Abstract

EFFICACY OF YOGASANA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRUDHRASI (SCIATICA)

Dr. Manish Arora*, Dr. Sagar Gogawale and Dr. R. P. Patwardhan

Abstract

Low back pain is most common complaint with a prevalence of 65 to 90% and annual incidence of 4-5%. Grudhrasi is one of the panic conditions in today’s society. In Grudhrasi intense shooting pain characteristically radiates from Sphika (gluteal region) to Pada (foot). On the basis of symptoms of Grudhrasi; it can be equated with the disease sciatica in modern science. Sciatica is a common neuralgia characterized by pain radiating into the leg; it is usually caused by nerve root compression and irritation or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, and is often accompanied by lower back pain and neurological deficits in the lower limb. Yoga therapies prescribe specific regimens, postures, breathing exercise and relaxation technique to suit individual needs. Yoga therapy tailors these to the health need of the individual. Ardha-matsyendrasana and Pawanmuktasana creates exercise of lower back, pelvic and lower extremities muscles hence stimulating the nervous system and improving movements. Ardha-matsyendrasana and Pawanmuktasana are easy to practice and they relax not only superficial but also the deep muscles which also have major role in lower back pain. Clinical trial on 30 diagnosed patients of Grudhrasi of either sex between age group 30 – 60 years and chronicity of less than 3 years, carried out over the period of 30 days showed 76.8% relief in pain, 80% relief in stiffness, 79.5% relief in pricking sensation. The results of SLR test showed 76.7% of relief and the observation of walking distance in trial group showed 62.5% relief. Ardha-matsyendrasana and Pawanmuktasana showed beneficial results in the management of Grudhrasi i.e. sciatica. Asana’s are easy to perform cost effective and help in reliving the spasm & pain by relaxing the spine & associated muscles thereby reducing the sign and symptoms of Grudhrasi i.e. Sciatica.

Keywords: Ardha-matsyendrasana, Pawanmuktasana, Grudhrasi, Sciatica.