Sciatica

Sciatica is the normal cause for lower back pain which has raditing nature.Read about this disease affecting the lower back

Sciatica- Orgin and Symptoms
The nerve starting from spinal chord end and going right up to end oftoe on feet is called sciatica nerve. This is the longest nerve inour body. Many branches of this nerve go in the hips, thighs, areasabove knee, calf muscles etc. This nerve passes though many narrowregions, and whenever it encounters blockage or pressure on it, painis the result. This is a relatively common form of low back pain andleg pain.
Sciatica is usually caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve from aherniated disc (also referred to as a ruptured disc, pinched nerve,slipped disk, etc.). The problem is often diagnosed asa "radiculopathy", meaning that a disc has protruded from its normalposition in the vertebral column and is putting pressure on theradicular nerve (nerve root), which connects with the sciatic nerve.
For some people, the pain from sciatica can be severe anddebilitating. For others, the pain from sciatica might be infrequentand irritating, but has the potential to get worse. Usually, sciaticaonly affects one side of the lower body, and the pain often radiatesfrom the lower back all the way through the back of the thigh anddown through the leg. Depending on where the sciatic nerve isaffected, the pain may also radiate to the foot or toes.One or more of the following sensations may occur as a result ofsciatica:Pain in the rear or leg that is worse when sittingBurning or tingling down the legWeakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or footA constant pain on one side of the rearA shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
While sciatica can be very painful, it is rare that permanent nervedamage (tissue damage) will result. Most sciatica pain result frominflammation and will get better within two weeks to a few months.Also, because the spinal cord is not present in the lower (lumbar)spine, a herniated disc in this area of the anatomy does not presenta danger of paralysis.
Symptoms that may constitute a medical emergency include progressiveweakness in the legs or bladder/bowel incontinence. Patients withthese symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Any condition that causes irritation or impingement on the sciaticnerve can cause the pain associated with sciatica. According tomodern science, the most common cause is lumbar herniated disc. Othercommon causes of sciatica include lumbar spinal stenosis,degenerative disc disease, or isthmic spondylolisthesis. Impressivenames, but difficult to remember for ordinary patients.
In the vertebrae of the spine, the displacement of cartilage,swelling in the cartilage or fibroisitis also causes pressure on thenerve and acute pain. Patient can not walk easily and limps.
This condition is termed Gudhrasi in ayurveda. It is caused mostly byVata, while sometimes it is due to Vata and Kapha dosha both prevail.Presence of Kapha dosha is revealed by reduced hunger, lack ofappetite/test of the food, swelling on the face or below eyes duringmorning. Swelling generally disappears after few hours every day.Many people assume that sciatica is not curable. In fact, as the timepasses, the ailment becomes difficult to cure.
In modern science, X-rays, MRI etc are used for investigation andgenerally results in surgical solution; however, in the opinion ofauthor, ayurvedic treatment can cure a majority of such patients.

Treatment
Here is an Ayurvedic approach to cure sciatica

Foamentation:When sciatica is accompanied by Kapha vitiation, fomentation helpssubstantially. Fomentation can be applied through three ways.Electric heating pad can be applied to paining areas. Advantage ofelectric pad is the regulation of temperature and time of heating,plus convenience of treatment when patient is attending to otherpastimes. Second alternative is putting fine beach sand in a clothbag/pillow, heating the bag on hot plate (used for roasting chapatiin India) and applying to aching areas. Regulation of time andtemperature is to be done by patient himself. Third alternative isfor those who find getting beach sand is difficult. One can take seasalt crystals in cloth bag and use in identiacal manner.
Whatever method adopted, fomentation is seen to help in sciatica pain.
Massage: When sciatica is caused by Vata dosha, one can gently massage fromwaist to foot sole using seasame oil or Mahanarayan Tailam. Massagecan be done by patient himself or someone else can do it. Patientshould lie down on the bed with stomach touching the bed. All theback side becomes available to a massage expert then. There are manyaccu pressure points located on waist, hip crease, thighs, calfmuscles and feet. One can use stale cow urine or its distillate formassage and it is seen that most rapid relief is obtained in thatcase. Special massage is necessary to soles of the feet. Ayurvedaterms it as `Pad Abhayanga'. The ancient sage have mentioned thatthis `Pad Abhyanga' cures Gudhrasi - Sciatica.

Medicines
Parijat: The best inexpensive remedyParijat is a common tree which bears very attractive flowers havingorange colored stem and few white petals. The flowers fall to theground during night and even a little shake given to tree causesflowers to fall to the ground.
Take 21 leaves of this tree. Grind them coarsely and add in two cupsof water. Add in ½ tsp of ginger powder. Boil on slow heat till halfcup remains. Add in 1 tsp of Castor oil in the tea made this way andstirr well before drinking warm. Castor oil can be increased upto 6tsp (30ml) gradually, as body digests it. One can add ½ tsp of Giloypowder, if ginger powder increases inflamation during motion. Thistea should be drunk on emty stomach morning. Nowadays tablets madefrom Parijatak extract are available, which can be taken 2 – 2(morning, evening). Author prefers fresh leaves, tea rather thanextract tablets. Many indian pharmacies now make these tablets.
Cow urine + Castor Oil.For those who do not have access to Parijata tree, but can obtain cowurine or its distillate (Gomutra Arka), they can take 2-4 tsp freshcow urine with 2 tsp Castor oil stirred in, morning as well asevening. Fresh cow urine is very `Tikshna' and many are unable todrink it. For such patients, 2-4 tsp Gomutra arka can be substituted.Cow urine or its distillate opens microchannels blocked by Kapharapidly. Castor oil is a well known enemy of Vata dosha. Mixture ofcow urine and castor oil cures very old sciatica pain also.
Shilajit RasayanaThis formulation is a classical one. Contains Giloy, Guggul andShilajit. While Giloy acts on Kapha dosha due to bitter taste,Guggula is a highly benific in all Vata diseases. Shilajit reducesall blockages, swellings, ama and thus reduces pressure on sciaticanerve, causing pain relief. Take 2 – 2 tab each 250 mg, slight chewand swallow with water.
UshnodakaPatients suffering from sciatica should not drink fridge water. Theyshould drink luke warm water throughout the day. The properties ofushnodaka in reducing Kapha, ama are already discussed in earlierposts on ayurvedaonline.
Food – LifestyleAfter fasting for 2-3 days in beginning (only ushnodaka), patientscan take light food such as rice, dhal, green gram khitchri, greenvegetables or their soups, chapati, buttermilk (which is not sour)cow ghee, cow butter etc. Avoid legumes. Green gram exception. Sleepwell during night and do not sleep during day.
If one follows the restrictions meticulously, sciatica will be cured,no matter how old.