Management of spondylosis-induced sciatica (Gridhrasi) with variation of Basti Dravya as per the Avastha of the disease: a case study

Abstract

Background: Improper sitting posture in office or continuous work in one posture and overexertion, lifting heavy weights, and jerking movements during traveling—all these factors create undue pressure and stress injury to the spine and play an important role in producing low back pain (LBP). Several low back conditions can cause sciatica, and lumbar disk degeneration is one of them. Based on the clinical symptoms, it can be correlated with Gridhrasi described in Ayurveda. Aim: The aim of this study was to treat a patient of Vata Kaphaja Gridhrasi on the basis of Avastha of Doshas with the help of Panchakarma treatment. Materials and Methods: This is a single case study of a 42-year-old female patient with complaints of severe acute pain in the lower back radiating to B/L lower limbs associated with a tingling sensation, a burning sensation in the upper and lower phalanges, and stiffness in joints for one month, causing difficulty in sitting and standing. She was treated by using Snehana, Svedana, and Basti Chikitsa along with Shamana Aushadha for three months in total. Assessment was done on BT (0th day), AT (31st day), and two follow-ups (61st day and 90th day) on the basis of VAS pain (Ruk), VAS stiffness (Stambha), fingertip to floor test, fasciculation (Spandana), straight leg raising (SLR) test by goniometer, femoral stretch, LBOS scale, and Maine Seattle Back Questionnaire for QoL. Result: The patient showed significant relief in VAS score for pain and stiffness, fingertip to floor distance was reduced significantly. Improvement was noticed in fasciculation and SLR test after treatment of one month.