Sciatica is a medical condition which usually has a dramatic onset and is caused by a ruptured or herniated disc in the lower back which presses on the sciatic nerve roots and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the lower back, radiating down to the affected leg and foot. This pain can be severe enough to cause acute limitation of movement and considerable distress to the patient.
Ayurvedic herbal treatment for sciatica is aimed at giving immediate relief from the acute pain, treating lower back muscle spasm, and also giving long-term treatment so as to bring about a complete cureof the condition. Medicines which are used in this condition usually provide relief from pain by bringing about an immediate reduction in pain, spasm and inflammation in the affected area of the lower back. These herbal medicines have a specific action on the muscle, tendons as well as irritated nerves. Oral medication needs to be given in high doses in order to bring about an immediate relief in the pain. Oral medication is supplemented by localised therapy in the form of application of medicated oils on the affected area, followed by steam fomentation with herbal decoctions. A combination of local therapy and oral medication usually helps in bringing about a complete relief from the pain in about 2 to 6 days.
Once the acute condition has subsided, herbal treatment is given in order to treat the ruptured or herniated vertebral disc in the lower back and prevent recurrence of the condition. Medicines are continued In order to reduce the irritation of the sciatic nerve, as well as to provide nutrition and strength to the vertebral bones as well as the inter-vertebral discs. This treatment is supplemented with graded exercises, preferably under the supervision of a physiotherapist..
Most individuals affected with acute sciatica require treatment for about f4 to 12 weeks in order to bring about a complete relief from the condition. Ayurvedic herbal treatment thus has a definite role to play in the management and treatment of sciatica.
The writer, Dr. A. A. Mundewadi, is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant at https://www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and http://www.ayurvedaphysician.com
