Effectiveness of Safoof-e-Majusi with Wet Cupping in Managing Irq-un-nisa (Sciatica): A Case Report

Objective: Sciatica, or lumbosacral radicular syndrome, is characterized by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve due to compression or irritation of its nerve roots, commonly caused by lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis. In Unani medicine, this condition is referred to as Irq-un-nasa. It is a kind of Waja-ul-Mafasil that develops in the hip joint as a result of the accumulation of Khilt-e-Dam or Khilt-e-Balgham ghaleez. Many drugs and surgical procedures are available in the traditional medical system to treat sciatica, but their efficacy has not been well-established in clinical trials. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Safoof-e-Majusi, a traditional Unani formulation, combined with wet cupping therapy in the management of Irq-un-Nisa (sciatica), offering a holistic and integrative approach to treatment. Case Presentation: A 51-year-old laborer presented with 10 days of lower back pain radiating to his right leg after heavy lifting. MRI showed L4-L5 disc desiccation and lumbar spondylosis. He was treated with Safoof-e-Majusi and two sessions of wet cupping. After 15 days, he experienced significant pain relief and improved mobility, with no recurrence during follow-up. Conclusion: The study concludes that the combination of Safoof Majusi and wet cupping is an effective and low-cost treatment for symptomatic relief in patients with sciatica. While this case report yielded positive results, larger clinical trials are necessary to confirm these findings. Key words: Sciatica, Unani medicine, Wet cupping, Safoof Majusi, Irq-un-Nisa