A HOPE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL MYELOPATHY THROUGH PANCHAKARMA

Abstract

Cervical myelopathy involves spinal cord compression at the cervical level of the spinal column, resulting in spasticity, hyperreflexia, pathologic reflexes, digit/hand clumsiness, and gait disturbance1 . The spontaneous course of myelopathy is characterised either by long periods of stable disability followed by episodes of deterioration or a linear progressive course. The presentation of cervical myelopathy varies by the severity of the spinal cord compression as well as its location. Without treatment, patients may progress toward significant paralysis and loss of function. Any space-occupying lesion within the cervical spine with the potential to compress the spinal cord can cause cervical myelopathy. Cervical myelopathy is predominantly due to pressure on the anterior spinal cord with ischemia as a result of deformation of the cord by anterior herniated discs, spondylitis bone spurs, an ossified posterior longitudinal ligament or spinal stenosis. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with kaphavruta vyana vata as both signs and symptoms are similar. Objectives--By consideringg cervical myelopathy as Kaphavritta vyana vata, the present study has attempted to evaluate the efficiency of Ayurvedic formulation in the conservative management of cervical myelopathy. Method-A case of cervical myelopathy, Initially the patient was treated with Dashamoola kaya seka followed by Shastika Shalipinda sweda, followed by Madhutailika basti2 and Anuvasana basti with Murchita tila taila as per Kala Basti schedule, followed by Shamana aushadhi. Result-Patient was observed for symptomatic improvement based on the questionnaire over graded signs & symptoms, also observed for clinical examination before & after treatment. Conclusion: The study has shown that conservative management of cervical myelopathy can be managed effectively through the Ayurvedic principle and improve quality of life.