Suggest treatment for severe back pain and constipation
Patient: Went to Dr. 1/30 for severe back pain and couldn t had trouble with bm. He gave me muscle relaxer that made me more constipated. Don t remember last time I had a bm except a little sometime last week. Called office yesterday and said not to use suppositories but to use Miralax. This is 2nd day and still haven t gone. Also broke out with shingles day after office visit for which he gave me anti-virus med. Am miserable and don t find any rectal Dr s in area. What can I do? Doctor: hi sir/madam,With the help of ayurveda its easily treatable.Low back ache may be a pre-monitory (prodromal) symptom in fistula in ano, sciatica, gouty arthritis, hernia, emaciation disorder etc. Pain is confined to lower part of the spine (back bone) especially lumbar region or lumbo-sacral area (rarely sacro-iliac region also). If it is secondary, earlier history of fall or injury may be associated. Rarely, radiating pain may be complained by the patient towards lower limbs. But it is quite common in low back aches if the defect is in the discs between vertebrae (back bones). Often the movements of lumbo-sacral region like flexion and rotation are hampered either partially or completely.Low back pain may be found in mild form in case of anemia, sciatica, rheumatoid arthritis, hemorrhoids, urinary calculi, uterine disorders etc also.Line of treatment as per Ayurveda:-The general principles of treatment of vata dosha are adopted in case of katishoola (low back pain). It includes various measures to suit its varied clinical entities, stages and associated complaints.1. Snehana (oleation) – by sneha dhara (pouring oil), abhyanga (oil massage), avagaha (tub bath with oil or oleaginous medicaments), kati basti (retaining medicaments on the back) etc.2. Swedana (sudation) –avagaha sweda  (sweating treatment with tub bath), pizichil (kayaseka), nadi sweda (sudation through a tubular device – local sudation), panda sweda (sudation through medicated paste or powder) etc.3. Mridu Samshodhana -mild purgation.4. Basti (medicated enema) like eranda basti, vaitarana basti, pippalyadianuvasana basti etc.Formulations indicated in Low back ache as per Ayurveda:-1. Dashamoola kwatha.2.Maharasnadi kashaya.3. Rasnaerandadi kashaya.4. Sahacharadi kashaya.5. Gandharvahastadi kashaya.6. Trayodashanga guggulu.And for local application these oils will help:-1. Ksheerabala tail.2. Mahanarayana tail.3. Dhanwantaram tail.4. Maha narayan tail.Avoid these for better results:-1.Bitter, astringent and pungent food2.Cold water3.Fear4.Exhaustion5.Standing6.Driving7.Cold food and beverages etc. Next we will discuss about your Constipation.Inability to completely evacuate the bowels or passing very hard stools is known as Constipation or Vibandh in Ayurveda. This prevalent problem is due to an incorrect lifestyle and poor eating patterns. Although constipation is often looked upon as a common problem, if not treated or if treatment is delayed, it can lead to further problems such as fissures, fistulas, piles, lack of appetite and indigestion.Symptoms:-1. Indigestion (dyspepsia).2. Abdominal pain.3. Nausea.4. Flatulence.5. Pain at the anus while defecating.6. Heaviness of body.7. Lack of appetite.8. Acid eructation (belching).Diet & Lifestyle Advice to follow:-1. Increase intake of fiber, especially fruits and cooked vegetables.2. An apple or banana each day is helpful. Bananas should be ripe (bright yellow.3. Drink 7-8 glasses of water each day, preferably lukewarm in winters and room -temperature water in summers.4. Have a mid-morning soup, preferably prepared with spinach and tomato.5. Take daily morning and evening walks for at least 20-30 minutes each.6. Eat whole grains and nuts.7. Avoid refined foods like white flour, bread, pasta, pizza, white rice, etc.8. High -protein foods like cheese, red meat, and soybeans can cause constipation, so these must be taken with a bowl of salad and lots of liquids.9. Meat is constipating and should be avoided.10.Disturbing psychological factors should be removed, and meals should be taken in a relaxed and calm atmosphere.11. The food should be warm and freshly -prepared, as cold and stale food slows down the digestive power.Home Remedies for constipation:-1. Take one table spoon of castor oil at bed time until you get relief.2. Develop a habit of drinking water in the morning. Start with 2 glasses of water, and increase intake up to 6 - 7 glasses. It is more beneficial if this water can be stored in a copper container overnight.3. Soak 3-4 dried figs after washing them overnight in water. Eat them first thing in the morning, and also drink the water in which they were soaked. They should also be taken in the evening. Try this treatment for 3-4 weeks.4. Apply 3 to 4 drops of lukewarm castor oil over the navel at night in kids. It will help in clearing the bowel movements in kids (of age 1- 3 years) in the morning.5. Apply lukewarm sesame oil on the navel during taking bath and put towel (which is dipped in warm water) on the lower abdomen.Ayurvedic medicines to be taken are:-1. Draksharishta:- To be taken with equal quantity of water in 10ml dosage after meals.2. Sukhavirechanavati:- 1-0-1 with hot water at after food.3. Triphala choorna:- 5g to 10g. To be taken with hot water daily at night before bed.4. Pravalapanchamrutha Bhasma:- One tablet twice a day with buttermilk.These medicines will give best results.Hope i was helpful.Stay healthy,Stay safe.