CTRI

Gridhrasi is one of the Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi caused by Vitiation of vayu. The name Gridhrasi is derived From the word "Grudhra" that literally means a "vulture".

The Patient suffering From this disease walks like a vulture(Grudhra) due to severe, persistant & migrating pain, so the name of this disease or vyadhi is"Gridhrasi". If the patient right leg is affected by Gridhrasi Vyadhi patient bears all his weight on his left leg & vice versa. This typical gait looks like that of Grudhra’s (vulture’s) walk hence this disease is called Gridhrasi. These Symptoms are similar to the symptoms of "sciatica" described in modern medical science. The Pratyatma Lakshana of Gridhrasi is migrating pain from Sphika (hip), Kati(waist). Prushta(back), uru(groin), Janu(knee) & Jangha(thigh) to pada(foot). Classical pain of Gridhrasi is accompanied by Stambha(rigidity), Ruja(pain), Tod (Pricking pain) & the patient feels recurrent through along affected leg.

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the 6 month Prevalence and severity of low back pain & sciatica in a representative sample of 674 adults aged 20 years or older from a mainly (74.8%) urban population. Information regarding low back pain & sciatica prevalence & severity & its related aspects, as well as socioeconomic & demographic characteristics was collected by personaI interviews with a validated questionnaire. A total of 266(39.5%) patients reported low back pain &166(24.68) reported sciatica during the previous 6 month period.

The lifetime Prevalence of a low back pain is reported to be more than 70% in industrialized countries. 1 year prevalence 15% to 45% adult incidence 5% per year with varying degrees of symptom severity.

The prevalence of low back pain during school age approaches that seen in adult. Increases from childhood to adolescence and peaks between age 35 & 55 years.

Gridhrasi is one among the 80 types of Vataj Nanathmaja Vyadhis. The chances of Gridhrasi is expected to increase in the upcoming years due to sedentary life style, the increased used of computerization & also due to increasing body weight, mental stress hectic work schedules & excessive travelling.

All these adds on to the improper posture which is one of the highlighted cause for spine & nerve compression disorder in the present scenario.

Low back pain is the 2nd most common reason for all physician visits & it is condition that affects as many as 80-90% of people during their life time, among them true sciatica causes occurs in about 5% cases. On considering sciatica as an independent disease it is relatively common condition with life time incidence varying from 1.6% -43%. Sciatica is more common among the age group between 20-60-years of age.

It is a fact that despite recent progress of modern neurology. It is unable to provide an effective cure for sciatica, except for giving temporary relief through analgesic or surgical interventions continuous use of NSAIDS and steroids for reliving pain may in later course. Lead to secondary complication like kidney failure, liver disorder & gastritis.

Keeping these facts in mind this study has been under taken to bring out a treatment modality with no side effects & long lasting relief.

In this study the role of Hingwadi Kwath & Shefali Patra Kwath which is simple & potent yoga described in Sharangdhar Samhitas and Bhaishajya Ratnavali with specified indication only on Gridhrasi.