Joint Pain, Lower Back Pain, & Body Aches: Symptoms, Causes, Remedies
Joint pain, is referred to as the pain around the joints of the body which is often caused due to inflammation that can result from trauma or certain health conditions. Joint pain can either be mild or severe. Mild joint pain leads to soreness only after specific activities and is relieved after resting while severe joint pain can cause excruciating pain and restrict movement.
One of the most common types of joint pain involves lower back pain, which is a primary cause of disability across the world. On the brighter side, you can take suitable measures to prevent as well as relieve most episodes of joint pain. Mild joint pain can be successfully treated with certain simple home remedies, while severe joint pain may need a more extensive treatment approach. Ayurveda has a treasure trove of remedies that can help to manage joint pain and other body aches.
Reasons for Back pain/Joint pain.
In our hectic everyday schedule, we tend to ignore various kinds of pain. Joint pain can be one such challenge that can become a hindrance to your active lifestyle. Common causes of joint pain or back pain related challenges are inflammation, degeneration of joint bone, deterioration of cartilage, tendons, ligament and muscles, gout, fibromyalgia, polymyalgia Hypothyroidism, rickets, etc. In certain situations, it becomes imperative to seek a medical practitioner’s advice. If you are looking for a long term joint pain-related health solution, then it’s about time you consider Ayurveda as part of your health regimen.
4 Treatments for Lower Back Pain/Joint Pain Relief
If you are experiencing pain in the joints and do not know why, consult your doctor to determine the primary cause. In some cases, what may feel like joint pain could be, in reality, a condition that is unrelated to your joints, such as a bone fracture or muscle strain. It is vital that you get an accurate diagnosis before you begin to self-treat.
Modern Medication
Anti-inflammatory medications and certain prescribed medications can help relieve the pain in the initial stages. It is advisable to seek professional advice before taking any over-the-counter medications.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy helps induce relaxation and rejuvenates the body while helping to combat joint pain. Massages and physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles and increase the range of motion that is often affected by joint pain. This eventually reduces overall stiffness and pain. There are various options of physical therapy that can help relieve joint pain.
A physiotherapist is the most suitable person to teach you a wide range of exercises that improve your posture, strengthen the muscles of your back and abdomen, and increase your flexibility. Regular practice of these techniques can avoid the recurrence of joint pain. Therapists will also inform and educate you about ways to modify your movements during the occurrence of joint pain, with the intention of avoiding the flaring up of pain symptoms while you continue to stay active.
Ayurvedic Treatment
Ayurvedic treatments for joint pain are designed to minimize the pain and alleviate the symptoms of joint pain that include pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, and redness. Ayurvedic management for joint pain takes an extensive approach and includes a variety of therapies, physical exercises, herbal treatments, massages and more. This eases the everyday performance and minimizes the efforts and pain required to do daily routines.
Such impeccable results are possible because Ayurvedic therapy treatment is not the same for everybody. It ensures personalized treatment strategies for every single individual based on the severity of their condition and their health needs. Ayurvedic therapy can be divided into two broad categories for joint pain namely Ayurvedic treatment for inflammatory joint conditions and Ayurvedic treatment for degenerative joint conditions.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Inflammatory Joint Conditions:
Inflammatory joint conditions, according to Ayurveda, are associated with increased Ama or toxins in the body. The best way to treat such conditions is by detoxifying the body. Based on the level of toxins or Ama present in the body, Ayurveda recommends the detoxification process. Mild toxins can be eliminated with dietary changes and regular consumption of lukewarm water along with adequate rest. Moderate to high levels of toxicity need certain herbal cures to help the organs eliminate the toxins while high levels of toxins in the body need therapies such as Panchkarma to detoxify the body.
Ayurveda also advocates incorporating a variety of herbs that have potent anti-inflammatory properties, like Guggulu, Rasna, Sunthi, Haridra etc. What’s more, the practice employs a wide range of therapies such as pouring of a warm, fermented liquid (Dhanyamladhara), oil massage (Abhyanga), herbal powder massage (Podikkizhi), herbal leaf massage (Ilakkaizhi) and a wide variety of enemas (Vasthis), which are extremely efficacious when it comes to inflammatory joint conditions.
Ayurvedic Treatment of Degenerative Joint Conditions:
Degenerative joint conditions, in Ayurveda, are treated with a holistic approach. It comprises of lifestyle changes, dietary changes, herbal medications, and other therapies to help strengthen the joints and surrounding muscles while relieving the pain and discomfort.
Other Alternative Medication
Quite a few alternative treatments help in the easing of joint pain symptoms. Always discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor before commencing with a new alternative therapy such as:
5 Exercises for Joint Pain and Lower Back Pain Relief
Joint pain involving lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems affecting people all over the world. The key to quick recovery and prevention of recurrence of pain lies in staying as active as possible. Mentioned below are 5 simple exercises that you can incorporate into your exercise regimen to obtain relief from joint pain and lower back pain. Perform each exercise two to three times a day for optimum results. Make it a point to breathe properly throughout the exercises.
Knees to Chest Asana
To perform this exercise, you are required to lie straight on the floor and pull both knees towards your chest. Once you have established a position wherein your lower back and hips experience a comfortable stretch, hold the position for one set of inhalation and exhalation. Repeat the stretch 5-10 times and gradually increase the number. In case you’re having difficulty using both legs, you may try using one leg at a time.
Lumbar Rotation Stretch
Lie on your back and bring your feet towards your hips while your knees face the ceiling. Slowly, rock both knees to one side, with your shoulders still touching the floor. Make sure that your body from the hip up is steady. Try to touch the floor with your knees, but don’t force it if you cannot, stretch as much as possible.
Child’s Pose/Balasana
Start on all fours, and slowly move your back until your bottom rests onto your heels. Keep both your hands outstretched in front of you and gradually sink into the position, feeling a comfortable stretch through your underarms and lower back. Hold the pose for 1 inhale and 1 exhale, and then return to all fours. Repeat the exercise for at least 5 times.
Cobra Pose/ Bhujangasana
You need a firm surface for this pose. Lie on your abdomen and slowly prop up onto your hands. Let your pelvis remain on the floor, and gently relax your legs. Hold for 1 inhale and 1 exhale, and then return to the starting position. Push up again and repeat 5-10 times.
Pelvic Tilt and Squeeze Exercise
Lie on your back with both knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Flatten and slowly push your back onto the floor by tightening your abdomen and glutes. Hold this pose for nearly 10 seconds. Do not stop breathing during the exercise. Repeat five to ten times.
Home Remedies for Joint Pain
Joint pain can surely cause excruciating pain but popping off-the-counter painkillers without consulting a professional can lead to unwanted side effects that can worsen the condition. Therefore, to prevent such side effects and keeping the cures natural for mild joint pain symptoms, you can opt for these home remedies.
Ginger
Ginger is one of the most commonly found household spices that is used in nearly all Indian kitchens. It is also one of the most used and valued Ayurvedic herb and today even scientific studies back the benefits of ginger claimed in Ayurvedic texts. Studies have shown that ginger is rich in anti-inflammatory properties that can help in alleviating pains.
Methi/Fenugreek
Methi is another commonly found kitchen spice. It can help in combating joint pain as it is rich in compounds that can effectively alleviate pain. To use it efficiently, you can consume fenugreek-soaked water early in the morning or make a thick paste to apply it topically on the affected areas.
Magnesium Sulfate/Epsom Salt Soak
Soaking in Epsom salts can be really helpful in soothing your joint pain. This is because the magnesium sulfate-rich Epsom salt when gets absorbed by the body during the soak, and helps in the reduction of inflammation which is often the major cause behind joint pain.
Include Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Your Diet
Omega-3 fatty acids are gaining popularity given their several health benefits. One such health benefit of omega-3 includes its ability to reduce inflammation and thus effectively reduce joint pain. Consuming foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids such as nuts, flax seeds, chia seeds, and walnuts can help you get rid of discomforting joint pain.
Massage with Garlic Oil
Garlic, when heated in some mustard oil for 3-5 minutes, makes for a highly effective massage oil that can relieve your joint pain instantly. Massage with warm oil before going to sleep and get restful sleep without feeling any pain or discomfort.
Add Spices to Your Food
Spices such as ginger, turmeric, and cayenne pepper are enriched with certain compounds that not only help reduce swelling but also help in blocking the chemicals in the brain that induce and trigger pain.
List of Joint Pain & Back Pain Medicines
Zandu Sallaki (60 capsules)
Zandu Sallaki Pure Herb is an Ayurvedic supplement made from pure extracts of Sallaki, whose botanical name is Boswellia Serrata. Sallaki is known to improve joint and bone health. Therefore, the use of this product can help reduce joint pain and inflammation. This natural remedy can be opted by those experiencing chronic muscular and lower back pain.
How to use: 1-2 capsules consumed twice a day or as directed by your physician. This product is best before 24 months from the date of manufacture.
Zandu Joint Pain Reliever for Chronic Pain (Prakhar Sandhigata, Pida Har Vati*, 60 tabs)
Do you experience sudden and acute joint pain? If yes, you must never ignore such pain because it may aggravate with time and pose a hindrance to your everyday life. To help you overcome joint pain and associated problems, Zandu offers you Mridu Sandhigat Pida Har Vati, regarded as one of the best Joint Pain Medicines. This joint-pain reliever is an Ayurvedic formulation that is fortified with the goodness and efficacy of select Ayurvedic herbs to reduce inflammation, relieve symptoms of joint pain, and improve the health of the joints.
How to use: Consume 1 tablet twice daily, post breakfast and post-dinner, or as directed by your physician. This product is best before 60 months from the date of manufacture.
Advisory (Legal): to be taken under the supervision of a physician or a medical practitioner.
Zandu Joint Pain Reliever (Sandhipeshi Pida Har Vati, 60 tabs)
Formulated from a nourishing combination of traditional Ayurvedic ingredients that are renowned for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, Zandu Sandhipeshi Pida Har Vati offers joint pain relief by reducing the joint pain challenges. This Vati, besides alleviating joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, helps in improving physical function and mobility.
How to use: 2 tablets twice daily after meals (breakfast and dinner) with water under medical supervision*. This product is best before 24 months from the date of manufacture.
FAQs on Back Pain & Joint Pain
What can cause pain in multiple joints?
There are many probable causes of pain in multiple joints, including different types of joint health related challenges ankylosing spondylitis, gout, and pseudogout, weakening of nerve, metabolic bone disorder, bone infection, d, chronic fatigue syndrome, and injuries such as sprains).
How can I relieve joint pain?
Apply ice to the affected joints to relieve swelling and pain. Ice your joint for approximately 15 minutes at different times of the day. After a couple of days, you may use a heating pad to combat any muscle spasms surrounding your joint. Give the joint a thorough rest on the first day and give a miss to those activities that cause aggravation of pain.
What is the best vitamin to take for joint pain?
The best vitamin for maintaining overall joint health is vitamin D.
When should I worry about joint pain?
You need to consult your doctor if your joint pain is accompanied by redness, swelling, or tenderness and warmth around the specific joint.
What disease makes all your joints hurt?
Some of the most common health conditions that cause joints to hurt include gout, bursitis, sprains, strains, and injuries.
What is the common natural anti-inflammatory?
Turmeric or Curcuma longa contains nearly 300 active compounds, the primary one being the antioxidant called “curcumin,” which also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
What causes waist pain?
Waist pain reasons or conditions that are commonly associated with waist pain include muscle or ligament strain, repeated heavy lifting, or sudden awkward movements, which can eventually cause waist pain or strain to the spinal ligaments.
How can I relieve waist pain?
Ten effective ways to relieve waist pain include being active, stretching and strengthening, maintaining a good posture, maintaining a healthy weight, trying ice and heat, knowing your OTC (over the counter) medications, applying medicated creams, consuming supplements, and using a rolled-up towel.
Legal Disclaimer
Therapeutic uses of this product and the different combinations in which it can be consumed are recommendations based on facts established by Ayurveda’s age-old wisdom. Zandu Care always strives to present data that is both authentic and safe. Yet, usage of our products is at the sole discretion of the consumer. In case, any persisting side effects are perceived on account of any product, you are requested to consult a physician immediately. As every product depends upon individual body constitution & prakriti, the recommendations in this article, may in no way, be considered as a substitute for diagnosis and remedies offered by physicians.
