Integrated Approach of Panchakarma and Viddha karma for the Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a peripheral neuropathy that most commonly impacts the median nerve, characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling along the pathway of the median nerve. The prevalence of CTS is estimated to range between 4% and 5%. As the condition is prone to recurrence, there is a need to adopt management approaches that provides significant results. The clinical features of CTS can be correlated with Vata vyadhi in Ayurveda. Aim & Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Panchakarma therapy and Viddha Karma combined with Yogaraja guggulu, Trayodashanga guggulu, Asthiposhak vati, and Sukhasarak vati in managing CTS by using Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) score. Methodology: A case report of 52-year-old male patient presented with pain in the right hand, accompanied by numbness, tingling sensations, and difficulty in performing routine activities for 3 months. On examination Tinel’s sign, Phalen’s maneuver were positive, with high BCTQ score, Visual Analogue Scale scored 7, and was advised to perform nerve conduction study. He was diagnosed with CTS with nerve conduction velocity less than 40 m/s. Panchakarma procedures such as Sthanik snehan (localized massage) with Nirgundi Taila, Shashtikshali pinda swedan (sudation with medicated cooked bolus of rice) for 15 days and 3 sittings of viddha karma (Dry needle puncture) at the interval of 5 days, along with internal Ayurvedic medications as mentioned above were adopted for 21 days. Results: Following the treatment, significant improvement was observed in all symptoms, with 67.5% relief in symptoms as reflected by BCTQ scores. Conclusion: Panchakarma therapy and Ayurvedic medications are effective in managing CTS.