Intervertebral disc is a hydrostatic, load bearing structure which lies between adjacent vertebrae in the vertebral column forming a fibrocartilagenous joint allowing the slight movement of the vertebrae, acting as a ligament to hold the vertebrae together and to functions as a shock absorber.

IVDP is a medical condition affecting the spine in which a tear in the outerfibrous ring (annulus fibrous) of an intervertebral disc allows the soft central portion (nucleus pulpous) to bulge out beyond the damaged outer ring.

Causes:

• Repetitive mechanical activities such as frequent bending, twisting, lifting and other similar activities without breaks.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle.
• Traumatic injury to lumbar disc.
• Practicing poor posture.

CLINICAL FEATURES 

• Low back pain
• Sciatic pain
• Paraesthesis
• Numbness and weakness of muscles

According to Ayurveda, IVDP can be correlated with Katigraha which is described under Vatavyadhi.

TREATMENTS:

4 to 6 weeks of admission in the hospital, which include the following line of treatment:

• Educating the patient and family members
• Lifestyle modification
• Ergonomics
• Regular therapeutic exercises
• Ayurveda Panchakarma therapies
• Ayurveda internal medicines
• Physiotherapy
• Yoga

What to expect after the treatment:

1. Reduction of the pain at the affected part.
2. Increased flexibility and mobility of the affected part.
3. Reduction in numbness of the limbs.
4. Reduction in the radiating pain.
5. Increased strength of the muscle of the affected part.
6. Improved quality of life.

Follow up:

A follow up treatment program with admission is suggested after a gap of 6 to 9 months, depending upon the condition of the individual patient.

Three consecutive IP treatment programs are suggested.

Please note:

Response to the treatment varies from patient to patient depending upon the duration of the illness, severity, stage and other co-morbid conditions.

 A lot of effort and participation from the patient’s side is needed to get the desired results. Patients who are too old & weak, who are mentally compromised / unstable, who are unable to follow basic commands, who are unable to respond to instructions cannot be taken up for treatment. Favorable results not expected with such patients.

  Patients above the age of 70 years may or may not get the desired results owing to old age.

  Patients having Cardiac (heart) problems and / or Renal (Kidney) problems may not be considered for treatment at our Institution.

  Patients having Psychiatric / Psychological issues may not be able to achieve the desired results.