Introduction- The torso of the body is formed by the joining of the spine, sternum and ribs. The length of the spine is 2/5th of the whole body. The bones which join to form the spine are called vertebrae. There are 33 types of vertebrae in the spine of a young person. Vertebrae are present at different places in the body such as 7 near the neck, 12 on the chest, 5 in the lumbar region, 5 in the sacrum region and 4 in the coccyx region. There is a fibrocartilaginous intervertebral disc between the adjacent vertebra and the first vertebra of the sacrum. All discs or discs are formed by an outer fibrocartilaginous fibrous ring and an inner soft, pulpy and highly flexible structure called nucleum pulposus. The disc joints are strong, allowing the spine to move in various ways and the disc absorbs shocks. The intervertebral discs absorb shocks and also have to endure compressive forces. The discs between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and between the fifth lumbar vertebra and the sacrum have to endure more forces than most other discs. If the anterior and posterior ligaments of the disc are injured or weakened, the nucleus pulposus comes under so much pressure that it tears the surrounding fibrous cartilage. When this happens, the nucleus pulposus protrudes from the posterior or anterior vertebrae. This condition is called a herniated disc or steepened disc. The nucleus pulposus usually shifts backward toward the spinal cord and its ligaments. This movement puts pressure on the spinal nerves, which sometimes causes severe pain. Coughing, sneezing or any other physical reaction increases the internal pressure of the stomach and aggravates other symptoms of the disease. Mostly, there is a spasm in the neck muscles. Apart from this, in neurological abnormalities, the reflex actions of the deep tendons of the biceps and triceps muscles decrease, sensation also decreases and the muscles of the hands become weak. Treatment of 'Herniated Disc' disease through Yoga Kriya- To stop the development of this disease, first make the patient lie down on the bed. Rest is the easiest and most beneficial treatment to remove complete stiffness of the spinal cord and to restore its activity. The deeper the injury on the spinal cord, the more time it will take for the stiffness to go away and the lesser the injury, the sooner the stiffness of the spinal cord will go away. After slight improvement in the immobility (stiffness) of the bone, practice Yogic Kriyas to attain complete health. Practice of Preksha Yoga Kriya- Shatkriya (Hatha Yoga Kriya) Practice Jal Neti in this disease. Practice Yogic Kriya to bring flexibility in the spine- Asana: Practice backward bending asanas in this disease. First, the patient should sleep in Makarasana, Advasana and Jayesti Asana. When there is slight improvement in the condition of the disease, practice Uttanpadasana, Pawan Muktasana, Shalabhasana, Bhujangasana and Supta Vajrasana. Pranayama: Practice Anulom-Vilom and Nadi Shodhan in this. Practice time: Practice yoga for 45 minutes daily and 3 times a day. Preksha Dhyan: While practicing, focus your attention on the spine. Anupreksha (thought of the mind): While practicing, think in the mind- By practicing this yoga, the bones of my spine are becoming flexible and soft. I am gradually getting well. Meditating in this manner in the mind gives quick relief from the disease. Food In the beginning of the disease, consume semi-liquid substances. Drink Khichdi and vegetable soup. When there is slight improvement in the disease, you can consume rice, dal, boiled vegetables and roti. Precaution Do not consume excess spices, meat, fish etc. in this disease. Special - Practice all the yogic activities carefully. Do not hurry while doing any asana and do it under the supervision of a yoga therapist. While practicing yoga, concentrate on the spine and also meditate.
