Ayurvedic management of cervical spondylosis radiculopathy

Abstract

Radiculopathy, commonly referred as pinched nerve, refers to a set of conditions in which one or more nerves are affected and their functioning is hampered. This phenomenon is termed as neuropathy. This can result in pain or more precisely in radicular pain. In a radiculopathy, the problem occurs at or near the root of the nerve, shortly after its exit from the spinal cord. However, the pain or other symptoms often radiate to the part of the body served by that nerve. The management available in the current era of medicine is not satisfactory. Here, we are presenting a case of cervical spondylosis (CS) radiculopathy which was treated with a combination of Panchkarma procedures and Ayurvedic oral drugs. Greeva stambh was considered as the Ayurvedic diagnosis for the case. The treatment protocol designed for the particular case was Panchatikta ksheera Basti (enema with medicated milk) for 16 days along with Shalishastic pind sweda. The oral medication prescribed was Ashwagandha churna (Withania somnifera Dunal), Shatavari churna (Asparagus recemosus Wild), Gokshur churna (Tribulus terrestris L.) each in a dose of 2 g, Sarpgandha churna (Rauvolfia serpentina (L) Benth. Ex Kurz) 1 grms, Shankha bhasma 500 mg with Luke warm water, Yograj guggulu-3 tablet with Dashmool kwath in a dose of 40 ml, Ashwagandha avaleha 10 g with lukewarm water. All these drugs were prescribed for twice a day. Visual analog scale and range of motion were the parameter used to assess patient and considerable improvement was noticed in the case after a month of treatment which sustained in follow-up duration of 2 months. The case study demonstrate that CS radiculopathy may be successfully managed with Ayurvedic treatment.