A Randomized Comparative Clinical Trial to evaluate the efficacy of Agnikarma in the pain management of Gridhrasi with special reference to Sciatica according to Sushruta Samhita and Harita Samhita.

Gridhrasi is a condition in which Vata getting aggravated due to Nidana Sevana, invades the Kandaras of the Parshni (ankle) and Pratyanguli (toes), and produces Kshepa (pain and inability to extend) in the Sakthi (thighs). Acharya Harita explained about Gridhrasi, where Vedana (pain) is the main feature in Kati, Uru, Jangha and Janu Pradeshaand according to Acharya Charaka it is a disorder in which Ruk (pain), Toda (pricking pain) and Stambha (stiffness) are the main features where pain starts from Sphik Pradesha (lower back) and radiates downwards to Kati, Prusta, Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada.

In Sciatica, symptoms like pain and stiffness which starts from the lower back region and radiates down to one or both lower limbs. The pain is distributed along the sciatic nerve. Thus the disease Gridhrasi can be correlated to Sciatica. In the contemporary science, pain is managed by the administration of muscle relaxants, NSAIDs, corticosteroids etc. Long term usage of these medicines may cause mild to serious systemic illness.

Prevalence ranging from 2–5%, depending on the population. Lifetime incidence is reported to be between 10% to 40% and an annual incidence of 1 to 5% in India. It rarely occurs before age 20 unless secondary to trauma. There is no association with body weight or height except in 50 years to 60 years age group.

In Ayurveda, Gridhrasi is treated with Bheshaja, Siravyadhana, Bastikarma and Agnikarma.Acharya Sushruta explained the importance of Agnikarma which can be performed at Atiugraruja Sthana of Twacha, Mamsa, Sira, Snayu, Sandhi and Asthi Vikarasand according toAcharya Harita, Gridhrasi is a condition which is managed by Agnikarma at Gulpha Chaturangule.

Thus the study is undertaken to evaluate the pain management efficacy of Agnikarma with Panchaloha Shalaka in Gridhrasi with special reference to Sciatica on two different sites explained by Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Harita.