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| Home > Yoga and Diseases > Sciatica, Slipped Disc and Yoga
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| | Sciatica, Slipped Disc and Yoga
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Sciatica and Slipped Disc are two painful and closely related conditions. Slipped disc occurs mostly in the lower back / lumbar region of the back due to over straining, misuse or traumatic injury to the back.
1. Sciatica: Having pain in one`s lower back or hip that radiates down from the buttock to the back of one thigh and into the leg, a person can then complain of having Sciatica. This problem is a protruding disc in the lower spinal column pressing on the roots of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy) may feel like a bad leg cramp that lasts for weeks before it goes away. A person has pain, especially while sitting, sneezing or coughing. One can also feel weakness, "pins and needles" numbness, or a burning or tingling sensation down their leg.
A person is likely to get affected by Sciatica at the age of 30-56. It may happen due to the effects of general wear and tear, plus any sudden pressure on the discs that cushion the vertebrae of the lower (lumbar) spine. The gel-like inside (nucleus) of a disc may protrude into or through the disc`s outer lining (annulus). This herniated disc may press directly on nerve roots that become the sciatic nerve. The nerve may also get inflamed and irritated by chemicals from the-disc`s nucleus. About one in every 50 people experiences a herniated disc. Of these, 10-25% have symptoms lasting more than six weeks. About 80-90 percent of people with sciatica get better, over time, without surgery.
In rare cases, a herniated disk may press on nerves that cause to lose control of the bladder or bowel. If this happens, one may also have numbness or tingling in the groin or genital area. If this happens informing the doctor immediately and immediate action can be taken to stop further deterioration of the lower back.
Causes:
Injury or inflammation to the nerve or the nerve root due to metabolic, toxic or infectious disorders.
Compression of nerve root due to ruptured inter-vertebral disc is the most common causes.
It has been observed that keeping a heavy wallet in the back pocket also creates this condition.
It may also occur due to sudden jerk in the lower back while lifting the weight or by sudden movement.
Pregnant women may experience this problem.
Patients of Diabetes Mellitus often face this problem.
Symptoms:
Shooting pain in lower back, inner side of the thigh, back of the knee, calf muscles or ankle.
Heaviness/numbness in the leg.
Tingling or pinprick sensation in the legs.
Movement of legs is troublesome.
Treatment:
The condition usually heals itself if given it enough time and rest.
A few days of bed rest lets the inflammation go away.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, aspirin or muscle relaxants may also help.
One can also put gentle heat or cold on the painful muscles.
Taking short walks helps to reduce inflammation.
One can also possibly join the yoga course specially designed for this disease.
One should also try to avoid driving, excessive sitting, lifting or bending forward when in pain. After the pain is relieved one may start exercises to strengthen your back.
Asanas: Pavanmuktasana with one and two legs, Ardha-halasana, Makarasana, Ardha Shalabhasana, Brahmamudra, Parvatasana, Vakrasana, Bhadrasana, Janu Sirasana, Utkatasana, Tadasana, Chakrasana (Sideward bending in standing), Agnisara (supine position with legs folded), Shavasana and Anuloma Viloma Pranayama.
Om recitation.
2. Slipped Disc: Human Vertebrae are linked with each other with the discs, which act like shock absorbers of the spine. Generally, the slipped disc occurs in lower back at L4 - Ls or Ls - S1 level. There is a posterior displacement of part of an inter-vertebral disc, resulting in compression of the nerve.
Causes:
Sudden jerky movement of lower back while lifting the weight from the floor.
It may also happen due to sneezing, injury to the lower back while weeding or shoveling in the garden.
It occurs in people with weak back muscles, having sedentary life style.
Symptoms:
(Severity of symptoms depends upon how much disc is prolapsed).
It makes the person immobile.
Person either cannot become straight from forward bent condition or is unable to bend back slightly.
Tight spasm is present.
The pain is severe and increases if complete bed rest is not taken.
The whole backbone becomes inflamed, swollen and tender.
There is a sharp localized pain in that area.
Patient feels depressed or irritated.
Treatment:
Asanas: Pawanmuktasana, Ardha-Halasana, Setubandhasana, Makarasana, Niralambasana, Ardha Shalabhasana, Brahmamudra, Parvatasana, Tadasana, Supta-tadasana, Chakrasana (Sideward bending), Shavasana and Anuloma-Viloma Pranayama.
Om Recitation.
For the management of pain one should take complete bed rest for 8 -10 days.
Continue medicines if required.
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