Effect of Viddha Karma (dry needle procedure) in the treatment of Sciatica – A Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Sciatica is a medical condition which results from the sciatic nerve, or sciatic nerve root pathology. Viddha Karma is a para surgical procedure which removes the accumulated Doshas in the human body via a pricking procedure. This case report highlights the effect of the dry needle pricking procedure on sciatica. Clinical presentation- fifty-five-year-old female patient with lower back pain radiating to the right leg area of the body, for a duration of two years was presented to the National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, India. Based on the lumbar region, anteroposterior and lateral views of X-rays patient was diagnosed with sciatica. The patient was advised for treatments for 15 days with 3 settings of Viddha Karma for 4 Anguli below the knee joint. During the 15 days of treatment and after 15 days of treatment, the patient was assessed for signs and symptoms on, visual analog scale for pain, biochemical parameters (ESR, Serum Uric Acid, C-reactive Protein, and Serum Calcium), and sciatica-related indexes. Results-The patient showed remarkable improvement in the signs and symptoms and sciatica-related indexes after 15 days. The antalgic gait became normal after 15 days. The patient did not complain about the radiating pain, numbness, heaviness, and severe pain during the follow-up. Conclusion: Viddha Karma treatment is effective in alleviating sciatica pain and related symptoms regard to this patient.