A Comparative Randomized Clinical Study Of Pain Management In Manyastambha (Cervical Spondylitis) In Age Group Of 18 To 60 Years By Agnikarma Yantra (Thermal Cautery) Using Suvarna And Rajat Metal Tips.

The International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) in its classification of chronic pain defines cervical spinal pain as pain perceived anywhere in the posterior region of the cervical spine, from the superior nuchal line to the first thoracic spinous process. This is clearly a topographic definition, and it states that neck pain is usually perceived posteriorly. This is consistent with patients of neck pain. Pain to the front of the cervical spine is usually described

as pain in the throat and not as neck pain.

Manyastambha is vataj nanatmaj vyadhi according to Acharya Sushruta. In manyastambh,

there is involvement of vata and kapha dosha. The symptoms are Ruka (pain) stambha(restricted movement),gaurava4

Aacharya Sushruta has mentioned different methods of management of diseases such as Bheshaja karma, Yantra karma, Shastrakarma, and Agnikarma.

‘’ Agnikarma ‘’ has Evolved very Effectively through it. Agnikarma is an Ancient Medical Technique derived from the Indian System of Medicine (Ayurveda). It is a thermal and minimally Invasive Procedure that includes Controlled, pointed, and therapeutic burns over the regions that are tender or painful. Also, we can say that the disease once treated by Agnikarma does not reoccur.

This procedure aims are manage various afflictions by inflicting burns on the tissue surface directly by using different materials known as ‘Dhahanopakarans’ ( tools of Cauterization).They are as follows, Pippali (Piper longum), Aja Shakrit (feces of Goat), Godanta (Teeth of Cow), Shara (Arrow), Shalaka (Probes), Varti(Wicks), Suryakanta (Variety of stone) etc. Likewise, for the diseases of muscles Loha (Iron), Swarna (Gold), Tamra (Copper) and Kamsya

(bronze) are used. In deeper and stronger tissues like bones, ligaments, tendons, vessels etc., Madhu (Honey), Guda (Jaggery), Vasa(Fat), Ghrita(Ghee), Taila(Oil), Madhucchishta(Beeswax), etc.

Agnikarma is used in the management of Manyastambha (Cervical Spondylitis). Here the heat, which is transferred to the skin acts by removing the obstruction in the Strotas (minute channel) and increases the blood circulation to the affected site. The rate of any metabolic activity is increased by a rise in temperature. From the therapeutic point of view with an appropriate rise in temperature, all cell activity increases, including dilatation of vessels, cell motility, synthesis and release of chemical mediators. More blood circulation, flushes away the inflammation and the patient gets relief from the symptoms. Afferent nerves stimulated by heat is having an analgesic effect by acting on the gate control mechanism.

There are many more conditions which can be treated with Agnikarma, Pain management is one of them.

Here We are using Agnikarma Yantra (Thermal cautery)with Suvarna and Rajat metal tips in pain management in Manyastambha (Cervical Spondylitis).

Why Agnikarma Yantra (Thermal Cautery)?

Most physicians nowadays still use the traditional method for Agnikarma like heating metal Shalaka on flame, which is a lengthy process. It is not necessary the Shalaka temperature we got while heating always comes the same. With an thermal cautery machine, the tip of this modified Shalaka goes to the required temperature in a relatively very short time. In addition to this, we are using a thermostat8 with which we can manage the temperature accordingly for Samyak Dagdha. This way we can overcome these two problems while doing Agnikarma Chikitsa.