Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL MYELOPATHY – A CASE STUDY

Dr. Yashmine Khan* and Dr. Shyamanta Kalita

Abstract

A nervous system disorder affecting the spinal cord along with neurological deficit is termed as myelopathy, resulting from compression or non-compression at any segment of vertebral column. Cervical myelopathy is most common type amongst them. It is unpredictable in nature as it can rapidly worsen with functional decline or slowly progress over years unnoticed but classically exhibits stepwise progression. Out of all causes, the most common is disc protrusion and osteophyte of the bone. The contemporary science advocates to oral medications and lastly limited to surgery which may arrest the progression of disability but may not result in neurological improvement; thus Ayurveda resorts to only hope for a quality life. In this case study a 30 years young male presented with symptoms of paresthesia of extremities, unable to walk or lift leg aided on wheelchair (paraparesis), gait imbalance, mild left shoulder region pain, retaining bladder control was diagnosed with Cervical myelopathy and treated with shaman aushadhis and Panchkarma therapies. An attempt has been made to discuss Ayurvedic view in diagnosis and management as the result obtained were promising and encouraging. However, the disease prognosis is variable, but the progression can be abated, providing good quality of life with Ayurvedic management.

Keywords: Cervical myelopathy, Vatavyadhi, Panchkarma therapies, Shaman aushadhis.