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Orthopedic Disorders
Question #19557
168 days ago
238

back pain causes - #19557

Caroline

Not sure if this is normal but my back has been killing me for the past few months and I just can't figure out why. I used to have occasional discomfort here n there, but now it’s an everyday thing. Lower back, sometimes middle back too, just this dull ache that won’t go away. If I sit for too long, it gets worse, and if I stand for too long, same thing. Mornings are the worst, I wake up feeling like someone beat me up in my sleep. I’ve tried changing my mattress thinking that was the problem but nope, still waking up stiff. Also been stretching a bit, but it only helps for like 10 mins before the pain comes back. My job has me sitting a lot, working on a laptop all day, but I do get up and walk around every hour. Could that still be one of the back pain causes? Or maybe stress? Cuz I’ve had a lot of that lately. What’s weird is that I don’t remember any injury or fall that could’ve caused this, but somehow it keeps getting worse. My digestion has also been off lately - bloating, constipation, all that fun stuff. Read somewhere that gut health can be connected to back pain causes, is that even true? Also, I used to get a massage every month, but ever since I stopped, my back pain has gotten more frequent. Thinking of trying Ayurveda for this, since I don’t really wanna start painkillers just to get through the day. What kind of Ayurvedic treatments or herbs help with back pain causes? Do you think Panchakarma would work for something like this? Also, do specific foods or lifestyle changes make a difference? I'm ready to try anything at this point. And should I see a specialist for this, or can Ayurvedic therapy itself help me figure out what’s going on? Any idea which back pain causes I should rule out first before trying treatments?

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Doctors’ responses

It sounds like you’ve been experiencing significant discomfort, and your symptoms indicate potential imbalances that can definitely be addressed through Ayurveda. Your lower and middle back pain, especially worsening in the morning and with prolonged sitting or standing, suggests possible Vata and Kapha dosha imbalances, particularly because of the sedentary lifestyle exacerbated by stress. The stiffness and pain in your back can indeed be related to poor circulation and weak agni, which can also contribute to your digestive issues like bloating and constipation. Regular sitting without adequate support can intensify these symptoms, so it’s essential to address both your posture and stress management.

I recommend incorporating a few specific lifestyle changes. First, it may help to ensure that your workstation is ergonomically supportive. Invest in a chair that supports your lumbar region, or use a cushion that promotes better spine alignment. Secondly, practice gentle stretching or yoga focused on the back, like Cat-Cow and gentle twists, regularly to improve flexibility. Additionally, try the practice of Ujjayi breathing for at least five minutes a day to help reduce stress and prevent muscle tension.

For dietary modifications, emphasize warm, nourishing foods to strengthen your agni. Consider eating cooked grains like oatmeal or khichdi and including spices like ginger, turmeric, and cumin in your meals, as they are anti-inflammatory. Herbal support could involve integrating ginger tea or a warming herbal mix with ashwagandha and guggulu, which can help reduce inflammation and support muscle strength.

Panchakarma could be beneficial, especially nasya (nasal therapy) and swedana (sudation), to reduce Vata imbalances and improve circulation. A practitioner can help tailor this process effectively to your unique constitution and symptoms. While Ayurvedic therapy can provide substantial support, if your pain is persistent or worsening, I would advise consulting a healthcare specialist to rule out any underlying conditions related to structural issues or nerve compression.

Overall, these steps may empower you to start alleviating your discomfort naturally while also addressing digestion and managing stress holistically.

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