Abstract

PIPPALI CHOORNA VATI IN TREATMENT OF VATAKAPHAJ GRIDHRASI VYADHI (LUMBAGO SCIATICA SYNDROME)- A REVIEW ARTICLE

Dr. Kabita Kumari Sahoo* and Dr. Bipin Bihari Khuntia

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Abstract

Severe low back pain radiating to the toes of one or both of the lower limbs is one of the commonest problems in society today. Gridhrasi (sciatica) is one among the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi (disease) described in Ayurveda.[1] It is a painful neuromuscular disorder, posing a serious threat to the quality of life of the most productive group of population in today’s India. It indicates a typical gait that resembles a ―Griddha”. Gridhra means vulture.[2] Vulture is fond of meat and has a particular fashion of eating meat. It pierces its beak deeply in the flesh and then draws it forcefully, causing severe pain. The pain in Gridhrasi is also the same kind, hence the name is given. Also, because of the persisting severe pain the patient has a typical gait i.e. slightly tilted towards the affected side and affected leg in flexed position and another leg extended. The cardinal signs and symptoms of Gridhrasi are Ruk (pain), Toda (pricking sensation), Stambha (stiffness) and Muhurspandan (tremors) in Sphik (sacral region), Kati (lumbar), Uru (thighs), Janu (knees), Jangha (calf region) and Pada (legs) in order and restricted lifting of the legs.[1] In Kaphanubandha (association of Kapha) Tandra (drowsiness) Arochaka (loss of interest), Gaurav (heaviness) are present.[1,3] The signs and symptoms seen in Gridhrasi have resemblance with that of disorder sciatica in modern science. It is a very painful condition inwhich pain begins in the lumbar region and radiates along the postero-lateral aspect of thigh and leg due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Because Gridhrasi is a very painful and chronic condition,it has to be managed with regular treatment. There is a need for certain clinical therapies on various scientific parameters which could be safe, effective and readily available, so this drug, ―Pippali Prayoga”(Pippali Choorna, Gomutra, Eranda Taila) (Ref.Chakradatta 22/47) has been selected.

Keywords: Pippali choorna vati, Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Gait, Tremors, Straight-Leg-Raise (SLR) test.