Back pain and disc problems- causes and remedies

Back and disk problems affect individuals of all ages, especially those with sedentary lifestyles, repetitive strain, or physical injuries. Common causes include poor posture, age-related changes, and physical trauma. Ayurveda links these issues to an imbalance in Vata dosha, which can be triggered by irregular routines, stress, and a poor diet.

Common causes*

  • Overweight/ diabetes: Extra weight constantly strains the back muscles and spinal structures. Diabetes can damage nerves and impair circulation, potentially worsening back pain and slowing healing
  • Osteoporosis: Weakens the spinal bones (vertebrae), making them prone to painful tiny fractures (compression fractures) even from minor stress
  • Spondylosis: This is age-related wear-and-tear arthritis in the spine (see Arthritis), affecting discs and joints, causing pain and stiffness
  • Sedentary lifestyle: Weakens the core and back muscles that support the spine, making it more vulnerable to strain and injury
  • Excess weight lifting (improperly): Puts sudden, intense pressure on discs and back muscles, potentially causing strains, tears, or disc herniation ("slipped disc")
  • Smoking: Reduces blood flow to the spinal discs, starving them of nutrients, speeding up degeneration (wear-and-tear), and hindering healing

Home remedies*

Try these simple and effective home remedies to relieve back pain:

Warm sesame oil massage

A partner or family member can gently massage warm sesame oil onto the affected back area using slow, circular motions for 5–10 minutes.
Important: Use only light pressure—especially over the most painful spots—as the person massaging likely doesn't have professional training for back conditions. The goal is to soothe stiffness and relax muscles, not to apply deep pressure.

Ginger tea

Sip warm tea made by steeping fresh ginger slices in hot water. Ginger is traditionally used to help reduce inflammation and improve circulation, potentially easing back discomfort.

Ajwain (Carom seed) poultice

Gently dry roast ajwain seeds, tie them tightly in a small cotton cloth bundle (poultice), and use this warm bundle as a gentle compress on the painful back area. This provides localized warmth and may help relieve stiffness.

Warm compress

Apply gentle warmth using a heating pad (on low/medium setting) or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel to the sore back area. This can help relax tight muscles and reduce aches.

Gentle cat-cow stretch

Carefully and slowly move between arching and rounding your back while on your hands and knees. Use caution! If pain persists or worsens during or after this (or any) exercise, stop immediately. This gentle movement may help improve spinal flexibility if done correctly and without pain.

Turmeric milk

A glass of warm milk mixed with a half to one teaspoon of turmeric powder can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, aiding in pain relief over time.

* This content is only meant for educational purposes and does not replace a consultation with an expert. We surely hope it helps you though! You can book an online or in-clinic appointment to consult one of our Ayurvedic doctors.

Book a consultation with us

If your back pain or disc problems persist for more than a few weeks, interfere with your daily activities, or worsen over time, it is best to seek expert guidance. At Samyoga Ayurvedic Heritage, our experienced doctors will assess your condition and recommend personalised treatments tailored to your specific needs.

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