A Clinical study to evaluate the effect of agnikarma over the padakanishtika anguli (little toe) with tamra shalaka in the management of gridhrasi With special reference to sciatica

The word ‘Gridhrasi itself suggests the gait of the patient which is similar to Gridhra (vulture) due to extreme pain in low back region, radiating towards Pada, where the Dusta Vayu affects the Kandara (nerves) which lies between Prashni (heel) and Anguli (Fingers). The symptoms of Gridhrasi resembles with symptoms of Sciatica. Sciatica is defined as a radiating pain along the course of the sciatic nerve due to the compression or irritation of nerve roots of L4 - S3 and is felt in the low back, buttocks, posterior of the thigh, legs and foot.  Worldwide lifetime incidence reported between 10-40 percentage with an annual report of 1–5 percentage Occupational predisposition shown in machine operators, truck drivers, Sciatica cases reported most commonly in the age group of 25- 45 years. In modern medicine treatment like NSAID’S, Steroid which provides short-term relief and surgical intervention with varying results. The recurrence rate is about 72-90 percentage. Agnikarma has the capability to cure chronic diseases which cannot be cured by Bheshaja, Shastra and Kshara Karma. Hence Agnikarma is done in Padakinsthakam which will be effective in Gridharsi. Tamra Shalaka is more effective than Louha and Panchadhatu Shalaka due to its better effect in controlling symptoms like Toda, Stambha of Gridhrasi. Tamra Dhathu has a property of absorbing heat in short duration and holding it for long duration. Hence there is an emerging need to search for an more effective, safer and cost-effective option for the same.