Asthi Sandhigata Vata Chikitsa / Spine & Joint Care Treatment

In Ayurveda, Spine and Joint disorders are considered to be a result of an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, pitta, and kapha) and the accumulation of toxins in the body. Adyant Ayurveda the best Ayurvedic hospital, aims to restore the balance of these doshas, eliminate toxins, reduce inflammation, strengthen the joints, and promote overall spinal health.

But first let’s understand what are spine and joint disorders, their causes, risk factors, types, and conditions, and how Adyant Ayurveda will organically treat them.

What is Spine disorder?

The numerous conditions which affect the spinal cord anywhere from the neck to the lower back are known as spinal disorders. The spinal cord is a tube-like structure that consists of a bundle of nerves that starts from the base of the brain and down to the back. The spinal cord carries the messages from the brain to the other parts of the body. This spinal cord is located within a bony structure called vertebrae, backbone, or vertebral column. The vertebral column comprises 26 bones that protect and support the spinal cord and nerves.

The spinal cord is divided into four areas and any of which can be affected by spinal disorders. The four areas of the spinal cord are as follows:

• Cervical[neck], Lumbar [upper back], Thoracic [ lower back], Sacral [pelvis].

A number of conditions and injuries can affect the spine, which can damage the vertebrae, cause pain and limit the movements.

Causative factors for Spine disorder

• Tumors
• Abscess
• Haematoma
• Fracture of vertebrae
• Herniated disc
• Degenerative disease that comes with aging
• Accidents or fall
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Genetically inherited disorders

Types of Spine Disorders

DEGENERATIVE SPINE AND DISC CONDITIONS

• Arthritis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylosis
• Herniated disc
• Spinal stenosis

Other spine conditions

• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Myelopathy
• Osteoporosis and vertebral fractures
• Radiculopathy
• Scoliosis
• Spinal cord cancer
• Spinal fractures

Signs and symptoms of Spinal cord disorder

• Weakness, numbness or tingling feel in the arms or legs
• Paralysis of limbs
• Back pain that can be sharp and stabbing, dull, aching or burning
• Nausea and or vomiting
• Pain that radiates in the arms or legs
• Sense of stiffness or tightness
• Changes in the reflexes
• Loss of urinary or bowel control
• Uncontrolled muscle spasms

SOME OF THE COMMON SPINE DISORDERS

• Herniated Disc: This condition also known as slipped or ruptured disc occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc protrudes through tougher outer layer. This irritates the nearby nerves and causes pain, numbness, or weakness. This can occur in any part of the spine, most commonly occurs in the lower back.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: This disease occurs when spinal disc wears down. This is most common in old age, but people in their 40s do experience degeneration in the spinal disc. When the cushion i.e., the spinal discs wear down, the bones start to rub together and this causes pain.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal is known as spinal stenosis. This is most commonly observed in the neck and lower back region. This condition is also caused by age related wear and tear. When spinal stenosis occurs the space inside the back bone is reduced and thus puts pressure on the spinal cord ad nerves that travel through the spine. The symptoms include pain, tingling sensation, numbness and muscle weakness and in few with spinal stenosis there might not be any symptoms at all.
• Scoliosis: It’s an abnormal sideways curvature of the spine, which typically appears during adolescence. It is most often seen in patients with conditions such as Cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy, but cause of most childhood scoliosis is not properly understood. Uneven shoulders, uneven waist, one shoulder blade that appears more prominent than the other are some of the common symptoms of scoliosis.
• Spinal fractures: A fracture or dislocation of the spine can occur anywhere along the spine. Most commonly these fractures are caused by from trauma or injury from car accidents, falls, sports or some kind of high impactful injury.
• Spinal cord injury: A damage or injury to any part of the spinal cord or nerves at the end of the spinal canal causes permanent change in the sensation, strength and other related body functions. Spinal injury can cause one or more of the signs and symptoms like, loss of movement; exaggerated reflex activities or spasms etc.
• Sciatica: It most commonly refers to pain along the path of sciatica nerve. Sciatica nerve travels from lower back through the hips, buttocks and down the legs. This often causes inflammation, pain and some numbness in the affected leg.
• Spinal Tumors: A growth that occurs within the spinal canal or within the bones of the spine leads to pain, problems related to nerves and sometimes paralysis also.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: An inflammatory disease that can cause some of the bones of the spine to fuse causes back pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, most probably in the morning hours and after a period of inactivity.

Risk factors for developing spine disorders?

• Being overweight or obesity
• Poor postural habits
• Excessive use from exercise or due to occupational requirements
• Repetitive strenuous activities
• Conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease
• Nutritional and lifestyle habits such as a sedentary lifestyle, low calcium consumption, or smoking.

What is Joint Disorder?

The disorders which affect the joints, bones, tendons, ligaments cartilage, and surrounding muscles are considered under the heading of Joint disease. These joint disorders affect the health and functioning of the joints. Joints are the places where two or more bones come together. But joints are not all about bones. Cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and muscles around the joints come under the joints. Infection, inflammation, injuries, degeneration, and overuse can all cause joint disorders.

A joint disorder, also known as an arthropathy or arthritis. Joint disorders can involve damage or inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Risk factors of joint disorder

• Obesity or being overweight.
• Previous history of joint injury.
• Lack of physical activity or muscular conditioning.
• Repetitive movements through sports, occupational, hobbies, and manual labour.
• Engaging in high-impactful sporting activities like running, skiing, soccer, football, wrestling, rock climbing, or tennis.

Common signs and symptoms of Joint disorders:

7. Joint Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in one or more joints. The pain may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
8. Joint Stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint, especially after periods of rest or in the morning.
9. Swelling: Inflammation and swelling around the joint.
10. Limited Range of Motion: Reduced ability to move the joint through its full range of motion.
11. Joint Instability: Feeling that the joint is loose, giving way, or unstable.
12. Deformities: Joint deformities, such as crooked or misaligned joints.
13. Clicking or Grinding Sensations: Sensations of clicking, popping, or grinding within the joint during movement.

Common Joint Disorders:

• Osteoarthritis: This disorder is associated with aging and wearing and tearing on the joints. This is one of the common joint disorders seen in the clinical practice. When the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually wears down, there is joint pain, stiffness, swelling and joint deformity also.
• Gout: This is characterised by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, which leads to sudden and severe pain in the joints, swelling, redness, and tenderness. It mostly affects the big toe first but it can affect other joints as well.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune disease where in the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium, the lining of the joints. This causes chronic inflammation, which leads to joint, swelling, stiffness and to great extent joint deformity.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: It is a type of arthritis which affects few people who already have Psoriatic skin disease. Most people develop Psoriasis before they getting affected by Psoriatic arthritis. In some individuals’ Psoriatic arthritis develop before the skin lesions. The main signs and symptoms of this arthritis is joint pain, stiffness and swelling and they can affect any parts of the body. The disease process, the flare up happens alternate with remission.
• Bursitis: Bursae is a fluid filled sacs that acts as a cushion and lubricate the joints. When these bursae get inflamed it causes pain, swelling, and joint movement gets restricted.
• Osteoporosis: Though this is not directly related to joints, when the bone density reduces there is joint pain and reduced mobility in the affected joint.
• Fibromyalgia: It is a disorder which is characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, extreme fatigue, sleep issues and accompanied by memory and mood related problems. The pain is often experienced as constant dull ache that lasts for three to four months.

Ayurveda treatment for Spinal and Joint Disorder

• Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage): Abhyanga involves a full-body massage using warm medicated oils specific to the individual’s dosha imbalance.
• Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy): Swedana involves exposing the body to herbal steam or localized steam application to induce sweating.
• Basti (Enema Therapy): Basti is an Ayurveda enema therapy that uses medicated oils or herbal decoctions. Basti helps to nourish and strengthen the spinal tissues, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain.
• Pinda Sweda (Herbal Poultice Therapy): Pinda Sweda involves the application of warm herbal poultices to the affected areas of the spine. This therapy helps to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms in the spine.
• Masha Pinda Sweda: This is one of the unique therapy which is done to relieve joint pains, stiffness and other issues related to Bones, muscles and nerves. Here Masha means black gram and Sweda means fomentation or sudation. In this therapy swedana is given using Masha as main ingredient along with Ayurveda herbs which relieve stress and strain in the muscles and joints, increase muscular strength and improves the strength of tendons and ligament and also reduces stiffness in the joints.
• Panchakarma Treatment: Panchakarma treatment is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy that aims to remove toxins from the body and restore balance.
• Vaitarana Basti: It is one of the most preferred basti treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis and vata disorders. The word Vaitarana has two terms Vai and Tarana. Vai means truly and Tarana means saving. Vaitarana basti is given so much importance as it has the capacity to save the lives and has the power to treat many diseases.
• Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda: Shashtika shali pinda sweda which is popularly known as Navarakizhi is a form of fomentation or sudation therapy which is performed to improve muscle strength, rejuvenate body, mind and senses.

Here milk and rice are the main ingredients but herbs are also used in the preparation of the medicine. In this swedana therapy the rice which is used is a special type which is harvested in 60 days and thus the name Shashtika shali. Here the rice processed in herbal decoction and milk is tied in a bolus to rub against the complete body or the part afflicted which needs treatment. It is mainly a strengthening treatment which has the properties to nourish the bones, muscles and nerves.

• Tiktha Ksheera Basti: Basti is considered as most effective treatment for Bones, joints, muscles and nerve disorders. It is called as Ardha Chikitsa as many disorders can be effectively managed by basti treatment. Basti treatment is one among the Panchakarma treatment which forms the basis for all other treatment modalities. Ayurveda considers the diseases of Bones, joints and nerves as mainly associated with vitiation of Vata. According to different teachers of Ayurveda, administration of Basti with tiktha dravyas, ksheera and medicated ghee are sure treatment for Asthi and Majjagata diseases.

This Ayurveda treatment will help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and provide nourishment to the joints.

Ayurveda Herbs and Medicine for Spine and Joint Disorder

• Shallaki (Boswellia serrata)
• Guggulu
• Ashwagandha
• Turmeric
• Nirgundi
• Mahayograja Guggulu
• Triphala Guggulu
• Maharasnadi Kashaya

Ayurveda Implementation of Spine and Joint Care

According to Ayurveda, these conditions are primarily attributed to an imbalance in the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and the accumulation of toxins in the body.

Here are some Ayurveda approaches to joint and spinal disorders:

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications: Adyant Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and dosha-specific diet to maintain overall health. Adopting a regular exercise routine and incorporating gentle stretching exercises, yoga, and pranayama can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Panchakarma treatment: Panchakarma treatment is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy. Specific procedures within Panchakarma treatment, such as Abhyanga (therapeutic oil massage), Swedana (herbal steam therapy), and Basti (medicated enemas), can be beneficial for joint and spinal disorders.

External Therapies:  Adyant Ayurveda external therapies can help alleviate pain and inflammation in joint and spinal disorders. These include Pinda Sweda, Patra Pinda Sweda, and Janu Basti. These therapies help nourish the joints, reduce swelling, and improve mobility.

Adyant Experience

Adyant Ayurveda is the best Ayurveda hospital located in Bangalore. It focuses on achieving balance and harmony within the body, mind, and spirit to promote overall health and well-being. Adyant Ayurveda utilizes various techniques, including herbal remedies, dietary and lifestyle modifications, yoga, meditation, and detoxification therapies, to restore balance and address specific health concerns.

Conclusion

In conclusion, different disorders can present with overlapping symptoms. If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms related to spinal cord or joint disorders, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Combining Ayurveda treatments, medications, and lifestyle changes. Adyant Ayurveda seeks to offer long-lasting treatment and advance general well-being, with the top Ayurveda specialists, are prepared to take on any issue and win the heart of the patient with our remedies if you’re looking for efficient and all organic and natural treatments for Spine and Joint Disorder.