Holistic Approach to Managing Sciatica (Gridhrasi) with Ayurveda: A Case Report

One common condition encountered in daily life is Gridhrasi, which is identified as sciatica. The main clinical signs of Gridhrasi are stiffness and jerking sensations in the back (Prishta Kati), legs (Pada), knees (Janu), and thighs (Sphik/Jangha), as mentioned in the Charaka Samhita. According to Charaka, it can be described as either Vataja or Vata Kaphaja. Vagbhata highlights the primary symptom of Gridhrasi as the inability to raise one’s legs (Sakthyutkshepa Nigrahana). Similarly, sciatica often presents as radiating low back pain and may be associated with nervous system issues. This report describes a case of a 62-year-old male patient who exhibited the aforementioned symptoms and was admitted to an Ayurvedic hospital. The patient experienced difficulties in walking, lumbar stiffness, and pain that radiated from the lower back to the left leg. He was specifically treated for low back discomfort with Erandmooladi Vasti and Kativasti, along with Patra Pinda Sweda (fomentation with medicated leaves) for a duration of 15 days. The therapies administered included Sarvang Snehan, Nadi Swedan, Matra Basti, Niruha Basti, and Kati Basti. These treatments yielded favourable results that lasted for a month. There was significant healing following the completion of the therapy. Therefore, this Ayurvedic approach, utilising the combined techniques of Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa, can effectively manage Gridhrasi.