Ask Ayurveda

/
/
/
What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for back pain?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
Orthopedic Disorders
Question #12691
189 days ago
244

What is the best Ayurvedic treatment for back pain? - #12691

Asher

I have been suffering from chronic back pain for over a year, and it is affecting my daily life. I work long hours sitting at a desk, and by the end of the day, my lower back starts to ache. Some days, the pain spreads to my shoulders and upper back as well. I don’t want to keep taking painkillers, so I started looking into Ayurvedic treatment for back pain. I’ve heard about therapies like Kati Basti, Abhyanga massage, and Pizhichil, but I don’t know which one would work best for my condition. Does Ayurveda recommend specific herbs or medicines for back pain? I’ve read about Shallaki (Boswellia), Ashwagandha, and Guggulu, but I’m not sure how to take them. Also, are there lifestyle changes or yoga exercises that can help with back pain from long hours of sitting? If anyone has tried Ayurvedic treatment for back pain, I’d love to hear your experience!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Ayurvedic treatments for back pain can be highly effective, especially for chronic pain linked to posture or stress.

Kati Basti involves applying warm herbal oil to the lower back to relieve pain and stiffness. This is a targeted therapy that can soothe the area and improve circulation. Abhyanga massage (a full-body oil massage) can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while Pizhichil involves pouring warm herbal oils on the body for deep tissue relaxation. For herbs, Shallaki (Boswellia), Ashwagandha, and Guggulu are great for reducing inflammation and improving joint health. You can take them in tablet or powder form, typically with warm water or as per your Ayurvedic practitioner’s recommendation.

For lifestyle changes, it’s important to:

Take short breaks from sitting and stretch every 30-60 minutes. Incorporate yoga poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge pose), and Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Dog) to strengthen the back and improve flexibility. Maintain good posture while sitting and use ergonomic furniture. If you’ve tried Ayurvedic treatments, please share your experience and what worked best for you!

11913 answered questions
78% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
186 days ago
4.83

For chronic back pain, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach that includes both treatments and lifestyle changes. Kati Basti, which involves applying warm herbal oils to the lower back, is highly effective for alleviating pain and improving circulation in the affected area. Abhyanga massage, using dosha-specific oils, can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, while Pizhichil provides deep tissue nourishment and detoxification. Herbs like Shallaki (Boswellia), Ashwagandha, and Guggulu are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, and they can be taken as powders, capsules, or in decoctions, depending on your preference. For lifestyle changes, regular yoga poses like Cat-Cow, Child’s Pose, and spinal twists can help relieve tension and strengthen the back muscles. Additionally, taking breaks to stretch during long sitting hours, practicing good posture, and using ergonomic furniture can further reduce strain. It’s important to combine these treatments with a balanced diet and stress management practices for optimal results. If you’ve tried Ayurveda for back pain, many find it provides long-term relief by addressing the root cause of discomfort rather than just masking the symptoms.

13739 answered questions
68% best answers

0 replies

Dealing with chronic back pain, especially from long hours spent at a desk, is def not easy. In Ayurveda, understanding your dosha imbalance is key. With symptoms like yours that could be a vata imbalance, which often manifests as pain and stiffness. For someone in your position, a combo of treatments might actually be useful.

Kati Basti can be very effective for lower back pain; it involves holding warm medicated oil on the lower back for some time. The warmth of the oil helps to soothe the vata and ease pain. If upper back pain is also a thing, abhyanga massage with warm oils like sesame or mahanarayan oil can work wonders. Pizhichil, a warm oil bath, can be perfect for full body relaxation and pain relief, but it’s more of a luxurious treatment if you have the chance to try it.

Herbs like Shallaki, Ashwagandha, and Guggulu can provide significant support. Shallaki is anti-inflammatory, while Ashwagandha helps in reducing stress and improving strength. You can take these as supplements—check with a practitioner for the right dosages tho. Guggulu is often formulated in tablets with other herbs and a popular choice is ‘Yogaraja Guggulu’ known for musculoskeletal pain, but again, get some specialist advice to be safe there.

For everyday life, avoiding long periods of sitting is key – take breaks to stand, stretch or walk around if you can! Yoga poses like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) or Cat-Cow stretches can help maintain flexibility in your spine—essentially think about opening up that space.

Oh and don’t forget about diet; warming foods like ginger tea or having regular meals can help to balance vata. Maybe more importantly, listen to your body. Rest when you need to and don’t overdo it with tablet scrolling in bed, that ain’t good for the neck.

Hope this helps on your journey to feelin’ better!

1742 answered questions
27% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions

Doctors online

Dr. Ankit Khandelwal
I am practicing Ayurveda since 3 years now, and tbh even though that number looks small on paper—it sure feels way more intense when you think of the daily exposure to different conditions, people, energies. I focus mainly on holistic wellness, with a strong bend toward balancing the body-mind equation. Sometimes ppl ask if I only give herbs but truthfully it’s more about understanding the why behind the illness... not just the what. My work usually involve personalized treatment planning, where I mix classical Ayurvedic concepts—like dosha analysis, ahara-vihara (diet & lifestyle), and detox via Panchakarma—based on how the person is living right now. That dynamic bit matters. One patient with acidity might need total food overhaul. Another? Just better sleep and breath practices. I learnt to not jump into “fixing” unless I’m hearing fully. The past 3 years taught me to observe subtle signs more deeply. Like the small fatigue before full-blown fatigue. I don’t claim big breakthroughs, but I’ve seen lives shift—chronic migraines fading, IBS calming down, periods regularising, skin healing slowly from inside-out. And that feels huge. Every day kinda grows me. Whether it’s a simple consultation, or longer therapies, I try to keep things real, rooted, and not rushed. And yes there’s still lot to explore. But I’m in this for the long run and I want ppl to know that healing doesn’t mean perfection—it just means balance, awareness, and the willingness to start.
0 reviews
Dr. Narendrakumar V Mishra
I have been practicing as a Consulting Ayurvedic Physician since 1990, with over three decades of clinical experience in treating a wide range of chronic and lifestyle-related health conditions. My core areas of focus include hair disorders, skin diseases, and lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, arthritis, and stress-related imbalances. Over the years, I have developed a patient-centric approach that emphasizes deep-rooted healing through authentic Ayurvedic principles. My treatment philosophy is based on understanding the unique constitution (prakriti) and imbalance (vikriti) of each patient, allowing me to craft individualized care plans using classical formulations, diet corrections, detox therapies (shodhana), and lifestyle modifications. Whether it’s persistent hair fall, recurring skin allergies, or long-term metabolic disorders, I aim to address the root cause rather than just suppress symptoms. In the management of lifestyle disorders like diabetes and arthritis, I integrate Ayurvedic medicines with structured dinacharya (daily routines) and ahar (dietary guidance), focusing on sustainable results and long-term wellness. I also work extensively with stress-related concerns, offering holistic strategies that incorporate mind-body practices, including meditation, herbal support, and counseling rooted in Ayurveda. With a strong foundation in traditional Ayurvedic texts and decades of hands-on experience, I remain committed to providing safe, natural, and effective healthcare solutions. My goal is to guide patients toward a balanced life, free from chronic ailments, through personalized treatment protocols that restore harmony to both body and mind.
5
359 reviews
Dr. Khushboo
I am someone who kinda started out in both worlds—Ayurveda and allopathy—and that mix really shaped how I see health today. My clinical journey began with 6 months of hands-on allopathic exposure at District Hospital Sitapur. Honestly, that place was intense. Fast-paced, high patient flow, constant cases of chronic and acute illnesses coming through. That taught me a lot about how to see disease. Not just treat it, but like… notice the patterns, get better at real-time diagnosis, really listen to what the patient isn’t saying out loud sometimes. It gave me this sharper sense of clinical grounding which I think still stays with me. Then I moved more deeply into Ayurveda and spent another 6 months diving into clinical training focused on Panchakarma therapies. Stuff like Abhyanga, Basti, Shirodhara—learned those not just as a list of techniques, but how and when to use 'em, especially for detox and deep healing. Every case felt like a different puzzle. There wasn’t always one right answer, you know? And that’s where I found I loved adapting protocols based on what the person actually needed, not just what the textbook says. Alongside that, I got certified in Garbha Sanskar through structured training. That really pulled me closer to maternal health. Pregnancy support through Ayurveda isn’t just about herbs or massage, it’s like this entire way of guiding a mother-to-be toward nourishing the baby right from conception—emotionally, physically, all of it. That part stuck with me hard. My overall approach? It’s kinda fluid. I believe in balancing natural therapies and evidence-based thinking. Whether it's seasonal imbalance, hormonal issues, Panchakarma detox plans, or just guiding someone on long-term wellness—I like making people feel safe, heard, and actually understood. I’m not into rushing plans or masking symptoms. I’d rather work together with someone to build something sustainable that really suits their body and where they’re at. In a way, I’m still learning every day. But my focus stays the same—use Ayurvedic wisdom practically, compassionately, and in a way that just... makes sense in real life.
5
56 reviews
Dr. Rajan soni
I am working in Ayurveda field from some time now, started out as a general physician at Chauhan Ayurveda Hospital in Noida. That place taught me a lot—how to handle different types of patients in OPD, those daily cases like fever, digestion issues, body pain... but also chronic stuff which keeps coming back. After that I moved to Instant Aushadhalya—an online Ayurveda hospital setup. Whole different space. Consultations online ain’t easy at first—no pulse reading, no direct Nadi check—but you learn to ask the right things, look at patient’s tone, habit patterns, timing of symptoms... and yeah it actually works, sometimes even better than in person. Right now I’m working as an Ayurveda consultant at Digvijayam Clinic where I’m focusing more on individualised care. Most ppl come here with stress-related problems, digestion issues, joint pain, that kind of mix. I go by classic diagnosis principles like prakriti analysis, dosha imbalance and all, but also mix in what I learned from modern side—like understanding their lifestyle triggers, screen time, sleep cycles, food gaps n stress patterns. I don’t rush into panchakarma or heavy medicines unless it’s needed... prefer starting with simple herbs, diet change, basic daily routine correction. If things demand, then I go stepwise into Shodhan therapies. My goal is to not just “treat” but to help ppl know what’s happening in their body and why its reacting like that. That awareness kinda becomes half the cure already. Not everything is perfect. Sometimes ppl don’t follow what you say, sometimes results are slow, and yeah that gets to you. But this path feels honest. It’s slow, grounded, and meaningful.
5
8 reviews
Dr. Shaniba P
I am an Ayurvedic doctor, someone who’s pretty much built her clinical journey around natural healing, balance and yeah—just trying to help ppl feel a bit more whole again. I work mostly with conditions that kinda stay with people... like joint pain that won’t go away, periods all over the place, kids falling sick again n again, or just the kind of stress that messes up digestion n sleep n everything in between. A lot of my practice circles around arthritis, lower back pain, PCOD-ish symptoms, antenatal care, immunity problems in kids, and those quiet mental health imbalances ppl often don't talk much about. My approach isn’t just pulling herbs off a shelf and calling it a day. I spend time with classical diagnosis—checking Prakriti, figuring out doshas, seeing how much of this is physical and how much is coming from daily routine or emotional burnout. And treatments? Usually a mix of traditional Ayurvedic meds, Panchakarma (only if needed!!), changing food habits, tweaking the daily rhythm, and honestly... just slowing down sometimes. I’m also really into helping ppl understand themselves better—like once someone gets how their body is wired, things make more sense. I talk to patients about what actually suits their dosha, what throws them off balance, and how they can stop chasing quick fixes that don’t stick. Education's a big part of it. And yes, I’ve had patients walk in for constant cold and walk out realizing it’s more about weak agni n poor gut routines than just low immunity. Every case’s diff. Some are simple. Some not. But whether it’s a young woman trying to fix her cycles without hormones or a 6-year-old catching colds every week, I try building plans that last—not just short term relief stuff. Healing takes time and needs trust from both sides. End of the day, I try to keep it rooted—classical where it matters but flexible enough to blend with the world we're livin in rn. That balance is tricky, but worth it.
5
25 reviews
Dr. Nisha Bisht
I am an Ayurvedic physician with over a decade of dedicated experience in both clinical and administrative roles. I began my professional journey with Jiva Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. in Faridabad, where I spent 3 years offering telemedicine and in-clinic consultations, gaining valuable experience in patient-centered care and Ayurvedic treatment protocols. Following this, I served as a Medical Officer at Uttaranchal Ayurved College, Dehradun, for 7 years, where I was actively involved in both patient care and academic responsibilities, refining my clinical skills and deepening my understanding of traditional Ayurvedic practices. Currently, I am working as the Deputy Medical Superintendent at Shivalik Hospital, a unit of Shivalik Ayurved Institute, Dehradun. In this role, I not only manage patient consultations but also oversee hospital operations, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services. Throughout my career, I have remained committed to promoting authentic Ayurveda, combining classical knowledge with modern healthcare systems to provide effective, safe, and holistic treatment solutions to my patients.
5
205 reviews
Dr. Keerthana PV
I am a passionate and responsible Ayurvedic doctor, having completed my internship at the renowned VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, Kerala. My clinical journey has been shaped by the rich traditions of Kerala Ayurveda, where I gained extensive hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating patients with authentic Ayurvedic therapies. I am dedicated to delivering personalized and holistic healthcare, with a focus on preventive medicine and positive lifestyle modification. I actively counsel my patients on achieving optimal health through balanced diet, daily regimen, stress management, and natural therapies. Additionally, I am a certified Smrithi Meditation Consultant from the Kottakkal Ayurveda School of Excellence, which allows me to integrate meditation and mindfulness techniques into my treatment protocols, promoting mental well-being along with physical health. My approach is rooted in compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to empowering patients on their journey towards complete wellness.
5
97 reviews
Dr. Surya Bhagwati
I am a Senior Ayurveda Physician with over 28 years of clinical experience dedicated to the principles and practice of authentic Ayurvedic medicine. Throughout my journey, I have had the privilege of treating more than 100,000 patients through both in-person consultations and online platforms. My approach is deeply rooted in classical Ayurvedic diagnostics—such as Nadi Pariksha (pulse examination), Roga-Rogi Pariksha (patient and disease evaluation), and a personalized assessment of prakriti (body constitution). Over the years, I have successfully managed a wide range of health conditions across all age groups—from acute infections and digestive issues to chronic and lifestyle disorders such as arthritis, diabetes, respiratory ailments, hormonal imbalances, and autoimmune conditions. I place strong emphasis on individualized care, combining herbal formulations, Panchakarma detox therapies, and dietary and lifestyle guidance to ensure long-term healing and disease prevention. My extensive experience also includes addressing complex, chronic illnesses that require a deep understanding of both the pathology and the patient’s overall constitution. I have worked with patients who had previously struggled with little success in other systems of medicine, and have guided many toward sustainable recovery and improved quality of life. Whether treating elderly patients with degenerative disorders or young adults facing hormonal or metabolic challenges, I strive to offer care that is compassionate, comprehensive, and evidence-informed. My goal is to empower patients with Ayurvedic wisdom so they can take an active role in their healing journey. I continue to remain updated with the evolving landscape of integrative health and value the importance of patient education, ethical practice, and consistent follow-up. For me, Ayurveda is not just a profession, but a lifelong commitment to restoring balance and promoting well-being, one patient at a time.
5
290 reviews
Dr. Anupriya
I am an Ayurvedic doctor trained at one of the most reputed institutes (yeah, the kind that makes u sweat but also feel proud lol) where I completed my BAMS with 70%—not just numbers but real grind behind it. My focus during & after graduation has always been on treating the patient not just the disease, and honestly that philosophy keeps guiding me even now. I usually see anywhere around 50 to 60 patients a day, sometimes more if there's a health camp or local rush. It’s hectic, but I kinda thrive in that rhythm. What matters to me is not the number but going deep into each case—reading every complaint, understanding symptoms, prakriti, current state, season changes etc. and putting together a treatment that feels “right” for that person, not just for the condition. Like, I don’t do one-size-fits-all plans. I sit down, make case reports (yup, proper handwritten notes sometimes), observe small shifts, modify herbs, suggest diet tweaks, even plan rest patterns when needed. I find that holistic angle super powerful. And patients feel it too—some who come in dull n restless, over weeks show clarity, skin settles, energy kinda gets back... that makes the day worth it tbh. There’s no shortcut to trust, and i get that. Maybe that’s why patients keep referring their siblings or maa-papa too. Not bragging, but when people say things like “you actually listened” or “I felt heard”, it stays in the back of my mind even when I’m dog tired lol. My goal? Just to keep learning, treating honestly and evolving as per what each new case teaches me. Ayurveda isn’t static—it grows with u if u let it. I guess I’m just walking that path, one custom plan at a time.
5
2 reviews
Dr. Snehal Vidhate
I am Dr. Snehal Vidhate, an Ayurvedic physician from Maharashtra, committed to promoting authentic and effective Ayurvedic healing. I completed my BAMS from YMT Ayurvedic Medical College, Kharghar, where I built a strong foundation in classical Ayurvedic science. After graduation, I was fortunate to be selected for the prestigious Certificate Course of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, Delhi. Through this program, I had the unique opportunity to learn traditional and authentic Kerala Ayurveda under the mentorship of my Guru, Prof. Dr. G.G. Gangadharan, a highly respected name in the field. Currently, I am pursuing my MD in Panchakarma from the renowned Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara (SDM) Ayurveda College, Bangalore. This advanced training is enhancing my understanding of specialized Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies, allowing me to integrate classical Panchakarma techniques into modern clinical practice effectively. My clinical approach combines deep-rooted traditional knowledge with scientific understanding to offer personalized care for a variety of chronic and lifestyle disorders. I am passionate about utilizing Ayurveda not just for disease management but also for preventive healthcare and wellness promotion. I am dedicated to helping my patients achieve sustainable health by addressing the root cause of ailments through holistic treatments, Panchakarma therapies, lifestyle counseling, and dietetics.
5
40 reviews
Dr. Vinayak Kamble
1 year
5
50 reviews

Latest reviews

Isaac
2 hours ago
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
This answer really cleared up my confusion. Felt like they really understood my issues and gave some practical steps. Thanks a ton!
Wyatt
2 hours ago
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.
That advice was super clear and so helpful! Thanks for the detailed recommendations and explanation, feel more confident about what to do next.
Anthony
2 hours ago
This was super helpful and impresively detailed, understanding both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives was insightful. Thanks for the guidance!
This was super helpful and impresively detailed, understanding both modern and Ayurvedic perspectives was insightful. Thanks for the guidance!
Victoria
3 hours ago
Really appreciated this answer! It was super detailed and made me feel more hopeful about managing things naturally. Thanks so much for the guidance!
Really appreciated this answer! It was super detailed and made me feel more hopeful about managing things naturally. Thanks so much for the guidance!