Introduction

Sciatica is a Severe Painful condition where pain radiate along the path of the sciatic nerve . Sciatic nerve is the longest and thickest nerve in body that passes  from the lower back through hips and buttocks down each leg . Sciatica problem develop due to compression of sciatic nerve & the cause usually is herniated disk in the spine or an overgrowth of bone vertebrae .The condition where back pain and radiating pain of the legs if found together, it is called Sciatica syndrome. As per Ayurveda , this condition is named as Gridhrasi. Here the word ‘Gridhrasi’ is derived from the root word – ‘Gridhra’. which means the bird ‘vulture’. As  in this condition , the patient’s gait is altered as his legs become tense and slightly curved due to pain and the patient’s walk look similar to the walk of the vulture (gridhra), Hence it is called as Gridhrasi in ayurveda .

Causative Factors  

• Intake of Vata aggravating food articles  e.g. adhaki (pigeon pea), chanaka (Bengal gram), kalaya (peanut), masura (red lentil), nishpava (flat bean)  etc.
• Excess intake of dry, light and cold food articles in meal .
• Excess intake of pungent, bitter and astringent quality food .
• Lifting Heavy weight , long walk, improper lie or sitting positions.
• Suppression of natural urges of urine,  feces etc.
• Improper practice of enema, purgation etc.
• Fall down or injury .

Cardinal feature

Radiating sharp shooting pain in the affected leg  is the typical characteristic feature of this illness.

Symptoms of Sciatica

• Pain starting from hip area and radiating to the thigh, back, sacral region, popliteal area, calf muscles and to foot.
• Pricking type sensation in those parts
• Altered gait
• Pain worsens with movement

Risk Factors

• Old Age
• Overweight or Obesity
• Occupation where lifting heavy loads
• Prolonged sitting
• Diabetes & smoking

Types of Gridhrasi (sciatica)

Based on Dosha imbalance, Gridhrasi  is of two kinds :

1. Vataja Gridhrasi : Curved posture (altered gait) due to pain (pain during lateral bending), severe stiffness, pulsation in back, hip, thigh, knee and foreleg.
2. Vata-kaphaja Gridhrasi : Along with the above features, indigestion, drowsiness, nausea, anorexia, heaviness of the leg and freezing sensation in the lower limbs are complained.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda , there is a proper treatment is advised which effectively work on relieveing this condition .

To get deeper understanding or treatment , consult with ayurvedic doctor. To Book Appointment , just contact at +91 8256003636