Effect of Ayurvedic oral medication and Panchakarma therapy in Gridhrasi (Sciatica) - A Case Report

Abstract

Gridhrasi is one among eighty diseases of Vata. Here Gridhra refers to vulture and typical walking style is acquired in Gridhrasi. Here typical gait refers to slight tilt towards the affected part of body. The clinical features of Gridhrasi is low back pain which is radiating to the hip, the back of thighs and down to leg. It can be correlated to Sciatica. Sciatica is the painful condition in which pain starts in the lumbar area and radiates along the course of the sciatic nerve. For present study, we have reported 38 years old male patient having symptoms since 15 days. Before treatment, patient was unable to walk even 4 to 5 steps, Visual Analogue Scale score was 10, range of motion was restricted and painful, his SLR test was positive at 150 of right side and 30°of left side. The aim of study is to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in Gridhrasi. Shamana (pacification), Shodhana (purification) was the main treatment modalities planned in this patient. Ksheera Basti was main line of treatment planned. After 52 days of treatment he was able to walk up to 500 meters without any difficulty, Visual Analogue Scale score changed to 2, was able to move the leg with minimal pain and SLR test was changed to 60° on both sides. Patient got 80% relief from pain. This article highlights a case study treated with simple Ayurvedic formulations and Ksheera Basti which is helpful in reducing the symptoms and stopping the recurrence of the disease. The results with rationality have been depicted in this article.