Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF AYURVEDIC AND MODERN ASPECTS OF VATAJ GRIDHRASI W.S.R. SCIATICA

Dr. Kashish*, Dr. Atul Kumar Agrawal

Abstract

Gridhrasi is listed among the eighty Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhis in Ayurveda, a condition that occurs solely due to the aggravation of Vata Dosha. The Vataja form of Gridhrasi is marked by symptoms such as Ruk (pain), Toda (sharp pain), Stambha (stiffness), and Muhu Spandana (twitching) that starts at the Sphik (buttock) and travels sequentially through Kati (waist), Prishtha (back), Uru (thigh), Janu (knee), and Jangha (calf) reaching the Pada (foot).[1] This condition is associated with Sakthikshepanigraha,[2] indicating difficulty in lifting the affected lower limb. This clinical presentation closely resembles Sciatica as understood in modern medicine, which primarily results from the compression or irritation of a lumbar nerve root, often due to intervertebral disc prolapse. The contemporary management of sciatica, involving analgesics, muscle relaxants, and physiotherapy, tends to provide mainly temporary relief, while surgeries come with higher expenses and the risk of recurrence. Ayurveda treats Vataja Gridhrasi by employing Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana Chikitsa, and Shodhana methods such as Snehana, Swedana, Basti, Siravedha, and Agnikarma, which focus on calming the aggravated Vata Dosha and restoring proper function to the affected limb. This article examines the Nidana, Purva Roopa, Roopa, Samprapti, Samprapti Ghataka, and treatment of Vataja Gridhrasi as outlined in traditional Ayurvedic texts and compares these with the aetiopathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sciatica as detailed in contemporary medical literature.

Keywords: compares these with the aetiopathogenesis, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of sciatica as detailed in contemporary medical literature.