AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is very common neuropathy and most often occurs in woman aged 30-50 years. It is due to entrapment of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel (in the wrist) leading to paraesthesia, tingling sensation, numbness and muscle weakness. It can be compared with Vata vyadhi in Ayurveda. We hereby reported a case of 37 years old female patient of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome complaining of pain, tingling sensation, numbness and weakness in left forearm and wrist which was treated for 2 months under an allopathic physician with no significant relief and advised her to go for surgery, so she came to OPD of Panchakarma, CBPACS. The Ayurvedic treatment includes a Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda and Snehadhara on alternative days for period of 20 days along with oral medicines (Shaman Chikitsa) and physiotherapy. Significant clinical improvement was reported in quality of life after 20 days of treatment. During treatment, all the signs and symptoms of the patient was reduced. On discharge, patient was having complete pain relief. Therefore, it can be concluded that the selected treatment modality is beneficial in managing carpal tunnel syndrome and can avoid surgery and other proceeding complications