Pain anywhere in the body is distressing and back pain in particular is sort of crippling because it affects one’s posture and gait.

It is important for people to be aware that ‘Pain’ anywhere in the body is a symptom. It is the result of some specific physiological imbalance. Its proper treatment lies in correction of the imbalance. Pain killers are useful for acute unbearable pains but they do not constitute treatment.

Despite excellent diagnostic imaging tools that can precisely identify the location of damage or displacements in muscular or skeletal tissues in the spinal column, there are hardly any solutions in Biomedicine other than pain killers or surgery with uncertain outcomes.

There are in fact several spinal conditions like Spondylolyshesis, Disc Herniation, Fractures, Cauda Equina Syndrome, Osteoarthritis where allopathy advises surgery.  In many cases, it has often been avoided through non-surgical Ayurvedic therapies like Pichu, Kati-basti, Lepa, Pariseka, Agnikarma and Basti. The spinal disorders that are generally possible to treat by Ayurveda are Spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spondylolisthesis, Muscular spasms, Strained muscles and Ligaments, Disc herniation, Arthritis and Osteoporosis.

I-AIM Healthcare Hospital deals competently, annually with hundreds of cases of back pain. We can quote here a case of a pilot who almost lost his job because of spinal dysfunction. After treatment at I-AIM, he could actually skip and thankfully resume his duties.

The mystery about back problems is the frequent disconnect between anatomical defects and pain. Lower back pain has no objective measure. Many times, the precise cause of pain also remains unknown. Medically, back pain is termed as lumbago. It is the disease which afflicts any region of the vertebral column and its associated muscles. Each of the 32 vertebrae can develop sudden pains which could become a chronic condition. Though we use the term back ache in general, actually it is a cumulative effect of various types of dysfunctions of the vertebral column. There are no gender specifics; lumbago affects both men and women.

Ayurveda has a unique physiological understanding of back pain. It is called Katigraha and Prishtasula. At the physiological level, back pain is viewed as a result of vitiation of one of the three principal physiological functions viz., Vata. Back pain arises when Vata in the back gets aggravated due to inappropriate physical activities that may damage the skeletal or muscular tissues. This may include activities like sharp bending, lifting (mithya yoga), excess physical exertion (ati- yoga) or less physical activities (hina yoga). It is also associated with diseases like osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, gynecological problems in women, pregnancy, sciatica, trauma etc. It may surprise readers to learn that according to the systemic understanding of Ayurveda, back pain can be prevented by a balanced diet and healthy metabolism. Of course, it is also important to do appropriate exercises, preferably yoga exercises taught by a competent yoga teacher. It is important to correct clumsy body postures, maintain suitable body weight and avoid sleeping on soft, spongy surfaces.

Irrespective of the origin of the back pain, be it anatomical or muscular, in most conditions, Ayurveda has a unique therapy administered through the anal route called basti for managing back pains.  Basti consists of liquid medication administered through the rectum. This route is necessary because the medicine administered gets absorbed in the intestines without being metabolised in the stomach. At the frontiers of medicine, particularly for neurological, liver and intestinal disorders, it is today being realized that the mouth is not the best route for administration of drugs. The nose and rectum are better routes. The liquid administered through the rectum in basti therapy, may be medicated oils or aqueous extracts of herbs. The medication is absorbed in the gut and it regulates the neurological, motor-sensory dysfunction (vitiation of vata). Alongside basti other therapies may also be advised including acupressure. These treatments are not home remedies and therefore they need to be planned and administered by competent Ayurvedic physicians.

Needless to say, at I-AIM Healthcare Center, our experienced doctors strive to relieve your pain effectively. For appointment bookings, call 080-28567000/ +91-8050347000

The post A Painful Back Needs Expert Help first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.

Varicose veins are enlarged, elongated, tortuous veins. It can happen in any superficial vein on the body. But those commonly affected are leg veins. It is the penalty against upright posture of human body against gravitational force – sitting, standing and walking – increases the pressure in the lower limb veins.

Varicose veins may be just a cosmetic concern for some people whereas for others it can cause major issues like pain, swelling and discolouration in lower limbs, itching skin, spontaneous bleeding, a large or small non healing ulcer over the ankle area.

Why do People get Varicose Veins?

Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your tissues, and veins return blood from the rest of the body to your heart, so the blood can be recirculated. To return blood to your heart, the veins in your legs must work against gravity.

Many of you may not be aware that there are valves in the veins of lower limbs which allow only upward flow of blood. When these valves become weak or damaged, upward flow of blood is hampered and stagnation of this blood leads to over stretching and become tortuous calling the condition as varicosity.

Who are at Risk?

• Standing or sitting for long hours: Gradual damage of the valves happens due to continuous pressure on the veins to pump with more force due to dependent posture.
• Gender: Women are more prone due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and menopause. As these hormones are responsible for relaxation of veins in females. Also, hormone treatments, such as birth control pills, may increase your risk of varicose veins.
• Pregnancy: Mechanical pressure due to the growing foetus as well as hormonal impact of veins during pregnancy are major causes
• Age: As the age advances, due to wear and tear both the vein wall and valves become weak. The risk of varicose veins increases with age. Eventually causing reflux of the blood causing varicosity.
• Family history/congenital: In many people there will be family history of/congenital weak vein walls or absence of valves which are causes of varicose veins
• Obesity: It is very obvious that overweight puts more added mechanical pressure over lower limb veins to be pumping the blood against the gravity.

What Symptoms do I look for if I doubt of varicosity?

All cases of varicose veins need not necessarily exhibit all the below symptoms, however the first 2 symptoms will be always present

• Tortuous and bulged (mild to severe degree) veins, often looking like cords on the legs
• Bluish, bluish black, purplish veins
• Dull aching to severe pain in legs associated with heaviness in legs
• Swollen legs, sometimes palpable veins with hardness and pain on touchin
• Sudden shooting pain in the middle of night
• Worsened pain after sitting or standing for a long time
• Itching around the local area
• Skin discoloration
• Wound are ulcer formation in the lower part of the legs mostly on either side of ankle which is not healing from long time
• Spider veins – bluish, bluish black small spider web like appearing veins mostly seen over the thighs, popliteal area, below knee and around ankles. Spider veins are found closer to the skin’s surface and are often red or blue.

When to see a doctor?

Although measures like walking, exercise, elevating legs or wearing compression stockings may help reduce pain and prevent them from getting worse, it is better to see your doctor as soon as you notice any of the above symptoms.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

• Non healing Ulcers: Painful ulcers may form on the skin near varicose veins, particularly near the ankles.
• A discoloured spot on the skin is an alarming sign. Possible ulcer! See your doctor immediately.
• Blood clots. Any pain, feverishness, swelling in the leg warrants medical attention because it may indicate a blood clot- a condition known medically as thrombophlebitis.
• Occasionally, as the vein close to the skin may burst there could be spontaneous minor bleeding. It is better to seek medical attention.

Current Treatment Options

Prevention

Although there is no way to reverse the condition once it happens, one can always prevent the occurrence with proper lifestyle and reduce the risk of complications by following the advises given by their doctor.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Foot end elevation whenever in lying down position and while in dependent posture
• Regular walking and leg exercises to improve blood circulation
• Avoid continuous sitting or standing
• Use elastic compression stockings specific to varicose veins (in case if you are already affected) – as advised by your medical practitioner
• Controlling the body weight
• Avoid spicy, gravy, sour and excessive fried food
• Eat more of fibre containing fruits and vegetables, cereals and pulses
• Avoid anything that exerts more pressure on abdomen
• Avoid using high heeled shoes and tight innerwear

Internal Medications

• Analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain and swelling
• Drugs to dissolve the clots in case of blood clots in the veins

Surgical treatments – is required only when the daily life is hampered due to complication of varicose veins.

• Surgical Ligation of the severely damaged and enlarged veins
• Stripping off of the large varicose vein
• Injection of sclerosant agent and laser therapy in small superficial varicosities

What Ayurveda Offers?

• Diet and lifestyle play a major role in preventing and reducing complications. Ayurvedic treatments are helping a large number of people suffering with mild to severe degree of Varicose veins without having to undergo surgical treatments.
• Internal medications prepared of Manjista, Guduchi, Gokshura, Punarnava, Guggulu, various ghee preparations help in reducing the pain and swelling, dissolving clots and addressing the skin issues. However, the medicines should be only consumed after consulting an Ayurvedic Physician.
• There are multiple external treatments also available in Ayurveda like Udwartana, Utsadan, Abhyangam and swedam -these will help in reducing pain, swelling and discolouration over skin along with helping to strengthen the muscles and veins and enable better circulation.
• The major Panchakarma advised in varicose veins are – Virechanam and Basti which again to be carried out under strict supervision by an experienced Ayurvedic physician.
• Blood letting is one more major treatment in Ayurveda – carried out either using leech application or direct vein puncturing. With this the stagnated blood is let out and helps to heal the ulcer and reduces pain and swelling. This also helps in reducing the skin discolouration and itching.

At I-AIM Healthcare, Bangalore, we provide a range of specialized and effective treatments for varicose veins!

The post Do You Have Varicose Veins? first appeared on FOUNDATION FOR REVITALISATION OF LOCAL HEALTH.