Issue : 01 DOI :

INTERNATIONAL

JOURNAL

DIAGNOSTICS

AND

RESEARCH

Volume : 02

Abstract

Background: Gridhrasi is a Vataja disorder derived from word ‘Gridh’ means vulture in Ayurveda, characterized by

Ruka

[1]

(pain), Toda

[1]

(pricking sensation), Spandhan

[1]

(twitching),Stambha

[1]

(stiffness), and Gati

Sanga(nighrah)

[1][2][3][4]

(difficulty in walking), with pain radiating from the Sphik (hip) to the Pada (foot)

[1]

. This

clinical picture closely resembles sciatica, a common condition with a lifetime incidence of 10-40%

[5].

A gap exists

between the holistic diagnosis of Ayurveda's Nidana Panchaka and the structural findings of modern imaging like

MRI.

Aim: To conduct an observational study of Gridhrasi by evaluating it as sciatica through MRI of the lumbar spine.

Methods: An observational study was conducted on patients presenting with classical symptoms of Gridhrasi. A

detailed history, Nidana Panchaka evaluation, and clinical examination were performed. MRI scans of the

lumbosacral spine were obtained to assess disc pathology and nerve compression.

Results: A significant correlation was observed. A representative case of a 38-year-old male with Gridhrasi

symptoms showed MRI findings of disc prolapse and radiculopathy at L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, directly

corresponding to the clinical presentation of sciatica.

Conclusion: Gridhrasi is clinically comparable to sciatica. The integration of the Nidana Panchaka framework with

modern MRI diagnostics provides a comprehensive, validated, and interdisciplinary approach to diagnosis, which can

lead to more effective management strategies.

Keywords- Ruka, Toda, Spandhan, Stambha, Gati Sangh, MRI Lumbar Spine.

ISSN No. : 2584-2757

Volume : 03

Issue : 01

Publisher

ROGANIDAN VIKRUTIVIGYAN PG ASSOCIATION

FOR PATHOLOGY AND RADIODIGNOSIS

DOI

: 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 7 3 5 9004

Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)

Year of Establishment – 2016

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH

Corresponding author: Dr. Deepali Amale

Article Info: Published on : 15/10/2025

Impact Factor : 1.013

An Observational case Study of Gridhrasi as Sciatica Evaluated by Magnetic

Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine

Dr. Deepali Jeetendra Amale

, Dr.Rahul Surnar

, Dr. Shubham Bhausaheb Kirtishahi

Professor, Guide & H.O.D. of Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan. C.S.M.S.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and

Rugnalaya, Kanchanwadi, Chh. Sambhajinagar.

Assistant

Professor, Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan. C.S.M.S.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and Rugnalaya,

Kanchanwadi, Chh. Sambhajinagar.

PG Scholar, Rognidan Evum Vikruti Vigyan. C.S.M.S.S. Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya and Rugnalaya,

Kanchanwadi, Chh. Sambhajinagar.

Cite this article as: - Dr.Deepali Amale (2025) ;An Observational case Study of Gridhrasi as Sciatica Evaluated by Magnetic

Resonance Imaging of the Lumbar Spine. ;Inter .J. Dignostics and Research 3 (1) 36- 40, DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 7 3 5 9004

Issue : 01

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Volume : 03

Introduction :

Gridhrasi is a classical disease entity in Ayurveda,

primarily a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. Its defining

symptoms include Ruka (radiating pain), Toda

(pricking sensation), Stambha (stiffness), Spandana

(twitching), and Gati Sanga (impaired movement),

typically originating in the Sphik (buttocks/hip) and

radiating down to the foot along the sciatic nerve

pathway

[1]

. In Ayurvedic medicine, the illness

Sciatica is comparable to Gridhrasi, which is

classified as a Nanatmaja Vataja Vikara.

[7]

In modern medicine, sciatica (lumbosacral

radiculopathy) is a widespread condition causing

significant pain and disability. Modern medicine

offers objective, structural insights through tools

like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of

Lumbar Spine

[6]

. Sciatica is a crippling ailment

caused by sciatic nerve root pathology that makes it

difficult to walk and leaves patients with pain and

paresthesia in the sciatic nerve distribution.

Because of its severity, it can occasionally interfere

with a person's everyday activities and lower their

quality of life. Typically, coughing, bending, or

twisting makes the discomfort worse. Analgesics,

muscle relaxants, painkillers, anticonvulsants, and

NSAIDs to reduce inflammation are frequently

used in modern treatment.

[8]

Sciatica is a name given to pain in the area of

distribution of the sciatic nerve (L4 to S3)

[9]

. While

Ayurveda provides a holistic understanding through

its Nidana Panchaka (five-fold diagnostic criteria).

This study aims to bridge this diagnostic gap by

correlating the subjective features of Gridhrasi with

the objective evidence from MRI, thereby

validating Ayurvedic principles and enhancing

diagnostic clarity for improved patient care.

Clinical Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses

the magnetic properties of hydrogen and its

interaction with both a large external magnetic field

and radiowaves to produce highly detailed images

of the human body.

[10]

Aim :

To conduct an observational case study of

Gridhrasi as sciatica by evaluating findings from

MRI of the lumbar spine.

Objectives :

1. To study Gridhrasi, sciatica, and MRI of

the spine in detail.

2. To correlate the clinical presentation of

Gridhrasi with sciatica.

3. To enhance the diagnostic approach by

integrating Ayurveda and modern medicine.

Materials and Methods:

Study Type: Observational Clinical Study.

Inclusion Criteria:

 Patients aged 20–60 years.

 Patients presenting with classical symptoms of

Gridhrasi (radiating pain, stiffness, numbness

along the sciatic nerve).

 Patients willing to undergo an MRI Lumbar

Spine evaluation.

Exclusion Criteria:

 Patients with trauma, fractures, congenital

spinal deformities, malignancies, or systemic

illnesses like diabetes and spinal tuberculosis.

 Patients with a history of spinal surgery.

Assessment Tools:

 Ayurvedic: Comprehensive evaluation using

the Nidana Panchaka framework.

 Modern: MRI Lumbar Spine scans, with

emphasis on L4–L5 and L5–S1 segments

[5]

Issue : 01

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Volume : 03

 Causative Factors (Nidana): Excessive

walking, standing, or sitting; heavy

exertion; improper posture; trauma to the

back/waist; suppression of natural urges.

The pathogenesis of Gridhrasi can be summarized

as follows:

Nidana (Causative factors like Ruksha, Sheeta, Ati

Vyayama, Vegadharana)

⬇

Vata Prakopa (Mainly Vata, sometimes with

Kapha association - Vata-Kaphaja)

⬇

Dushya Dushti (Affecting Mamsa, Meda, Asthi,

Majja, Rakta)

⬇

Srotodushti (Sanga/Margavarana in Raktavaha,

Mamsavaha, Majjavaha Srotas)

⬇

Sthana Samshraya in Katipradesha (Lumbar

region), Sphik, Uru, Janu, Jangha, Pada

⬇

Vyadhi Utpatti → Gridhrasi

Pathogenesis (Samprapti)

Results :

A significant correlation was observed between the

classical symptoms of Gridhrasi and MRI Lumbar

spine findings. A representative case is presented

below:

 Case: A 38-year-old male presented with

clinical symptoms of Gridhrasi, including

Ruja radiating pain in right leg, Spandhana,

Stambha, Toda, and mild Gati Sanga in

right leg for two months.

 Asthavidha Pariksha

▪ BP: 130/80 mmHg

▪ PR: 76/min

▪ RR: 18/min

▪ Temperature: 98.6°F

▪ Wt: 80 kg

▪ BMI: 27.5kg/m2

▪ Nadi (pulse): Vata-Kaphaja

▪Mala (bowels) : Asamyak (Constipated)

▪ Mutra (urine) : Samyak

▪Jihwa (tongue) : Sama (coated)

▪ Shabdha (speech): Prakruta

▪Sparsha (skin) : Anushnasita

▪ Druk (eyes): Prakruta

▪ Akruti (posture): Madhyama

SLR test (active) :

 Positive at 30° on the right leg

 Negative on the left leg.

MRI Lumbar Spine Findings:

 Intervertebral disc prolapses and lumbar

radiculopathy at L4–L5 and L5–S1 levels.

 Disc bulge with severe facetal arthropathy

and minimal right facetal effusion at L4/5,

indenting the bilateral exiting L4 nerve root.

 Diffuse disc bulge with moderate facetal joint

arthropathy at L3/4 level, indenting bilateral

exiting L4 nerve roots.

 The MRI findings of nerve root compression

at these levels directly explained the patient's

radiating pain (Ruka), consistent with both

sciatica and the classical description of

Gridhrasi.

Issue : 01

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Volume : 03

Discussion :

This study highlights a strong correlation between

Gridhrasi and Sciatica. The Nidanas (causative

factors) described in Ayurveda, such as improper

posture and excessive exertion, lead to Vata

Prakopa. This vitiated Vata manifests as Ruka,

Toda, and Stambha, which clinically present as

sciatica-like pain.

The MRI findings provide an objective anatomical

correlate to the Ayurvedic pathogenesis

(Samprapti). For instance, a disc prolapse at L4-L5

compressing the L5 nerve root causes pain

radiating to the foot, which perfectly corresponds to

the Rupa of Ruka described in Gridhrasi. The

concepts of Vata Prakopa and Margavarana

(obstruction in the channels) can be directly

correlated with modern concepts of nerve irritation

and mechanical compression.

Conclusion :

1. Gridhrasi, as described in Ayurveda with

Vata and Vata-Kapha predominance

[1]

, is

clinically comparable to sciatica.

2. The Nidana Panchaka framework offers a

comprehensive diagnostic tool for

understanding the etiology, pathogenesis,

and clinical features of the disease.

3. MRI of the lumbar spine serves as a

powerful confirmatory tool for identifying

underlying anatomical pathologies like disc

prolapse and nerve compression.

4. Correlating Ayurvedic diagnosis with

modern imaging validates both diagnostic

paradigms and strengthens interdisciplinary

understanding.

5. An integrative diagnostic approach paves

the way for a more holistic and effective

management strategy for Gridhrasi/Sciatica,

combining the strengths of both medical

systems.

References :

1. Charak Samhita, Chikitsasthan, Vatvyadhi

Adhyay,28/56.https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/ecarak

a/?mod=read

2. Sushruta Samhita, Nidansthan, Vatvyadhi Nidan,

1/74.https://niimh.nic.in/ebooks/esushruta/?mod

=read

3. Vagbhat, Ashtanga Hridaya, Nidansthan,

Vatvyadhinidan Adhyay, 15/54.

https://vedotpatti.in/samhita/Vag/ehrudayam/?m

od=read

4. Madhavnidan,vatvyadhi, 22 vatvyadhinidanam,

madhukosh vyakhya,(





 

)

5. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical

Sciences(JAIMS)(https://jaims.in/jaims/article/vi

ew/2620/3676#:~:text=Epidemiological%20rese

arch%20indicated%20that%20the,population%2

C%20the%20prevalence%20varies%20greatly.

&text=Men%20are%20more%20frequently%20

afflicted,ages%20of%2040%20and%2050.&text

=In%20Ayurvedic%20medicine%2C%20the%2

0illness,Basti%20have%20all%20been%20reco

mmended.)

6. Golwalla’s Medicine,Aspi F.Golwalla and

Sharukh Golwalla,24

edition,Chapter7

Neurology, Peripheral neurology,page no 463.

Issue : 01

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH [ISSN No.: 2584-2757]

Volume : 03

7. Acharya JT, editor, (2nd ed). Commentary

Ayurveda Deepika of Chakrapanidatta on

Charaka Samhita of Agnivesha, Sutra Stana;

Maharogadhyaya: Chapter 20, Verse 11,

Varanasi: Chaukhamba orientalia, 2015;

p113.

8. Sir Stanley Davidson, Davidson’s Principles

and Practice of Medicine, editors Nicholas A

Boon, Nicki R College, Brian R Walker,

John A.A Hunter, published by Churchill

Livingstone Elsevier, 20th Edition (2006),

26th chapter, p. 1242.

9. Gray’s Anatomy for students,2

edition,Richard L.Drake, A.wayne vogl,

Adam W.M.mitchell.pageno165.

10. Basic Principles of MRI Wm. Faulkner,

B.S.,R.T.(R)(MR)(CT),page no 2.

Declaration :

Conflict of Interest : None

ISSN: 2584-2757

DOI : 1 0 . 5 2 8 1 / z e n o d o . 1 7 3 5 9004

Dr.

Deepali Amale

Inter. J.Digno. and Research

This work is licensed under Creative

Commons Attribution 4.0 License

Submission Link : http://www.ijdrindia.com

Benefits of Publishing with us

Fast peer review process

Global archiving of the articles

Unrestricted open online access

Author retains copyright

Unique DOI for all articles

https://ijdrindia.com