In the present era, there is considerable increase in disorders related to the locomotory system which has affected both social and professional life of human, impairing the quality of living. ‘Gridhrasi’ is one among such disorders described in Ayurvedic classics. It is a Ruja Pradhana Vatavyadhi and the name ‘Gridhrasi’ itself indicates the impaired gait of the patient i.e., “Gridhravath”. In Gridhrasi, there is intense shooting pain characteristically radiating from Sphik (gluteal region) to Prishtha Bhaga of Kati (lumbo-sacral region), Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada in the same sequential order. The symptoms of Gridhrasi are Ruk, Toda, Spandana and Stambha. In modern view the above condition is described as pain or paresthesia which is experienced along the course and distribution of the sciatic nerve or an associated lumbosacral nerve root. It is well known even among the laymen as “Sciatica”. Lifetime incidence of sciatica reported between 10% to 40% with an annual incidence of 1% to 5% of the population. The prevalence of sciatica varies considerably ranging from1.6% in the general population to 43% in the working population.

The change in lifestyle including busy professional and social life, improper sitting posture in offices, factories, overexertion, jerking movements during travelling and sports– are few factors creating undue pressure to the spine. Also, other factors like irregular & improper food habits, suppression of natural urges, lack of proper sleep or sleeping during day time and over exerting day to day work has led to an increased incidence of low backache and sciatica. Likewise, progressive disorders affecting the pelvis and nearer structures are also precipitating this condition. In this way, this disease is now becoming a significant threat to the working population.

In reference to sciatica treatment, contemporary medical science has only symptomatic management with analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs which causes serious side effects on prolonged usage. In some cases, if nerve compression is more, then steroid injections, peri-radicular infiltration and surgical interventions like laminectomy, discectomy are indicated but these procedures are expensive with their own limitations. All these factors show a gravity of the disease and have compelled to go for a better remedial search or alternate choice of treatment which can be achieved through Ayurveda.

            In Ayurveda, Basti Chikitsa is considered as the most effective form of treatment in the management of various ailments especially in diseases occurring due to Vata Dosha due to its multi- dimensional action. Acharya Charaka and Acharya Vagbhata have described Basti as Ardha Chikitsa which itself is self-explanatory about its importance. It is also considered as one among the important treatment procedures in Gridhrasi.

             There are different patterns of Basti explained in our classics like Yoga Basti, Kala Basti and Karma Basti , but Acharya Kashyapa has mentioned special pattern for Kala Basti  where, 12 Anuvasana Basti’s and 3 Niruha Basti’s are mentioned which would be more beneficial in Vataja Rogas including Gridhrasi.

              Considering the above factors, an attempt has been made to clinically evaluate the comparative efficacy of Kashyapokta Kala Basti and Vagbhatokta Kala Basti in Vataja Gridhrasi (Sciatica)