COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF VIDDHA AGNIKARMA WITH TENS THERAPY IN THE PAIN MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA)

Gridhrasi is one among the Vata Vyadhi1which affects Kati*, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Janga and Pada*. Stambha(stiffness), Ruk(pain), Toda (pricking sensation) and Spandana (tingling sensation) are the signs and symptoms of Gridhrasi.2

The clinical features of Gridhrasi can be correlated with that of sciatica.

Back ache is a global and most common problem in working population. Back ache is the most common cause of disability in the patient under age group 45years of age.3 Life time incidence of low back pain is said to be 50-70%. Sciatica is one of the most common conditions where repeated episodes of low back pain precede by month or year. Incidence of having sciatica is seen in 40% of cases.4 Constant pain is felt along the distribution of sciatic nerve root and often due to disc protrusion.Symptoms includes pain in the lumbar region radiating down to buttock, thigh, calf and posterior-lateral aspects of foot. 5

In modern acute pain management is by NSAID’S, analgesics and local anesthetics and corticosteroids, early mobilization and other physiotherapy techniques and surgical intervention.5 Trans cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation that primarily aims to provide a degree of pain relief by exciting sensory nerves6,7

In Ayurveda various treatment modalities are used for treatment of Gridhrasi which includes Sneha, Sweda, Abyanga, Virechana, Basti, Siravyadha and Agnikarma.8Various Dahanopakarans such as Pippali, Ajashakrit, Godantha, Shara, Shalaka, Jambhvostha, Madhu, Guda 9and various other type of metals, in which Suchi is one.10Among these Agnikarma procedure seems to be more effective which provides timely relief, hence here an attempt is made to treat pain using Vidddha Agnikarma