Posts Tagged ‘Excruciating Pain’
Sciatica – Ayurveda
Sciatica is a general term for pain originating from the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom of a disorder that causes mild to sharp and sometimes excruciating pain. Patients have described sciatic pain as mildly disturbing to burning, aching, deep, and similar to a sudden bolt of lightning. Sciatic nerve pain travels from the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the leg. Leg pain is the classic hallmark of sciatica. Low back pain may accompany sciatica, and some patients experience sciatic pain extending into the foot. Another characteristic of sciatica is it usually affects either the lower left or right side of the body.
Sciatic pain can make life miserable. Walking, standing, bending over, driving a car, working at a computer, catching up on household chores, sneezing or coughing, and many other activities of daily living can cause sudden and intense pain. Patients who suffer sciatica, especially of a more acute nature, find the symptoms disrupt many aspects of their life.
One reason the sciatic nerve causes so much pain is because it is the longest nerve in the body! The nerve starts at the back of the pelvis and runs downward through the hip area and buttocks into each leg. Near the knee, the sciatic nerve divides into two nerves—the tibial and peroneal nerves. The tibial nerve runs behind the knee and the peroneal nerve runs along the side of the calf and ankle. Through the tibial and peroneal nerves, the sciatic nerve innervates (‘stimulates’) the action of many muscles in the lower legs and enables feeling in the thighs, legs, and feet.
Besides pain, other symptoms may accompany sciatica. These symptoms include sensations such as tingling, pins and needles, burning, numbness or muscle weakness. Such symptoms may be felt in the buttock, thigh, behind the knee, calf, ankle, and sometimes the foot.
Causes of Sciatica
It’s important to understand what conditions cause sciatica because remember, sciatica is not a condition — it’s a medical term used to describe symptoms caused by other low back conditions.
Several low back conditions can cause sciatica, including:
- Bulging disc or herniated disc: This is the most common cause of sciatica. When a disc bulges, the gel-like center (nucleus pulposus) pushes against the outer wall of the disc (annulus fibrosus). A herniated disc means that the nucleus pulposus breaks through the annulus fibrosus. With both bulging and herniated discs, the disc material can press on nerve roots, causing sciatica. The consequences of a herniated disc are worse than those of a bulging disc. The disc material that leaks out contains an acidic, chemical irritant (hyaluronic acid) that causes nerve inflammation.
- Degenerative disc disease (DDD): Sciatica is a common result of the aging process that affects discs called degenerative disc disease. DDD is a change in the disc shape and function, and it can result in a bulging disc or a herniated disc and pain.
- Piriformis syndrome: The piriformis muscle, located in the lower part of the spine, connects to the thighbone, and helps you rotate your hip. The sciatic nerve runs under the piriformis muscle, so muscle spasms can compress the sciatic nerve. It may be difficult to diagnose and treat as it is not easily identified by x-ray or MRI.
- Pregnancy: The extra weight and pressure on your spine caused by pregnancy can cause compression of the sciatic nerve. The symptoms will usually go away after childbirth.
- Spinal stenosis: Your nerves travel through passageways in your spine, and when this space narrows (stenosis), it can put pressure on the nerves in your low back.
- Spinal tumors and spinal infections: Although very rare, tumors and infections can compress the sciatic nerve.
- Spondylolisthesis: If a vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, it’s called spondylolisthesis. This slip can pinch the nerve root and cause sciatica.
- Trauma: You can develop sciatica because of direct nerve compression from an outside force. For example, you could be injured in a car accident, resulting in a pinched nerve in your low back.
Treatment for sciatica or sciatic symptoms will often be different, depending upon the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Ayurveda is specialized in treating Sciatica with highest treatment success rate. It offers excellent Panchakarma therapies along with internal medicines for treating Sciatica.
Ayurveda described sciatica as Gridhrasi (Gridhra means Eagle), as the gait of the affected person resembles that of an eagle’s walk and the inflamed nerve appears like eagle’s beak.
Ayurveda categorized Sciatica as one of diseases caused by vitiation Vata (one of the principle dosha in the body, responsible for the movement and functionality of the body). Sometimes even kapha (dosha responsible for lubrication and bodily fluids) vitiation along with vata (vata kaphaj) also causes sciatica.
Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium. Ayurvedic treatments for Sciatica concentrate on bringing back the aggravated vata or vata kapha to the state of equilibrium and thereby to the state of health.
Treatment comprises of three approaches, Elimination (Sodhanam) of the accumulated toxic products of digestion, metabolism and the disease process, Pacification (Samanam) and correction of the entities responsible for altered functioning and Rasayanam (Rejuvenation) of the bodily tissue to regain and maintain natural strength and vitality.
The strength of Ayurveda in the area of spine and joint treatments is globally appreciated. Since it addresses the root cause of the issue the results are fantastic. Therapies like Abyanga swedam, Pathrapotala swedam, Choornapinda swedam, Pizhichil, Shirodhara, Kadeevasthy, Navarakizhi, Vasti (the most important procedure in Ayurveda for curing Sciatica permanently) etc. are done as per the necessity and condition. These therapies are directed towards relieving the inflammatory changes and underlying causes of Sciatica, releasing the spasms and nerve compressions in the affected area, strengthening and nourishing entire spine & supporting tissues. Usually the treatment period is 3 – 5 weeks according to the severity of the disease.
Along with these therapies, Ayurveda has also described Sira vedana (Venesection) and Agni karma (Heat therapy) for treating Sciatica.
In four to six weeks, the majority of patients find their symptoms are relieved without surgery.
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dr m chandrashekhar
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Herniated Disc Diagnosis
Herniated discs are one of the most common of all spinal abnormalities blamed for causing potentially severe and chronic back pain in multitudes of suffering patients each year. While herniations can be problematic in the short term for a minority of patients, they are rarely responsible for causing the long term or excruciating pain that is inherent to their fearsome reputation.
Herniated discs are the most common of all spinal irregularities. They are diagnosed in untold numbers of people, both with and without back pain. Herniations have become the bread and butter of the back pain industry and even enjoy a plethora of colorful nomenclature attached to their Diagnosis. The most common terms associated with Disc pathologies include: Disc herniation, bulging disc, ruptured disc, prolapsed disc, disc protrusion, slipped disc, collapsed disc and degenerated disc. While these terminologies might have some circumstantial differences to some care providers, they are often used interchangeably, much to the confusion of the affected patient.
Herniated discs are theorized to create back pain through several distinct processes. The most common of these causations is called foraminal stenosis. This condition is often termed a pinched nerve. Foraminal stenosis occurs when a herniation bulges into the neuroforaminal opening, impinging on the nerve root exiting the spine at that vertebral level. While this process can indeed exist, it is diagnosed far more often than it truly occurs. In order for the herniated disc to significantly affect the neurological functionality of the nerve root, the neuroforamen would have to be almost completely sealed off, which is a very rare event. This Diagnosis is commonly made even when there is no evidence that the herniation even touches the nerve root in question; forget about actually compressing it…
Spinal stenosis is the second most common disorder blamed on herniated discs. Spinal stenosis describes a condition in which the herniation pushes against the actual spinal cord or cauda equina, limiting full neurological functionality from the entire spinal structure. Spinal stenosis can be a very serious problem and might lead to such devastating symptoms as cauda equina syndrome. Once again however, the diagnosis of spinal stenosis from a bulging disc is made very often, while the actual condition rarely ever exists, except in cases of extreme spinal trauma. Typically, the herniated disc might come in contact with the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and spinal fluid. A disc bulge touching this membrane does not mean that any effect will be passed along to the neurological function of the spinal cord. In fact, many herniations impinge on the thecal sac completely unknown to an affected person, since the disc condition creates no symptoms whatsoever.
Chemical radiculitis is a less typical diagnosis commonly associated with severe annular tears in the outer disc wall or complete disc ruptures. The interior of the intervertebral disc (called the nucleus pulposus) contains proteins which might cause nerve irritation in some individuals. When the nucleus spills out of the disc structure, this protein can affect local nerve tissue, enacting radicular pain in the immediate area and the regions of the body served by the irritated nerve structure. This is a somewhat controversial diagnosis, since many people experience full disc ruptures, yet have no pain at all. It seems that only some people might be sensitive enough to suffer from considerable lasting pain after a chemical radiculitis event occurs.
Finally, discogenic pain is the last and least common of all diagnoses. Discogenic means that the pain comes from the disc structure itself. While the disc has no nerve endings or blood supply of its own, it is attached to the neighbor vertebrae by cartilaginous endplates which do contain tiny nerves. It is these small nerves which are implicated in discogenic pain conditions, although most doctors who make the diagnosis are not always sure why the nerves hurt to begin with. This diagnosis is certainly on very shaky ground in most instances…
Ironically, although herniated discs are blamed for a tremendous amount of pain, they are rarely the actual symptomatic source. Most disc herniations are merely coincidental to any pain experienced and actually exist in a vast number of people who have no pain at all. Generally, herniations due to trauma will most likely cause pain for a short time, although this discomfort might be severe. Luckily, this condition usually resolves in 6 to 8 weeks, even without any medical treatment. Herniations which exist due to the normal degenerative processes in the spine, such as the laughably named degenerative disc disease, are rarely painful, even in the short term. Most of these degenerative induced bulges are not even discovered till many years later, since they raise no warning signs, cause no pain and exist innocently in the spine. The possibility that any herniated disc might cause pain for months, years or even decades is highly unlikely. Unfortunately, the mythology surrounding disc conditions, as well as the considerable nocebo effect of the diagnostic process, have both contributed to the current epidemic of disc related back pain.
As a final thought, remember that herniated discs are a huge industry in the medical sector. Doctors, chiropractors, complementary therapists, drug manufacturers, pharmaceutical suppliers, orthotic makers and a variety of other entities all profit hugely from disc pain. If the reality of the average herniated disc ever became common knowledge, the viability of this extremely profitable business niche would be decimated. Therefore, do not count on the diagnosis of disc herniations as a major source of pain decreasing any time soon…
Sensei Adam Rostocki
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What Are The Causes Of Back Pain?
The spinal column may be divided broadly into two main sections. The thoracic or upper spine helps protect the organs that it covers and facilitates the different postures that we adopt. The lumbar or the lower half of the spine is responsible for movement, as is the neck.
Everyone, some more than others, has experienced back pain at some point in his life. The Causes for back pain are many. Most people suffer from lower back pain and though upper back pain is not as common, it does occur.
The lower back is susceptible to injuries, as complaints from those who suffer a backache testify. The lumbar region is prone to discs being displaced. Discs degenerate with age and sometimes the spinal column narrows abnormally.
Backache in the upper portion of the back is the result of aberrations or damage to the thoracic backbone. Pain could be caused by irritation of the fibrous tissue between the muscles and due to the malfunctioning of joints. A deterioration of the discs in the upper back may instigate such a complaint as well. These problems often go unnoticed by those who suffer from pain in the upper region of the back, since there is restricted movement in this part of the spinal cord. For the same reason, the upper back is not as prone to injury as the lower portion. It is firmer from not being subjected to great mobility.
The main cause for upper back pain is defective posture. People who regularly work at computers are liable to develop upper backache. This kind of pain often exists in conjunction with pain in the neck and shoulder. Trauma after an accident where the upper vertebrae are injured can cause intense pain. This is not common. However if the case arises, rush the individual to a doctor. The earlier tests are run to assess the damage, the sooner can the treatment begin.
If a joint malfunctions or an irritation caused by the muscles brings pain, there are ways to combat the discomfort and ease the excruciating pain some may be racked with. Exercising everyday may lessen the pain. Physiotherapy sessions might cure the condition as well. An osteopath could alleviate the pain by chiropractic manipulation of the spine. Massages by reputed practitioners, especially deep massages to treat the condition, could bring some much-needed relief. Acupuncture, an alternative gaining in popularity could be your answer. A doctor may choose to inject local anesthesia into the points that trigger off the pain. Chemists may sell medicines that bring relief. The most common antidote would be drugs prescribed by your doctor.
If you have a persistent backache, don’t neglect it. It is better to get to the root of the cause. Once that has been established, you can follow it up with the right treatment, depending on the severity your case.
Stephen Madsen
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/what-are-the-Causes-of-back-pain-87319.html
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Lower Back Pain Remedies An Insight
There are two kinds of lower back pain remedies exercises and Medication. Having a lower back pain can be really painful. So if you have the bad luck to suffer from that excruciating pain, then you must take real good care of yourself. Lower back pain has become very common irrespective of your age and gender. The back is very sensitive and needs to be taken great care of. You must do exactly what the doctor tells you to do. Do not neglect your back. If you feel that things are going out of control, then you need to consult your Chiropractor immediately.
Back Pain Remedies
You can opt for different kinds of stretches and exercises to provide relief to your back. Your back muscles become stronger if you do simple stretching exercises. Once these muscles are strengthened, chances of your back troubling you are much less. Stretching also helps in warming up the muscles and enhances the flow of blood. There are many stretches that are applicable to bring relief to your lower back. But you must not do them abruptly. Ask your doctor to guide you properly.
If you see that even stretching is not giving you any relief, you must consult your chiropractor for other backache remedies. Sometimes, it can be caused if the different parts of the back are not aligned. Your chiropractor is the best person to guide you on whether your back is properly aligned or not. You can try applying heat and see if it reduces the pain at all. The application of heat makes the back less stiff. At times, the heat may alleviate the pain but then it might return gradually. Whatever you do, you will need to take the advice of your doctor.
If none of the remedies work for you, you will need to think of surgery as the last option. Surgeries are quite complicated and involve a lot of risks too. And you must consider them only if there are no other options left for you. However, it is not up to you to take the decision of undergoing surgery. Your doctor will need to tell you if you need it or not. If he is of the opinion that you do not need surgery, then you cannot force him to do so. After all he is the expert. In any case, you must avoid this option as long as possible.
Apurva Shree
http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/lower-back-pain-remedies-an-insight-455060.html
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How To Seek Permanent Back Pain Relief?
Back pain is a terrible problem that has a potential to bring your entire schedule to a grinding halt leaving you almost crippled. You may find it extremely difficult to perform simplest of the tasks with this pain in the back. With pain on, you have just one thing in your mind and that is how to get rid of this excruciating pain. Most us would just like to be relieved of it, and the shortest route to this kind of relief is through medication.
Painkillers are not something particularly healthy but when the pain literally breaks your back, it’s the only way out. Besides, it can provide a temporary relief from the pain and does not dispense with the cause of it. Pain in the back, after all, is a signal that something has gone wrong with the body. Therefore, alleviation of pain is not the remedy.
If you are among those who suffer from back pain, it is better that you thought beyond the painkillers and the temporary relief they provide. No amount of medicine, however effective, can be more effective than exercise because it is the most natural solution to back pain.
Most of the time, back pain is caused due to weak back muscles. Now, your muscles could be weak due to poor recovery from a back injury, but in most of the cases it is our modern, sedentary lifestyles that cause back pain.
All those hours that you spend hunched over a desk might bring a quick promotion but if you are not among those who take some time out for physical exercise, it may also bring back pain in tow.
So, if you are suffering from back pain, the first step towards betterment would be making up your mind to exercise regularly.
However, do not go exercising unattended. It is important that your exercise is supervised by a trained expert. Now, it could be your regular doctor or a chiropractor. You may also approach a medical professional to tailor your back pain exercise regimen so as to suit your particular condition.
The back pain exercise do not just comprise of the Exercises for your back alone but also your front because a strong back means a back well supported by code abdominal muscles. When these muscles are strengthened they provide adequate support to your back and prevent back pain and back injury. You may also supplement your exercise program with stretching Exercises and yoga. This would keep your muscles flexible enough to prevent injury to the back.
A little medical attention and regular physical exercise is very much capable of gifting you a life free of back pain.
Ashish Jain
http://www.articlesbase.com/medicine-articles/how-to-seek-permanent-back-pain-relief-117813.html
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