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Back Pain

Ayurvedic upper back pain therapy, to avoid surgery.

Blog timeNov 2, 2023

What is upper back pain?

The pain arises anywhere from the base of your neck to the bottom of your rib cage, also known as the thoracic spine, which contains 12 small bones called vertebrae, which together form our backbone. The pain can be dicey at times. Upper back pain is not so much common as Lower back pain or Neck Pain, because the muscles in your upper back does not move so much as the latter. its connected to the rib cage and protects vital organs such as the heart and lungs.

What are the symptoms of upper back pain?

You can experience upper back pain, as tightness, aching or sharp pain in the thoracic areas of spine and neck. The pain can radiate and it can be felt in your arms, neck, head, jaws and occipital areas of your body. As the ribs are attached to the thoracic spine, you can feel a sharp pain while takinga deep breath.

Causes of upper back pain:

After knowing about the symptoms one can easily depict the cause, caused by medical conditions or injuries including:

Strains and sprains:

Strains and sprains may be caused when you injure your upper back muscles while lifting something improperly or lifting something too heavy.

Poor posture:

Poor posture is one of the main cause of the upper back pain. long sitting hours or sitting in bad posture for long period of time can cause pain in the upper back, and it can become chronic by the passage of time.

Disk problems:

Fracture:

A fractured spine can mean breaking of your vertebrae or vertebraes. there are 33 vertibrae coloums, and if any one of them gets damaged then you can experience a sharp pain. it can happen due to an injury or an accident.

Pinched nerve :A pinched nerve is nonmedical term for a compressed nerve. nerves are surrounded by bones, ligaments and tissues,and when any of them exerts pressure on the respective nerve or “squeeze them” and create a sense of numbness, tingling or pain.

Traumatic injury:

Traumatic injury refers to injury that causes wounds, broken bones or internal organ damage. traumatic injury can cause phycological issues from the shock of the unexpected injury.

Scoliosis:

Scoliosis is a curve that is side ways in your backbone. The curve angle can be small, large or in between. but if the curve mesures more than 10 degrees then you have Scoliosis. Doctors use the letters “C” and “S” to describe the curve.

Scoliosis diagonised in your teens can continue in your adulthood. the more your back curves the more it gets worsen over time.

Fibromyalgia:

Fibromyalgia is cronic disease that causes pain and fatigue throughout your body. People suffering from fibromyalgia experiences pain that comes and goes, this is called Flare ups.

Problematic Kyphosis:

Kyphosis is a condition in which your spine curves outward more than it should. In common language, Kyphosis is called “Hunchback” or “Roundback”. in most of the Kyphosis doesnt require any specific treatment, but it ,akes people concious about their body and posture.

Lung cancer:

There are generally two types of lung cancer, Small cell lung cancer and large cell lung cancer, lung cancer causes in the tissues of the lungs, or in the cells that line the air passages. Lung cancer is caused due to smoking, second hand smoke, or inhaling toxins or some chemicals. it can also be passed through generations. System includes, chest pain, cough weight lossor wheezing.

Ayurvedic Treament for Upper Back Pain:

Ayurvedic treatment for upper back pain, involves lifestyle changes dietry modifications and correcting spine abnormalities.ayurvedic therapies can reduce the risk of surgery later, these therapies when taken regularly can increase our efficiency in performing day to day tasks.

The Ayurvedic treatment is holistic in nature, and it supports the treatment of the back muscles, Ayurvedic medicines focuses on dietry changes awhich reduces inflammation

Kati Vasti:

Kati vasti is an ancient ayurveda treatment that adresses Lumbosacral issues. it is generally a treatment for lower back pain but it can be applied for upper back pain issues also. This Ayurveda therapy involves application of Medicated herbal oils and is massaged gentally over the back area. Kati vasti can reduce flare ups and provides instant Pain relief.

Kati vasti therapyhelps the patient by reducing Numbness in the limbs, Soothes pinched nerves,relieves stiffness,improves blood circulation.

Kati Vasti Treatment | Benefits of Kativasti

Potli Sweda

Potli sweda is a process in Ayurveda in which herbs with medictive healing power, are heated and are packed in a cotton cloth in a shape  of a cloth ball, and it is dipped in warm medicated oil, and is applied all over the back area especially the effected area, cloth ball or Potli doubles the effect of the treatment, as it itself contains natural herbs, and when dipped in the oil, it provides immediate relief from the pain.

Njavarakizhi:

Njavarakizi is an Ayurveda Massage therapy that is originated form Kerela, Njavara is generally a type of red rice originated form kerala. This therapy is somewhat as same as Poti Swedna, in which the body is massaged with a Medicated oil, and then it is massaged with the cotton ball containing herbs, as the potli touches the massaged skin it instantly soothes the skin, and provides instant relief. The Njavarakizi potli contains herbs mixed with cooked Njavaraki rice.

Panchakarma:

Panchakarma Therapy is an ancient therapy in Ayurveda, which involves detoxication of the body,

Panchakrma involves 5 therapies: Vamana , Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamokshan.

  1. Vamana: This procedure involves induced vomiting to help balance the Kapha and is indicated in respiratory illnesses and skin ailments.
  2. Virechana: Pitta when in excess causes digestive problems. The prescribed purgative helps purge the toxins collected in the stomach so that the balance of Pitta is restored. 
  3. Basti: This procedure involves administering of prescribed oils and decoction combinations through the ano-rectal route to help balance the Vata.
  4. Nasya: This procedure done through the nasal orifice helps decongest the sinuses and heal abnormalities of the cranial nerves.
  5. Raktamokshana: This traditional method makes use of leeches or sterilized sharp instruments to remove impure blood from the body. 

Agnikarma:

Agnikarma is a Ayurvedic therapy, and is a highly effective treatment for Acute as well as chronic illness. in this treatment an Agni shalakaha, a samll metallic rod that isn heated on the tip and is appiled to the affected area, and as soon as the treatment is over, the affected area is massaged with cool down cream.

Agnilkarma is a dangerous treatment procedure and it should be carried out by a proffesional Ayurveda therapist, as mistreatment can cause sever burn.

Conclusion:

Ayurveda offers a holistic and effective approach to managing upper back pain, potentially avoiding the need for surgery. By integrating treatments such as Panchakarma, Aagnikarma, and Potli Swedna, Ayurveda addresses the root causes of pain rather than just the symptoms.

Panchakarma helps detoxify and rejuvenate the body, Aagnikarma targets painful areas with precision, and Potli Swedna uses medicated poultices to soothe and heal. Understanding the various causes of upper back pain—from disk problems to muscle strain—enables a more targeted treatment plan. Ayurveda’s emphasis on balancing the body’s energies and restoring harmony offers a comprehensive pathway to relief and recovery. Embracing these traditional therapies not only aids in alleviating pain but also promotes overall well-being, aligning with the natural healing processes of the body. Exploring these Ayurvedic solutions can lead to lasting relief and a healthier, more balanced life.



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Ravindra Singh