Disc prolapse

Disc Prolapse or herniated disc is a condition which refers to a problem with a rubbery disc between the spinal bones. This condition occurs when the soft centre of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior casing. Some herniated discs cause no symptoms. Others can irritate nearby nerves , If the herniated disk is in your lower back, then the buttocks, leg and foot will be affected . If the herniated disk is in the neck, feel the most pain in the shoulder and arm.

1. Lower back pain
2. Low back pain radiates to the buttock and back of the thigh and calf, the leg pain may also extend to the foot or toes
3. Numbness of the hands/leg
4. Arm pain
5. Burning/tingling down the leg/arm
6. Weakness, numbness or difficulty moving the leg or arm
7. Condition worsens when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting can aggravate
8. Shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up
9. Upper back pain
10. Loss of bowel and bladder control in severe cases

According to Ayurveda there are three elements present in our body: Vata, Pitta and Kapha which should be in balance. Aggravation of vata dosha is the main cause of Disc prolapse.

1. Age-related changes in the Disc
2. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back.
3. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disk.
4. Genetics
5. Injury strain or accident.

1. Age-related changes in the Disc
2. Excess body weight causes extra stress on the disks in your lower back.
3. People with physically demanding jobs have a greater risk of back problems. Repetitive lifting, pulling, pushing, bending sideways and twisting also can increase your risk of a herniated disk.
4. Genetics
5. Injury strain or accident

Treatment protocol aims at:

1. Relief from pain, numbness and weakness and make the patient able for day to day activities.
2. Prevent progression of disease.
3. Strengthen muscle and relax the nerves and Rejuvenate the whole body.

The first line of treatment should always be avoiding the causative factors. If the problem persists then consider the following treatment protocol.

• Low back pain and radiating pain from low back to toe , Pain in arm, weakness and numbness in arm or leg - Irritated, compressed and inflamed nerves because of herniated discs produce pain along the path of the nerve. Ashwagandha, Punarnava  provides strength to the back and shoulder muscles, spine and the ligaments. It also reduces the inflammation in the bulged disc and irritation in nerves and acts as a natural Rejuvenator which provides nutrition and strength to the tissues, especially bones and muscles. It balances Vata dosha.
• Guggulu, Trayodashang guggul, Rasna, Gokshura, Eranda  are powerful pain allevaters that help to pacify vata dosha that result in disc prolapse. It helps in improving immunity and also regulates metabolism of the body and eliminates toxins and waste products from the body.

(The above mentioned Ayurvedic drugs are Herbs and Herbomineral preparations)

Other therapies - Abhyanga (oil massage), Basti (enema), Kati Basti (An external Ayurvedic treatment of localized application of medicated oil used in a particular region on the back), Shashita shali pinda sweda Virechana/Purgation therapy (cleaning digestive tract and purifies blood), Vasti (enema) to reduce inflammation and cleanse the system. Shashtika shali pinda sweda (a type of fomentation), Lepa (Lepa: A type of therapy wherein paste of drug is applied to the affected part).

Guggulu, Trayodashang guggul, Rasna, Gokshura, Eranda, Ashwagandha, Punarnava.