A Conceptual Review of Gridhrasi Lakshana According to Brhattrayi with Special Reference to Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica) Correlated with Modern Diagnostic Modalities.

Background: Gridhrasi is described in Ayurveda as a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi characterized by pain beginning in the Sphik (gluteal region) and radiating down the Kati, Prshtha, Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada, with stiffness, pricking pain and restricted lifting of the limb. It closely resembles lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica) in modern medicine, which results from compression or irritation of lumbosacral nerve roots and presents with low back pain, radiating leg pain, sensory disturbance and motor weakness. Aim: To present a conceptual review of Gridhrasi lakshana as described in the Brhattrayi (Charaka, Susruta, Astanga Hrdaya) and to correlate them with the clinical features of lumbar radiculopathy and findings obtained through modern diagnostic modalities such as MRI, EMG, nerve conduction studies, X-ray and clinical provocative tests. Materials and Methods: A narrative literary review was performed using classical Ayurvedic texts (Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya) for Gridhrasi lakshana, and standard modern neurology and orthopaedic references and review articles for the clinical features and diagnostic criteria of lumbar radiculopathy. Lakshana of Gridhrasi were systematically listed and juxtaposed with the symptom complex of lumbar radiculopathy. Modern diagnostic modalities were described in terms of how they objectify the same clinical features. Results: Gridhrasi lakshana — Ruk/Shoola (radiating pain), Toda (pricking pain), Stambha (stiffness), Spandana (twitching), Sakthikshepa-nigraha (restricted raising of the leg), Gaurava (heaviness), Tandra and Aruchi (in Vata-Kaphaja type) — closely correspond to low back pain with sciatic leg pain, paresthesia, restricted straight leg raising, motor weakness and reflex changes seen in lumbar radiculopathy. MRI and EMG/nerve conduction studies objectively demonstrate the structural and functional nerve root involvement that explains these symptoms. Conclusion: The Brhattrayi descriptions of Gridhrasi conceptually and clinically parallel the symptomatology of lumbar radiculopathy. Modern diagnostic modalities serve as objective tools that corroborate the classical clinical picture, supporting an integrative diagnostic approach and strengthening the scientific understanding of Gridhrasi in the light of contemporary neurology