Considering your description, it sounds like your back pain might stem from a vata imbalance, especially given the shooting pain when bending or twisting. In the Siddha-Ayurvedic tradition, finding the root cause is important, and managing vata dosha is key here.
Firstly, gentle movement can be beneficial—begin with mild stretching exercises to keep your muscles flexible and reduce tension. Start with a cat-cow stretch, which involves getting on all fours, then slowly arching your back up and down. This can ease tension in the lower back. Try doing this in the morning and evening for about 5 minutes.
Heat therapy can help alleviate pain for vata imbalances; place a warm compress or use a heating pad on your lower back for around 15-20 minutes. Doing this before sleep can help in reducing pain while resting, making your sleep more restorative. Just make sure it’s comfortably warm, not too hot.
Regarding herbal remedies, turmeric is indeed a good choice due to its anti-inflammatory properties. You could try mixing a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk and drinking it once daily—it can be an effective home remedy for reducing inflammation.
For your diet, incorporate warm, cooked foods, and avoid cold or raw foods as they can aggravate vata. Eating meals that emphasize grounding and nourishing foods like rice, sweet potatoes, or cooked oats can be balancing.
Lastly, assess your daily posture and sitting habits. Use supportive seating and regularly adjust your position. Also, pay attention to back support, especially if you spend a lot of time on the couch—consider using a firm pillow or roll near your lower back.
These steps collectively can address the root cause and symptomatic relief with time. Of course, if the pain worsens or persists, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious underlying issues that might need attention.
