A Comparative Clinical Study on the Effects of Mehjama Nariya and Hijamat Bila Shart in Irqunnasa (Sciatica)

Abstract

Aim: Irqunnasa (Sciatica) is one of the commonest neuralgic pains in lower limbs. The overall incidence of this condition is approximately between 13% and 40 % with the malady has the potential to become chronic and intractable with major socioeconomic implications. Several Unani medical regimens are claimed to be effective in its treatment, but are not corroborated. In order to validate scientifically, two different regimens viz; Mehjama Nariya (Fire cupping) and Hijamat Bila Shurt (Dry cupping) were selected to evaluate their effects comparatively in Irqunnasa by an open label, prospective, simple randomized, observational study. Methods: Diagnosed cases of Irqunnasa aged between 18 to 65 years of either gender fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected and randomly allocated after obtaining voluntary informed consent into two groups of 20 patients each viz; Group A Mehjama Nariya and Group B Hijamat Bila Shurt. Treatment protocol was followed for 15 days in both groups. Results: Mean visual analogue scale (VAS) scores before treatment in Group A was 10 and Group B was 9.4, while after treatment it declined to 6 in Group A and 6.6 in Group B. This reduction was found statistically significant in both groups (p< 0.01). The Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores in both groups revealed significant difference (p