This shloka means when the vata dosha gets located in the joints and back region, then the swelling occurs which feel like an air-filled and pain occurs during the contraction and relaxation.
(Reference: Charak Samhita (Chikitsa Sthan) Chapter-28 and shloka-37)
As per Ayurvedic aspect:
Back pain is correlated to “katigaraha” in which kati means a back region of body and Graha means holding. This condition mostly occurs due to the vitiated vata dosha which causes pain in the back region.
As per modern aspect:
Every individual has experienced significant back pain during his or her lifetime. Functions of the back region or spine include movement, structural support, and protection of certain body tissues. The pain may occur in different regions such as the middle (thoracic region), lower (lumbar region) or coccydynia (near the tail bone). The lumbar area supports most of the weight in the upper body and is the most common area of pain. This condition usually involves the spasm of muscles along with the spine. There will be a pain, tingling sensation, numbness in the lower extremities. The pain may be acute, subacute or even severe and this usually depends upon the duration.
What are the causes of back pain?
The most common causes of back pain are:
- Poor posture: Poor postures such as sitting hunched over a desk or slouching in front of the TV can cause joint compression, muscular fatigue, weakness, tightness, etc.
- Age:
Some inherited factors may cause degenerative changes in the disc and joints. Aging factors may cause a decrease in the bone density, its strength, and loss of elasticity of ligaments and muscles of the spine.
- Sprain in ligaments:
Ligaments connect the vertebras of the spine and provide stability in the back region. It can be caused by sudden injury and any forceful movements.
- Disc bulge:
Disk bulge or herniated disc may cause pressure on the nerves that can cause pain which is radiated towards the legs.
- Muscle strain:
Spine muscles provide strength and mobility in the back for all the activities of daily life. Muscle strain occurs when the muscles are weak or overworked.
- Other causes:
This can occur due to any disease such as kidneys diseases, cancer, endometriosis or any other ovarian problems.
What are the symptoms of back pain?
- Pain: The pain may be mild or severe. Severity depends upon the duration of disease. It becomes worse with lifting, bending, walking and standing.
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Weakness
- Restricted movements
- Muscle pain
Natural treatment to tackle the back pain:
- Massage with herbal oil:
Massage the back region with herbal oil is very helpful in relaxing muscles and relieving pain. Various herbal oils such as eucalyptus oil have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to relieve the pain. Its massaging action has been found to be very effective for getting instant relief from back pain.
- Heat a few tablespoons of olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil.
- Add 5 or 6 drops of any herbal oil in the warm carrier oil.
- Massage the aching area gently with the oil for 10 to 15 minutes to relieve the pain.
- Repeat this remedy for 2 or 3 times a day for the effective results.
The root of ginger is a very effective remedy used in the treatment of back pain. As its root contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can provide relief from back pain. This remedy also provides relief from nausea and vomiting to a huge extent.
- Make a paste of ginger and apply this paste on the affected part.
- You may also consume this in the form of tea.
Garlic is an effective remedy that can help to treat back pain. This herb is full of antioxidants and is rich in calcium, minerals, and vitamins. It is not only useful in back pain, but also useful in other pains. It has several therapeutic properties.
- Make a paste of garlic along with mustard oil and apply this paste on the affected part of the back which provides instant relief from pain.
- Consume two cloves of garlic every day on an empty stomach daily.
- Poppy seeds:
Poppy seeds are one of the wonderful remedies that provide relief from tingling and burning sensation and pain.
- Grind 100 grams of poppy seeds and mishri each and make a mixture of it.
- Consume two teaspoons of this mixture two times daily with milk.
- Cold and hot compression:
Cold compression:
Cold compression is the best choice for an acute injury when there is a pain with inflammation. This remedy decreases the inflammation and provides a numbing effect on the body.
- Put a bowl full of crushed ice in a plastic bag and wrap it in a towel.
- Put this compress on the affected part for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Do this remedy. But do not apply ice packs directly on the skin.
Hot compression:
- Hot compression is the better choice for increasing muscle relaxation and blood flow to the muscles. This remedy can provide relief from intense pain.
- Place a towel around the plastic bag and apply it to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Repeat this remedy after every half an hour. Make sure the temperature of this pack is not too much hot.
Some useful exercises:
- Supine twist, sphinx poses, needle pose, Cat and cow pose, downward facing dog pose are very helpful in reducing the back pain. These poses decompress the entire spine and act as a great tension reliever for the entire back region.
- The natural inclination to the onset of back pain is to stop the movements and take adequate rest because movements often make the pain worse and hinder the recovery. Some researchers have demonstrated that frequent movements, such as yoga, walking or any other gentle exercises that are mentioned above can help to reduce pain quickly and make for a faster recovery.
- Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes can help to release the body’s endorphins to address the pain.
Some prevention tips:
- Once the severity of pain started decreasing, a rehabilitation program to strengthen your hips and back muscles can help to prevent its recurrence.
- The main goal is that the spine is, not slumped or over-arched.
- A proper lifting of heavy objects and body mechanics should be practiced.
- Take proper and enough sleep to get recovered from back pain.