Backache is one of the most common ailments prevalent today. Sedentary living habits, hazardous work patterns and psychological conditions associated with emotional stress, which bring about spasm of the muscles, cause backaches.

As the back bears the weight of the entire body, overweight persons feel the strain on the back when they have to carry an extra load.

Causes and symptoms

In most cases of backache, the pain is usually felt either in the middle of the back or lower down. It may spread to both sides of the waist and the hips. In a condition of acute pain, the patient is unable to move and is bed ridden.

About 90 percent of backache patients suffer from what is called cervical and lumbar spondylosis. It is a degenerative disorder in which the different vertebrae adhere to each other through bony unions. As a result of this, the spine loses its flexibility.

The main causes of backache and spondylosis are muscular tension, straining of the joints, poor posture and incorrect nutrition resulting from dietic errors and lack of exercise. Acute or chronic illnesses like kidney or prostate problems, female disorders, influenza and arthritis may also lead to backache.

Other causes include stress and strain resulting from sitting for a long time, improper lifting of weights, high heels and emotional problems which may cause painful muscle cramping.

Diet and other measures

The diet of those suffering from backache should consist of a balanced diet with much emphasis on boiled vegetables, fruits, steamed and easily digestible foods.

The patient should avoid fatty, spicy and fried foods; curd and sugar; condiments; tea and coffee. Foods that have been processed for preservation have few nutrients and should also be eliminated from the diet.

Smoking or tobacco-chewing in any form should be avoided completely. Hot sponging or application of mild heat also gives immediate relief.

One should always be habituated to sit or stand in an upright position and prevent bending low. Avoid sitting in an excessively relaxed posture. Sometimes carrying heavy objects also aggravates back ache.

Yogic Asanas which are beneficial in the treatment of backache are Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Halasana, Uttanpadasana and Shavasana.

Herbal pack for backache

Some of the Ayurvedic Medicines useful in treating backache are Yogaraja guggulu, Shallaki, Guduchi, Rasnadi Kashayam, etc. Medicated oils like Mahanarayana oil or Dhanwantharam oil can be applied externally.

• Joint Aid Plus – 2 capsules twice daily

• Ashwagandha – 1 capsule twice daily

• Guggulu – 1 capsule twice daily