AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a pinched nerve, occurs when a nerve in the neck is compressed or irritated where it branches away from the spinal cord and causes pain that radiates into the shoulder and/or arm, as well as cause muscle weakness and numbness. However, the pain or other symptoms often radiate to the parts of the body served by that nerve. The management available in the current mainstream is not satisfactory. We present a case of cervical radiculopathy, which was treated with the combination of ayurvedic panchakarma procedures and a combination of medications internally. Rationale of the case report: A 37- year- old female patient presented with neck stiffness, neck pain, and numbness at right hand and fingers for five years. Intervention: Ayurvedic procedures such as dhanyamla kizhi, dhanyamla dhara, marsha nasyam, along with internal ayurvedic medications, were carried out for 14 days, and surgery was prorogued as the patient responded positively. Result and outcome: There was a marked improvement in pain, stiffness, and range of movements of the neck. The outcome of this case report shows that cervical radiculopathy may be successfully managed with internal ayurvedic medicines along with panchakarma procedures.