ayurveda for Lumbar Spondylosis Treatment?
We tailor treatments to you, considering your unique body constitution and medical history. This means better and longer-lasting results. We also have an expert, passionate team to help you. Our team of qualified Ayurveda practitioners is headed by Dr Divya Menon, an experienced and skilled Ayurvedic doctor with extensive experience delivering authentic Ayurvedic treatments that heal your body and mind. Reach out to Swasthya Ayurveda Wellness Centre to know more about our lumbar spondolysis treatments or book your consultation.
