Backache


        Most people experience aches and pain at some point in their lives, but they're generally not signs of any underlying condition.
        Back is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, nerves and joints. This can often make it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of the pain.
         Below I try to explain the common causes of backache and the importance of self-help measures.
Causes:
          Back pain often develops without a specific cause that your doctor can identify with a test or imaging study. Back pain can be triggered by everyday activities at home or at work, or they can develop gradually, over time.
Possible causes of back pain include:

  • bending awkwardly or for long periods
  • lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling heavy objects
  • slouching in chairs
  • twisting awkwardly
  • overstretching
  • driving or sitting in a hunched position or for long periods without taking a break
  • overusing the muscles – for example, during sport or repetitive movements

Conditions commonly linked to back pain include:
  • Muscle or ligament strain
  • Bulging or ruptured disks
  • Arthritis
  • Skeletal irregularities
  • Osteoporosis
         Back pain sometimes develops suddenly for no apparent reason. For example, you may wake up one morning with back pain and have no idea what's caused it.

  • Overweight
  • Smoking
  • Pregnant
  • Long-term use of medication which make bones weak
  • Depression

  • Massage
  • Yoga
  • Chiropractic care
  • Acupuncture

  • Make back strong
  • By maintaining healthy weight
  • By improving physical condition, learning and practicing proper body mechanics
  • Exercise
  • Avoid sudden movements
  • Trying to reduce any stress, anxiety and tension
  • Wear flat shoes with cushioned soles
  • Be active
Proper body mechanics: Use proper style in standing, walking, sitting, lifting, driving.

Here are some names of yoga poses useful in backache...
  • Talasana (Palm tree pose)
  • Trikonasana
  • Parivrtta trikonasana (revolved triangle pose)
  • Marjariasana (Cat pose)
  • Bitilasana (Cow pose)
  • Ardh Chandrasana
  • Parvatasana
  • Ardh mukha savanasana (downward facing dog)
  • Yoga Mudra
  • Ardh matsyendrasana (Half Fish God pose)
  • Ushtrasana
  • Pashchimottanasana
  • Purvottanasana (upward plank pose)
  • Halasana (plough pose)
  • Pavanmuktasana (wind releasing pose) 
  • Supth Vakrasana (spinal twist)
  • Yastikasana (stick pose)
  • Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose)
  • Bujanhgasana (cobra pose)
  • Shalabasana (locust pose)
  • Shashankasanaa (rabbit pose)
  • Supth padangushtasana

Ayurveda:


              In ayurveda backpain is known as prusthasoola or katishoola. The cause of backache is mainly imbalance of vata dosha. Vata moves through channels (nerve, blood, etc.) and allows the function of the two other doshas.

             Hence, when Vata is prevented for any reason from moving correctly both Pitta and Kapha become implicated in the disorder. This is especially true in any condition of pain. Therefore, in Ayurveda, pain is classified by the three doshas, all the while knowing that Vata is always implicated.

             Vata- Vata pain is sharp, throbbing, migrating in location and variable in intensity. It comes and goes quickly and tends to be localized more on the surface of the body.

            Vata-Pitta pain is burning, lancing, intense and stays in one place. It comes on with increasing force in 1 or 2 hours and reaches peak periods around midday or midnight. It tends to be at a middle level of the body.

           Vata-Kapha pain is dull, aching and stays localized in one place. It takes 6 to 24 hours to reach full intensity and can last for several days at a time. It peaks in the evening and morning. It tends to be located deep in the body.

Indications of lower back pain :

      Vata – variable, migrating pain that is throbbing and intense. Cold aggravates the pain and it lessens as the muscles become warm or the day increases in warmth. Can result from over use of muscles, stress, travel, non-movement, etc.

     Pitta – stable burning, lancing pain that is intense. Heat aggravates the pain and it lessens when the body is cooled down or in the evening when the day ends. Can result from any form of inflammation, overuse that causes inflammation, shock, excess anger, etc.

     Kapha – stable dull, aching pain that is deep and defused. Cold will tend to aggravate the pain and warmth will help relive it slowly. Can result from non movement, lack of exercise, congestion, over weight conditions, constipation, amenorrhea, suppressed emotions, etc.

Ayurveda Management:

           Ayurvedic treatments for back pain focus on regaining the balance of Vata dosha.
          Treatment of lower back pain according to the dosha that is causing the problem :

        Vata – warm oil massage with application of heat for 20 mins, Sasame oil, Vatashama oil, Mahanarayana oil, Bala or Ashwagandha mixes in sesame oil. Slow, soft massage with light to middle level of pressure is need.

       Pitta – room temperature oil massage, Anti-inflammatory oils such as Olive oil, coconut oil, Pittashama oil, etc. And pitta reducing herbs or oils such as Manjistha, Bala, etc. Vigorous massage followed by soft massage with middle level of pressure is need.

       Kapha - hot oil massage with application of heat for 20 mins followed by dry powder massage with heating herbs such as Calamus, Ginger, etc. Sesame and mustard oil blends can be used, or Olive Sesame oil blends if mustard oil is not available. Vigorous massage with pressure is need.


Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/back-pain
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Back-pain/Pages/Causes.aspx
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076225
http://www.charaka.org/back-pain-ayurveda