Back-Ache

Back-ache or pain is one of the most commonly prevalent complaints, more especially in women. Many back pains have no immediately obvious cause.

Type of Back Pains

The facet joints linking one vertebra to the next one can also be damaged or strained.

1. Lumbago: A pain in the lower or lumbar region of the back. It is a degenerative problem.
2. Fibrositis: Inflammation of the muscles supporting the back. It is also known as 'trigger point' phenomenon.

Causes

In most cases back-ache is due to :

• Strained ligaments
• Painful muscle spasm
• Inflammation caused by bad posture
• Lifting heavy loads in incorrect way
• Sudden strain through twisting
• Inadequate support like poorly crafted seats, work tables or too soft mattresses
• Emotional problems..

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain is experienced generally either in the middle of the back or the lower region.
• Pain radiates towards both sides of the waist and the hips.
• In acute stage, the patient is bedridden arid unable to move.

Herbal Medicines

Garlic is the most useful home remedy in back problems. This can be used in many forms internally as well as externally.

External Application

1. Crush 5 Garlic cloves after removing outer covering, add this to 50ml of til oil. Boil it for 20 minutes. Then filter it and apply this oil on the painful back and gently massage for 10 minutes. This can be done twice a day.

Internal Use

1. Crush two garlic cloves (duly removing the outer cover and inner pedicel) and add this to a glass of milk. Boil it on a mild flame till ¼th glass remains. Filter and make two equal parts and take it 1 part in the morning and 1 part in the evening. This should be repeated for 30 days for better results.
2. Pure castor oil is also one of the good home remedies for backache. 5 to 10 ml well mixed in a cup of hot milk should be taken duly at bed time for 40 days. This brings in relief.

Ayurvedic Remedies

1. Simhanada Guggul - 2 pills twice a day with warm milk.
2. Dashamoola Kashayam - 15ml with equal quantity of lukewarm water twice a day.
3. Ksheera-bala oil for massage on the affected areas.
4. Yograj Guggulu 1 to 2 tablets thrice daily with warm milk or water.
5. Rumalaya tablet (Himalaya Drugs) 1 to 2 tablets twice daily.
6. Maharasnadi Kwatham 15ml with half cup of warm water twice daily.

Do's & Don'ts

1. The person should always sleep on a hard bed and maintain a good posture (with proper back rest) while sitting.
2. When pain is less, Yogasanas to strengthen the back muscles and bone give a permanent relief.