ABSTRACT: –
A male of 30 years of age resident of Deralakatte, Mangaluru presented with complaints of severe pain of pulling type radiating from right lower back to right hip till the right knee. Based on the presenting complaints and his constitution, Boswellia Serrata was given which proved its effectiveness which was seen in the consecutive follow-ups. The patient attained total relief from pain within 2 months of treatment.
KEYWORDS: –
Homoeopathy, Sciatica, Boswellia Serrata, Olibanum.
INTRODUCTION: –
When we talk about sciatica, we know that, it is nothing but pain that radiates along the path of sciatic nerve which branches from lower back to the lower limbs through the buttocks and the hips. Sciatica usually affects only one side of the body and rarely both. Most common reasons for sciatica are herniated disks, bone spurs, narrowing of the vertebrae or anything that causes compression of the nerve. Nerve compression causes severe pain and inflammation, twitching of the muscles or even numbness of the affected leg.
Homoeopathy has always seen great scope in the treatment of sciatica pain which is of nerve origin. Homoeopathic remedies like Rhus Tox, Hypericum, Colocynth, Symphytum, Arnica, Ruta etc have always shared constant space in prescription and showed promising results in relieving pain in patients suffering from Sciatica.
Boswellia Serrata which is also known as Indian Olibanum, Shallaki or Sallai Guggulu in Sanskrit has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic Medicine as an anti-inflammatory in cases of Arthritis, rheumatism etc.1
In vitro studies shows that Boswellic acids arrest the synthesis of pro-inflammatory enzyme, 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) including 5-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) and leukotriene B4 (LTB-4). 5-LO generates inflammatory leukotrienes causing inflammation by promoting free radical damage, calcium dislocation, cell-adhesion and migration of inflammation-producing cells to the inflamed area.2
In vivo study which assessed the effect of Boswellia Serrata extract on glycosaminoglycan metabolism showed that Boswellia Serrata considerably reduced the degradation of glycosaminoglycans resulting in deceleration of articular damage.2
CASE REPORT: –
| SR. NO | LOCATION | SENSATION & PATHOLOGY | MODALITIES | ACCOMPANIMENTS |
| 1. | Locomotor System Lower BackRight Hip to Right KneeSince 1 monthSudden onset & progression | Pain+2 Radiating pain Pulling type of pain (for 5 min) | A/F: Lifting heavy weight < lifting < Bending < Stretching < Exertion > Erect posture | – |
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION: –
SLRT +ve (Right side)
ACUTE TOTALITY: –
Lower back pain
A/F: lifting heavy
Pulling type of pain from right hip to right knee
< bending
< stretching
< exertion
> erect posture
TREATMENT: –
Boswellia Serrata 30 (powder form)
1-0-0 (E.M.E.S.)
Rubrum
3-3-3
(For 1 week)
FOLLOW UP: –
| DATE | SYMPTOM CHANGES | PRESCRIPTION |
| 18/11/21 | Lower back pain – BETTERPulling type of pain from lower back to right knee – BETTER | Rx Boswellia Serrata 30 (4P) 1-0-0 EMES Rubrum 3-3-3 |
| 31/01/22 | Lower back pain – BETTERPulling type of pain from lower back to right knee – BETTER | Rx Boswellia Serrata 30 (4P) 1-0-0 EMES Rubrum 3-3-3 |
CONCLUSION: –
In Homoeopathy the important aspect is knowledge of the physician, it’s the physician’s decision to choose the type of approach as well which philosophy to follow while treating the case, the decision should be taken taken logically with regards to laws as told by our master Dr Hahnemann so that the patient is benefited to the fullest.
REFERENCE: –
- Pole S. Ayurvedic Medicine: The Principles of Traditional Practice. Singing Dragon; 2013.
- Siddiqui MZ. Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview. Indian J Pharm Sci. 2011 May;73(3):255-61
About Author:
Dr Skandhan. S. Kumar, BHMS MD Organon of Medicine (Gold Medalist), Assistant professor department of organon of medicine and philosophy, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College.
Dr Niranjan Bapat PG scholar Part 1(2020-21 batch) department of organon of medicine and philosophy, Father Muller Homoeopathic Medical College.
