Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS INDUCED SCIATICA) - A CASE STUDY

Ayush Dhankhar*, Sukumar Nandigoudar, Arun M, Pulkita Sharma, Amey Watwe, Rushikesh Chalak

ABSTRACT

Background: Lumbar spondylosis is a major health issue affecting 70-80% of India's population. Disc degeneration of lumbar spine can cause lumbago (low back pain) or Sciatica (radiating leg pain due to nerve irritation). Gridhrasi, a Vata Vyadhi, is characterized by radiating pain from the lower back to the feet. So Lumbar spondylosis induced sciatica can be compared with Gridhrasi in Ayurveda on the basis of sign and symptoms described in Ayurvedic classics. Due to non-affordability, hesitance and non-willingness towards surgical intervention provided a potential benefit to study this case diagnosed as Gridhrasi under Ayurvedic line of treatment. Aims & Objective: This study was intended to evaluate the effectiveness of Ayurvedic treatment protocol in the management of Lumbar spondylosis induced sciatica. Methodology: This article deals with a case of 26 year oldman had previously diagnosed with L3-L4 and L4-L5 moderate disc bulge and degenerative changes of lumbar spine with Type 2 modic changes of all lumbar intervertebral discs. Based on symptoms Ayurvedic diagnosis of Gridhrasi was made. He had 8 days of Panchakarma treatment which included Abhyanga, Pariseka, Kati Basti and Yoga Basti in combination with oral medications. Results: Following treatment, the patient's symptoms were evaluated using both objective and subjective criteria and the results were encouraging. In overall, the patient's quality of life had substantially improved. Conclusion: The current case in point validates the efficacy of conventional Ayurvedic treatments in treating degenerative lumbar spondylosis.

Keywords: Gridhrasi, Lumbar Spondylosis, Sciatica, Ayurvedic treatment.