Integration of Ayurveda and Physiotherapy in the management of Sciatica: A Case Report

Abstract

Ayurveda and Physiotherapy were found highly efficacious in the management of Sciatica. But the integration of these two systems yields better outcomes; there is a lack of more evidence-based study that offers a deeper understanding. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary treatment approach of Ayurveda and physiotherapy in sciatica. This is a case report of a 36-year-old sciatica patient, who was suffering from a lower back ache with pain radiating to the right lower extremity up to the two outer toes. The study lasted for four weeks. An Interdisciplinary team was formed. The Ayurveda treatments included: Shodhana Chikitsa and Shamana Chikitsa including Panchakarma treatments. The physiotherapy treatments included: manual therapy, McKenzie’s exercises, muscle strengthening and stretching and balance/proprioception exercises. The patient reported positive outcomes after 4 weeks of treatment. There was a decrease in pain scores from 8 to 0 in the NPRS scale rating of pain (during rest) and 8 to 1-2 (during activity). Along with this, changes were noted in the p4 questionnaire indicating reduction in symptoms. The scores were decreased on the sensory and effective dimensions of pain in the short form McGill pain questionnaire. Present pain intensity (PPI) changed to mild. The onset of symptoms changed from 2 minutes to 8 minutes. The interdisciplinary approach of Ayurveda and physiotherapy resulted in a reduction of pain in sciatica patients.