Scoliosis and Ayurvedic management
Scoliosis is common in clientele of varying ages. I treat young spines and adults whom have lived with undiagnosed scoliosis. Scoliosis is the side bending of the spine and the severity can range from mild to debilitating. Most cases have their onset in the adolescent years, though I have seen onset of scoliosis in adulthood.
Recognizing the Signs
The signs of scoliosis can be quite subtle, and for this reason, it often goes undiagnosed until later stages. As a practitioner, I look out for back pain, leaning to the side, one shoulder being higher than the other, and an asymmetrical waistline. In children, it is common for parents to describe a concern with posture, though pain is often absent.
What Determines the Right Treatment Approach
Curvature severity, age, and existing symptoms all factor into determining treatment. Typically, the first line of action for mild cases is continuous observation of progression. This is especially the case for children. Their bones are still growing, and the curvature could get better or worse.
In whatever treatment direction we go, I ensure to emphasize the value of situation Ayurvedic treatment alongside ongoing medically monitored support and guidance. Stylistically, scoliosis as a condition is structural, and the involvement of conventional means of diagnostic tracking (e.g. regular check ups, X-Rays) won’t ever stop.
The Ayurvedic Treatments I Use
Tailoring treatment plans is essential, but I offer a selection of therapies to help with scoliosis.
Therapies I use include:
- Prishta Abhyanga — a therapeutic oil back massage to help facilitate better circulation to your spine.
- Churna Pinda Sweda — a herbal powder poultice to help alleviate muscle stiffness and spasms.
- Lepanam — applying a medicated paste to select areas on the back.
- Veshtanam — therapeutic supportive bandaging.
- Patra Pinda Sweda — herbal leaf poultices for muscular tension and inflammation.
- Prishta Vasthi — special oil retention on the spine.
- Taila Dhara — back doused in warm oil for further therapeutic effects
- Shashtika Pinda Sweda — a rice poultice to aid the strengthening of the weakened muscle.
In addition to the therapies listed above, I also provide support through the use of herbal medicines. The herbal medicines help with muscle spasms and inflammation, also helping to support the health of the spinal structures through the course of treatment.
The Case for Yoga in Scoliosis Treatment
Yoga is an invaluable treatment for scoliosis. Many yoga postures, stretches, and therapeutic movements strengthen and help relax the muscles surrounding the spine. This helps improve spinal alignment and decreases scoliosis-related discomfort. However, yoga postures must align to the individual’s spinal curvature. One must approach yoga for scoliosis in a specialized way.
Scoliosis and the Role of Ayurveda
Let’s be very clear: physiotherapy is literally mandatory, and yoga is an extra/supplementary treatment for scoliosis. Physiotherapy helps facilitate the scoliosis Ayurveda treatment because therapeutic movements and relaxation of the muscles help even the treatment’s oil-based aspect.
The Need for Bracing or Surgery
In moderate cases of scoliosis, where curvature is potentially more progressive, it’s common for patients to be prescribed braces to help prevent progressive worsening of the curvature, and progressive worsening of the curvature is what braces are used to help prevent. Surgery becomes the treatment of last resort for cases of scoliosis where the curvature is more severe and progressive.
With the combination of Ayurveda yoga, physiotherapy, and the other passive treatment modalities, patients can avoid progressive treatment interventional measures, like surgery, and help prevent treatment complications of scoliosis and further progressive curvatures of the spine.
Frequently Asked Questions
On its own, Ayurveda cannot undo the curve of scoliosis. However, it can complement other therapies by helping to control symptoms, lessen pain, and maintain the health of the spine when used in conjunction with mainstream medical supervision.
Signs and symptoms noticed can include a person having one shoulder or hip appear higher than the other, a side lean with no apparent weight shift, and back pain, which is often noticed at first by the parent or a school health check.
Is physiotherapy necessary for scoliosis treatment?
Absolutely. Physiotherapy is an essential component in the management of scoliosis and is used in conjunction with Ayurveda to address muscle strength, flexibility, and postural alignment through the use of various forms of physiotherapy and yoga.
Surgery is required pretty much for all of the severe, progressive cases of scoliosis, when the curve is very large and treatment is unable to reduce the rate of progression.
The unique qualities of each case of scoliosis including age, severity, and symptoms, all impact the management plan. If diagnosed in a timely manner, utilizing a combination of Ayurveda, yoga, and physiotherapy, the condition of most patients is greatly improved with the goal to eliminate the need for surgery.
About the Author
Dr. Nasreen Thacham Poyil has an Ayurveda Physician Degree from VPSV Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, and with a wide scope of practice, is located at Kottakkal at Ajman, treating patients with various conditions including Musculoskeletal, Gastrointestinal, Gynecological, Neurological and Dermatological disorders.
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