An Ayurvedic Perspective on the Management of Gridhrasi: A Case Report

Gridhrasi is one among the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis described in Ayurveda and is characterized predominantly by pain radiating from the Sphik region towards the Kati, Pristha, Uru, Janu, Jangha and Pada. The clinical presentation of Gridhrasi closely resembles sciatica in contemporary medicine, where pain commonly follows the distribution of the sciatic nerve. A 45 year old male patient presented with complaints of low back pain radiating to the Right lower limb since 2 months associated with stiffness and difficult to walk. clinical examination revealed tests positive. Based on ayurvedic clinical assessment, the case was diagnosed as Vataja Gridhrasi. This patient was managed with yoga basthi along with other bahya karmas, internal medication, physiotherapy and yogatherapy. Appropriate dietary and lifestyle advice was also provided. Following the first course of treatment, the patient demonstrated considerable relief from radiating pain and stiffness, along with improved functional mobility and the ability to perform daily activities more comfortably.