Ayurveda and traditional treatment regime for Greeva sandhigathavata: A case report

Abstract

Greeva sandhigatha vata, correlating with cervical spondylosis, is caused by vata dosha. This study evaluates the effectiveness of Ayurveda and traditional treatment regime on GSV. A 48-year-old male patient presented with neck pain, and pain radiating along both upper limbs as well as along the posterior side of the head, accompanied by heaviness and numbness in both upper limbs, and limitation of the neck movements due to pain for the past 08 years. He was reported to the OPD in Ayurveda National Hospital, Rajagiriya. The treatment included Mee oil Sneha, Wal embarella pottali sweda, Greeva vasti with Mee oil, Prathimarsha nasya by Anu thaila and Rasna sapthaka kashaya. Modifications in the patient’s life style after treatment; 90% Shula relief was observed. Cervical movements improved significantly (measured by the Goniometer); Left lateral movements from 50° to 70°, Right lateral movement from 65° to 75°, Flexion from 40° to 55°, Extension from 40° to 58°. Mee oil Sneha and Greeva vasti with Mee oil pacifies Vata and Pitta and also Mee oil has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, analgesic, hepatoprotective, anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, anti-tumor, neuro-pharmacological properties. Wal embarella pottali sweda promotes Snehana, Swedana and Vata kapha shamana; Prathimarsha nasya balances Urdhavajathrugatha kapha dosha. Rasna sapthaka kashaya has Thiktha (35.7%), Madura (28.5%), Katu (21.4%), Kashaya (14.2%) rasa, Lagu (27.7%), Snigdha (22.2%), Theekshana (16.6%) guna, Ushna (71.4%), Sheetha (28.5%) Veerya, Madhura (57.1%), Katu (42.8%) Vipaka. In view of the above, this treatment regime demonstrated the effectiveness in this specific case of Greeva sandhigatha vata and warrants further investigation.