A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFICACY OF AGNIKARMA AND SIRAVYADHA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA)

Abstract

Gridhrasi (Sciatica) is one of the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi, caused by aggravated Vayu, the hip is afflicted by stiffness, pain, pricking sensation in the waist, back, thigh, knee and calf regions along the passage of sciatic nerve which makes the patient difficult to walk which hampers the individual’s daily routines. Aim: The present study was taken up with the objective of evaluating the efficacy of Agnikarma (treatment done with cauterization) and Siravyadha (Bloodletting with Venipuncture) in the management of Gridhrasi. Materials and Methods: The study was performed in comparative clinical randomized two groups parallel study with 40 Gridhrasi i.e., 20 patients in Group A (Patients were subjected to Agnikarma twice with an interval of 15 days) and 20 patients in Group B (Patients were subjected to Siravyadha twice with interval of 15 days. Results: In Group A out of 20 patients after the completion of treatment 10 patients were markedly improved, 5 moderately improved, and 5 reported mild improvement. In Group B out of 20 patients after the completion of treatment 1 were markedly improved, 7 reported moderate improvement, and in 12 patients reports mild improvement. Agnikarma is effective in both acute and chronic cases and provides quick results in relieving Ruk (100%), Toda (85%), Sthamba (90%), Spandana (65%). Siravyadha is effective in acute cases and provides gradual & effective results in relieving Ruk (90%), Toda (85%), Sthamba (60%), Spandana (65%). Statically both the groups showed significant changes making SLR and Bragard’s negative sign better in Group A. Marked response is significantly more in Group A with P value- 0.004^** whichis highly significant. Conclusion: Agnikarma is effective in both acute and chronic cases and provides quick results; Siravyadha is effective in acute cases and provides gradual & effective results in relieving Gridhrasi.