Also called Spinal Disc Herniation, is a condition affecting the spine causing intervertebral disc bulging outside compressing spinal cords and spinal nerves.
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Anatomy:
Intervertebral discs are pads of fibrocartilage that works as a cushion while any movement we do. Intervertebral discs are composed of an annulus fibrosus and a nucleus pulposus. The annulus fibrosus is an outer ring. The nucleus pulposus stays medially surrounded by the annulus fibrosus. Both are composed of water, collagen, and proteoglycans (PGs). The amount of fluid (water and PGs) is greatest in the nucleus pulposus. PG molecules are important because they attract and retain water. The nucleus pulposus contains a hydrated gel–like matter that resists compression. The amount of water in the nucleus varies throughout the day depending on activity.
Pathology:
Tear in the outer fibrous ring allows the soft central part nucleus pulposus to bulge out beyond the damaged outer rings. This tear in the disc ring may result in the release of inflammatory chemical mediators, which may directly cause severe pain, even in the absence of nerve root compression. Disc herniation can be further stage of previously bulged out intervertebral disc, a condition in which the outermost layers of the fibrous ring are still intact, but can bulge when the disc is under pressure.
One vertebral body can slip relative to an adjacent vertebral body. This deformity is called spondylolisthesis.
Causes:
- Injury
- Weight lifting
- Age related Degenerative changes
- Muscle weakness
Symptoms:
- Mild to severe spinal pain (Site of pain related to cervical/Thoracic/Lumbar discs prolapse )
- Pain radiating to single or both leg
- Tingling sensation
- Numbness
- Paralysis
- Paresthesia
- bowel and bladder incontinence
Typically, symptoms are experienced only on one side of the body. If the prolapse is very large and presses on the nerves within the spinal column or the cauda equina, both sides of the body may be affected, often with serious consequences. Compression of the cauda equina can cause permanent nerve damage or paralysis. The nerve damage can result in loss of bowel and bladder control as well as sexual dysfunction. This disorder is called cauda equina syndrome.
Diagnosis:
- X-ray
- MRI
Treatment:
Most of the cases of slip disc don’t need surgery. It can be surely managed by improved Ayurveda Panchkarma treatment. We have treated many of the cases which were advised Spine surgery by orthopedic surgeon. Most of time, Spine surgery fails to give relief from symptoms which is now considered as new disease named ‘Failed Back Syndrome’. Doesn’t it find ridiculous?
- Vata pacifying herbs
- Basti (Medicated Enema)
- Agnikarma
- Rakta Mokshana
- Dhara with Herbal oil and decoction
- Kati Basti
- Weight loss and Physiotherapy
Medicines are given to win over ‘Vayu’. When provoked Vayu subsides, pain will automatically go away.
Basti is the best treatment for spinal disorders. It stops the process of degeneration in spine. Basti relieves the inflammation. It has the power to regenerate the tissues. Specific Basti is selected as per nature of the disease.
It removes obstruction of vayu. Agni (Fire) quickly enters into deeper tissue and make path clear for free flow of ‘Vayu’. It quickly helps to remove pain.
It removes the congestion or obstruction of the blood flow. By improving Blood circulation and breaking blockages, Rakta-Mokshana makes patient pain free.
‘Dhara’ treatment is done locally by special medicated oil or decoction. It shows anti inflammatory effect. It relieves muscle spasm, increase blood circulation and strength the surrounding muscles, tendons and tissues.
Certain warm medicated oil is filled in the wall made by black gram powder on the affected vertebrae of the back.
If you are obese, weight loss must be advised. Physiotherapy has also supportive role along with Ayurveda medicines and Panchkarma.
