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Treatment For Slipped Disc

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Treatment for slipped disc

Slipped disc is a common condition. But many do not know what it is. So let me give an idea.

DISC

The exact name is Intervertebral Disc. From the name itself it is clear that the structure is “Disc-shaped”. It is located in between the adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column. This is a structure formed by the fibre and cartilage. The Intervertebral Disc helps to form the joint between the vertebrae and holds the vertebrae together forming the vertebral column. It also helps in the shock absorption.

The disc has an outer layer made of fibrocartilage and an inner gel like structure.

One of the main problems that come in association with the structure is herniation. This is what we call as “Slipped Disc” in common usage.

THE SLIPPED DISC OR THE SPINAL DISC HERNIATION

So what happens in The Spinal Disc Herniation? In this condition the inner gel like layer protrudes out of the outer fibrocartilage layer through a tear.

What causes this tear? The causes of the tear which results in spinal disc herniation may be:-

  • Age related degeneration
  • Trauma
  • Injuries caused by the lifting of heavy weights
  • Strain

The tear results in the reactions that in turn cause the inflammatory changes. This is the reason why we experience pain. But some may not have pain. According to the location, the area of pain and other symptoms may vary. Weaknesses of the muscles, tingling, numbness etc are also seen. Referred pains often make the diagnosis delayed. In some cases the person may experience urinary incontinence.

Another condition is Sciatica. The herniation of the disc in the lumbar region is the major cause. This puts pressure on the Sciatic nerve. The person usually experiences a pain radiating from the lower back to the leg.

THE MANAGEMENT AND THE TREATMENT

Among the Panchakarmas, Virechanam and Basthis are the most beneficial treatments for this condition. Along with this:-

    • Abhyangam:- Massaging of the body with medicated oils.
    • Lepanam:- Apllication of the medicated paste over the affected area.
    • Bandhanam:- Special bandaging of the area.
    • Pichu:- The affected area is covered with a cotton pad soaked in medicated oils.
    • Kati Vasthi:- A well like structure is made in the low back region and the medicated oil is allowed to stay there for specified time. This procedure can be done in the neck or on the area of entire vertebral column. The name of the procedure varies according to the area of treatment.
    •  Pizhichil:- The continuous pouring of the medicated oils in a special method.
    • Dharas:- The continuous pouring of the medicated liquids for a specified time period.
    • Kizhis:- The specially made boluses are used in this treatment.

 

Above mentioned are the general treatment methods used for the condition. The treatment method varies according to the condition. The physician decides the treatment and medicines which is apt for the condition.

Along with the external treatments given above the physician may advice to undergo physiotherapy. Internal medicines are also advised along with the external treatments.

REFERENCES:-

 

Pizhichil

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pizhichil

The Pizhichil, is one of the Swedana methods. It is a modified version of Kayaseka, used in Kerala. This can be done as a main treatment or as a rejuvenation therapy.

HOW PIZHICHIL IS DONE?

In this, method the person is laid on the Taila Dhroni, a special table, and oil is poured continuously in special method. The duration of the treatment is important.

Warm oil is used throughout the treatment. The selection of the oil is done by the physician after considering the condition of the person and his/her health.

BENEFITS OF PIZHICHIL

Even though the Pizhichil comes under Swedana(Sudation therapy), it gives the effect of Snehana(Oleation therapy) also. The usage of oil gives this procedure such an effect.

INDICATIONS

In healthy persons, this procedure acts as rejuvenation therapy and helps in enhancing the health.

As a treatment, this procedure is beneficial in neurological disorders, degenerative disorders etc. It is important to understand that not all diseases that comes under the above mentioned groups are advised this treatment. The physician is the one who should decide the suitable treatment.

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Usually not done in persons having:-

  • Inflammatory conditions
  • Fever
  • Digestive disorders
  • Respiratory

Pizhinju Thadaval a variant of Pizhichil is also popular in Kerala. In this procedure, the person is massaged in special way along with the pouring of the oil.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

The person should follow the instructions given by the physician. Some of the important things to be noted are:-

  • The person should use water that was boiled and then cooled down to luke-warm temperature for bathing.
  • He/she should take medicines prescribed by the physician, if any.
  • Light food is recommended for the person.
  • The person should avoid sexual intercourse during the course of treatment or till the physician suggests.

Njavara Kizhi

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njavarakizhi

Njavara Kizhi is also known as Shashtika Sali Pinda Swedam. From that term itself it is clear that it comes under the Swedanam or the Sudation Therapy.

Pinda Sweda or Kizhi is a special form of treatment formed and followed in Kerala. In this method, various medicines are used to make boluses that are packed in cloth bags and used to apply heat to the body. According to the type of bolus used the name of the Kizhi changes.

Njavara is a type of rice that has high medicinal value. The rice is cooked in medicated milk decoction. The well-cooked rice is tied in cloth as bolus. The bolus is kept warm throughout the entire procedure by dipping in medicated milk decoction.

INDICATIONS

This procedure can be done as a treatment and also for rejuvenation. Mainly done in conditions like:-

  • Neurological Disorders
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Degenerative disorders

CONTRAINDICATIONS

This cannot be done in:-

  • Diseases caused by Kapha Dosha
  • Conditions with oedema
  • Indigestion
  • Skin diseases
  • Heart diseases
  • Diseases related to urinary system
  • Obesity

The above said are the indications and contraindications of the Njavara Kizhi. But there are many other factors also to be considered before advising the treatment for the person. Only after a careful examination only a physician will advice the treatment.

POST-TREATMENT CARE

The person should follow the instructions given by the physician. Some of the important things to be noted are:-

  • The person should use water that was boiled and then cooled down to luke-warm temperature for bathing.
  • He/she should take medicines prescribed by the physician, if any.
  • Light food is recommended for the person.
  • The person should avoid sexual intercourse during the course of treatment or till the physician suggests.

Kizhi

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kizhi

Kizhi is a Malayalam word meaning “a bag filled with”. Here the bag is filled with medicines. The filling can be medicated powder, processed medicinal leaves etc. According to the medicine used inside the bag and the procedure the name of the kizhi changes. In Sanskrit this is named as Pinda Sweda. From the name we can understand that the procedure comes under Swedana type of treatment.

The procedure can be done in many different ways. Let us take a look on different types of Kizhis.

The Kizhis that are commonly used in various treatments are:-

 

  • Churna Pinda Sweda or Podi Kizhi
  • Jambira Pinda Sweda or Naranga Kizhi
  • Kati Kizhi
  • Anda Sweda or Mutta Kizhi
  • Pathra Potali Sweda or Ila Kizhi
  • Shashtika Pinda Sweda or Njavara Kizhi
  • Valuka Sweda or Manal Kizhi

 

CHURNA PINDA SWEDA

                       This procedure is known as Podi Kizhi in Malayalam. In this type the cloth bag is filled with medicated powders or Churnas, hence the name Churna Pinda Sweda. It can be done either after an oil massage or without oil massage. The requirement of oil massage is decided by the physician according to the conditions of the person.

JAMBIRA PINDA SWEDA

             Jambira means lemon. Here processed lemons are used to fill the bag. Before starting the procedure the person is massaged with medicated oils.

KATI KIZHI

              This is a variant of Curna Pinda Sweda. In this procedure, the powder is processed in Dhanyamla.

ANDA SWEDA

             This is also known as Mutta Kizhi. In this type of kizhi, boiled hen’s egg is processed and filled in the bag.

PATHRA POTALI SWEDA

            In Malayalam, this procedure is commonly known as Ila Kizhi. In this type of procedure processed leaves are used to fill in the bags.

SHASHTIKA PINDA SWEDA

           In this type, the bag is filled with processed rice. The rice used is of medicinal value. Usually the bags are dipped in milk during the treatment.

VALUKA SWEDA

         In this the bags are filled with processed sand.

Now let us take a look on how the procedure is done.

HOW THE PROCEDURE IS DONE?

        The person is asked to lie down on the specially set table. The body may or may not be anointed with medicated oil (this is decided by the physician according to the condition of the person and the treatment prescribed). The bags are heated according to the instructions of the physician and the heated bags are used for the sudation.

Follow the instructions of the physician to attain the full effects of treatment.