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Disc bulge and nerve compression
For more than 1 year I have been suffering from back and left leg pain and numbness in my leg, I went to a spine surgeon and took an MRI and came to know that I have mild to moderate disc bulge along with nerve compression and prescribed a pain killer, muscle relaxant and supplements for a month. He asked me not to do any exercise and only do bed rest.Earlier the pain was more like intense tiredness like pain now the pain which I am having for the last 2 days is like shooting pain going from my buttock to my calf , I don't know if my symptoms are improving or not, I am still getting pain and numbness, i don't know if I can start the panchkarma or exercise? Please guide me if I can do some simple back exercises? Is it totally curable in ayurveda?
Answers (15)
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Age -37 years, Female
Complaints of low back pain, radiating to left leg and numbness also present since 1year.
This is a clear cut case of Sciatica where compression of the sciatic nerve which leads to release of local inflammatory markers ie., cytokines, tumor necrosis factor and starts sensitisations leading to shooting or burning type of pain.
In Ayurveda, this type of condition is called Gridhrasi where pain will be radiating from Kati (Lower Back), Prshta (Sides of the back), Uru (Thigh), jangha (Calf muscles), pada (Ankle region).
Gridhrasi is of two types - Vata predominant and Vata Kapha predominant. Vatic type is of with severe pain where as VataKaphic is associated with heaviness and dull pain.
Next Steps
Examination includes - Knowing all these things:-
* Ruling out the cause of the disease - whether due to santarpa janya or apatarpana janya vyadhi.
* Ruling whether patient is associated with any life style disorder problems.
*Dosha - whether Vatic or Vata Kaphic
*Dhatus - Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medo, Asthi, Majja
*Srotas - Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa, Medo, Asthi, Majja
*Ama pareeksha
* Agni pareeksha
This examination part helps us to rule out the condition and eases to make choice of choosing medications.
Health Tips
In this condition, So many Ayurvedic medications such as Amavatari ras, Vatagajankusha ras, Vatavidhwamisi ras, Rasnadi guggulu, Maharasnaadhi guggulu, Yogaraja guggulu, Mahayogaraja guggulu, Panchatiktaka guggulu, Maharasnaadhi kashaya, Rasna saptaka kashaya etc., along with Panchakarma Therapies where local Abhyanga, Swedana, Matra Basti or kashaya basti are opted as per the patient needs and after examination of the patient is known.
kindly have consultation....
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You can plan spine rehab treatment at Ayurvaidya healthcare vijaynagar bangalore, consult online or visit
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Consult ayurvedic doctor nearby punchkarma hospital.
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As an ayurveda doctor, I recommend Panchakarma , for your problem. I have seen many cases like this. Skilled practice of Bastikarma is most beneficial. Better to take such treatments as an inpatient, because you should avoid travelling, once we start Bastikarma treatment. You will experience the benefits, one month later after performing Bastikarma. You have to take ayurveda medicines internally , once we complete bastikarma. There are many more effective ayurveda remedies, which avoided spine surgeries.
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Consult ayurveda physician for proper diagnosis and root cause of ailments before consuming any medicine
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Stop exercising immediately. The change from a dull, tired ache to an acute, shooting pain running from your buttock down to your calf combined with persistent numbness strongly indicates that the disc bulge may be actively compressing or irritating a nerve root which results in sciatica.
I want more information regarding the pain of how it is radiating whether you are feeling any change in your urine control, numbness around the genitals or thighs.
Next Steps
1 Ayurvedic therapies like Kati Basti or Panchakarma can be highly effective for chronic back conditions, they are generally unsafe during an acute flare-up of active nerve compression. Undergoing deep tissue therapies, manual manipulations, or heavy detoxes right now can aggravate severe inflammation around the nerve root.
2. An updated MRI or physical exam is required
i would like to suggest you to take an online consultation so that I can ask you required questions and know exact symptoms and the severity of your problem.
Health Tips
Don't indulge in any type of exercises or therapies.
Get consultation.
For now just focus on your diet
Avoid prolonged sitting
sit in a straight back chair
Consult doctor online or in clinic
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Consult
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Based on your MRI and symptoms, the disc bulge with nerve compression is the likely cause of your shooting pain from the buttock to the calf (sciatica) and numbness. The change from a dull, tired feeling to a shooting pain suggests that the nerve is still irritated. Recovery from a disc bulge can take several weeks to months, and improvement is often gradual.
From an Ayurvedic perspective, this condition is commonly correlated with Gridhrasi (sciatica), where Vata Dosha predominates. Ayurveda can play a valuable role in reducing pain, improving mobility, and supporting recovery, particularly when combined with appropriate lifestyle measures. However, it is important to remember that not every case is completely curable, especially if there is significant or persistent nerve compression. The aim is to relieve symptoms, improve function, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Next Steps
Since you are still experiencing pain and numbness, do not start vigorous exercises or Panchakarma on your own. The decision to begin Panchakarma should be made after a clinical examination, once it is confirmed that there are no neurological red flags. Complete bed rest for long periods is generally not recommended in most cases of sciatica. After the initial severe pain settles, gentle, supervised movements and physiotherapy-based exercises are usually more beneficial than prolonged immobilization. If your pain is improving, your doctor or physiotherapist may gradually introduce exercises such as gentle walking, pelvic tilts, or McKenzie extension exercises, depending on your condition. Avoid heavy lifting, bending forward repeatedly, twisting movements, or high-impact exercise until you are medically cleared. If you notice progressive leg weakness, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin (saddle area), seek urgent medical attention, as these symptoms require immediate evaluation. For personalized assessment and a classical Ayurvedic treatment plan, including whether therapies such as Kati Basti, Basti Karma, Abhyanga, Swedana, or other Panchakarma procedures are appropriate in your case, you may connect with us at 9 3 1 5 6 6 1 5 6 5.
Health Tips
Maintain good posture, avoid prolonged sitting, use a firm mattress if comfortable, and take short walks as tolerated instead of remaining in bed all day. Keep your body weight within a healthy range, as excess weight increases stress on the spine. Most people with mild to moderate disc bulges improve with time, appropriate rehabilitation, and conservative treatment. Ayurveda can be an effective complementary approach, but the treatment plan should be individualized based on your current neurological status and MRI findings rather than starting Panchakarma or exercises without assessment. Thank you
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Thanks for trusting Ayurved and Dr Satish. It'd probably added value if you could add MRI report. Surely such vata and asthi majja dhatu concerns are very crucial and at such very early age.
It just means you are not maintain tone of your muscles n life or ur diet isn't offering support for the same.
Next Steps
small Basti detox and Rasayan therapy medicine along with toning you in all sense will surely add value if u participate in management else dr will make u dependent u for lifelong
Health Tips
only saltless Pop Rice Corn Rajgira Lahya Kheel as dinner for 7days
and in early morning cow ghee shallow fried (seedless Dates + Aksha masoor +Amala)
weight less exercise on in-person examination and assessment
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Hot fomentation and neurosurgery opinion for further management
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It is symptoms controllable by ayurveda and Siddha system only.
புற வளையம் (pura valayam) in Siddha is best symptom relief treatment.
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Dr. Bhargav H M
Ayurvedic General Medicine
6 yrs exp
Bangalore
Disc bulge with nerve compression can often be managed well without surgery. You need proper clinical assessment followed by well-planned, good-quality Panchakarma and rehabilitation. Not random massages. The exact treatment depends on your MRI findings and severity of nerve involvement.
Next Steps
Get your MRI and neurological findings reviewed before starting Panchakarma or exercises. Seek urgent evaluation if there is increasing weakness, bladder/bowel disturbance, or numbness around the groin.
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Dr. Raghuveer
Ayurveda
7 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Disc bulge with nerve compression can take several weeks to months to recover. Persistent pain and numbness, or a change to shooting pain, should be reviewed by your treating spine specialist before starting exercises or Panchakarma. Avoid beginning exercises on your own, as the type and timing depend on your symptoms and MRI findings. Ayurveda may help reduce pain, improve function and support recovery, but no treatment can guarantee complete cure in every case. Please consult me with your MRI report so I can assess your condition and guide you on the appropriate treatment and rehabilitation plan.
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Dr. Vanita Chandna
Ayurveda
31 yrs exp
Jalandhar
Avoid maa rajma
Bed rest
Medicines like mahavat vidhavansan ras
Next Steps
Slow exercises
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Dr. Danny Devasy
Ayurveda
22 yrs exp
Madurai
Hello there!
Disc bulge and pain can be treated very successfully by medications, therapies and physiotherapy.
You need to keep the following in mind:
1. Stop heavy lifting.
2. Give proper support to the back.
3. Keep a pillow under knees if you like on your back for sleeping. Put pillow in between the knee if you sleep sideways.
4. Give hot fomentation on the back.
5. Have plenty of water and good nutrition.
6. Apply warm Mahanarayana Tailam mixed with Karpooradi oil.
Next Steps
A video consultation will be better. please call for details.
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Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.