Backache is one of the most common
affliction, to which hardly any person is an exception. This is
the most agonizing and incapacitating physical disorders which
owes its origin to multiple physical factors. It is merely a
symptom and not a disease whose cause lies elsewhere in the
body. Spine is the longest column in the body that is comprised
of - Cervical Vertebrae, Thoracic Vertebrae or Dorsal Vertebral,
Lumbar Vertebrae, Sacrum and Coccyx or tail bore. In backache,
only lumbar portion is affected, though pains may radiate to
sacrum and coccyx also.
Symptoms
-
Constant pain, at times unbearable and
severe.
-
Difficulty in bending forward and also on
sideways.
-
Aggravation of pain by least movement,
jerk. Feeling as if entire area is sore and sensitive to even
slight touch.
-
Relief is felt by gentle massage.
-
Incapacitation.
-
Feeling as if the back muscles were bound
and tightened by a blinder.
Root Causes
-
Spinal Arthritis, Rheumatoid or Ankeylosing
Spondilytis.
-
Curvature of spine.
-
Presence of tumours in the spine.
-
Some chronic infection.
-
Injury to spine or abnormal stress caused
by lifting any heavy object.
-
Poor circulation of blood.
-
Sitting in a particular position at a
stretch, but more so when one is obliged to perform some job
where bending of back becomes a necessity.
-
Psychological upsets.
Herbs which is
useful :
Eranda (Ricinus communis Linn) :
Decoction
of root and the root bark is used in rheumatic disorders like
Gout, Arthritis etc. It is also useful in gastrointestinal
disorders like flatulence and constipation. Castor oil is
indicated in the patients with arthro- pathies in a small dose
for a period of 4 to 8 weeks. It is administered along with the
infusion of dry ginger. Leaves are used locally for abscess and
breast inflammation, for anti-phlogistic effect. The leaves
crushed as a juice are commonly given in jaundice.
Shatavari (asparagus racemosus) :
External
application --- emollient for stiff joints and neck, and muscle
spasms. Also useful in increasing breast milk and semen,
nurtures mucous membranes, blood cleanser, supplies female
hormones, nourishes the ovum.
Rasna (Vanda roxburghii) :
The
leaves are pounded and the paste is applied to the body to bring
down fever; their juice is dropped in the ear for the treatment
of otitis and other inflammatory conditions. The roots are used
in dyspepsia, bronchitis rheumatism, and also in fever; they are
reported to possess antibacterial and anti-tubercular
properties. The roots enter into the preparation of medicated
oils, used externally in rheumatism and nervous troubles. The
herb is also used for sciatica.
Diet :
The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a
salad of raw vegetable such as tomato, carrot, cabbage,
cucumber, radish, lettuce, and at least two steamed or lightly
cooked vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, spinach, carrot
and plenty of fruits except bananas. The patients should avoid
fatty, spicy, and fried foods, curd, sweetmeats and sugar,
condiments, tea and coffee. Foods that have been processed for
preservation have few nutrients and should also be eliminated
from the diet.
Life Style :
Smoking or taking tobacco in any from should
be given up completely. Hot fermentation, alternate sponging, or
application of heat to the back will also give immediate relief
