Abstract

A CLINICAL CASE STUDY ON EFFECT OF PATTRU (POULTICE) IN CRIPPLINGLY PAINFUL LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY

L. Janani*, G. J. Christian, S. Elansekaran, M. Ramamurthy and S.P. Shanmugapriya

ABSTRACT

The Siddha System of medicine, which had its presence in the ancient Tamil land, is a complete holistic medical system has been practiced in India 2000 years and above. Pattru (Poultice) is one of the 32 types of external medicine mentioned in Siddha literature. Here, in single based study Aavarai ulunthu pattru (poultice) was used externally for cripplingly painful lumbar radiculopathy patient. Lumbosacral radiculopathy occurs in approximately 3-5% of the population and men and women are affected equally, although men are most commonly affected in their 40s, whereas women are most commonly affected between ages 50-60. In Siddha, Lumbar radiculopathy is considered as Thandagavatham. Aavarai Ulunthu Pattru (Poultice) which is used for the healing of Fractures traditionally is found to be working excellently in relieving the Painful bone and Joint conditions and even neurological problems associated with it. In this single case study of 40 year old male patient Aavarai ulunthu pattru (poultice) was applied externally for 48 days. The results of this case study showed promising changes from cripplingly painful to easy walking which is evident from the examination of lumbar spine and MRI - Lumbar spine done before and after treatment.

Keywords: Siddha, Poultice, Lumbar radiculopathy.