Role of Panchakarma in the Management of Gridhrasi with special reference to Sciatica

Abstract

Sciatica is a musculoskeletal disorder affecting more than 10 million individuals annually in India. It is a form of lumbar radiculopathy characterised by mild to severe pain radiating from the lower back to one or both lower limbs. A 57-year-old male patient presenting with symptoms of radiating pain, stiffness, tingling sensation, and restricted movements in the lower limb was diagnosed with Gridhrasi. She was treated with appropriate Ayurvedic internal medicines along with Panchakarma procedures, including Snehana, Swedana, and Basti therapy for a period of 30 days. Clinical assessment was performed before and after treatment, including pain intensity, range of motion, and functional ability. Significant improvement was observed in pain, stiffness, and mobility after completion of therapy. The combined approach of Ayurvedic internal medicine and Panchakarma therapy proved effective in the management of Gridhrasi.