Role of Unani Medicine in the Management of Irqunnasa (Sciatica)
Salha Sulfiker* , Muhammed Anees M
DOI : 10.46890/SL.2021.v02i01.003
Abstract
Irqunnasa or Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the combination of 5 nerves in the lumbar (lower) and sacral spine -L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 region of spinal column and then go behind the buttocks and then deep down to the foot. These nerves are the largest nerves in the body which passes through both right and left leg. It is almost thick as the little finger. Mostly, the pain feels like sudden strong pain like that of electricity shock. Irqunnasa occurs due to any irritation like compression or injury in the sciatic nerve root. Irqunnasa is typically caused by common conditions including herniated disc, degenerative disc diseases and lumbar spinal stenosis. Neurologic pains of lower limb are one of the common manifestations of Irqunnasa. Its lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40%. It is most common in people’s 40s and 50s. The corresponding annual incidence of an episode of sciatica ranges from 1% to 5%. In Unani system of medicine Irqunnasa is classified under Waja-ul-Mafasil (Joint Disorders). Ibn Sina (Avicenna) explained that Irqunnasa is caused by the accumulation of nerve fluid; mainly Khilt-e-balgam and Khilt-e-safra in the Asab-e-ariza (Sciatic nerve). The treatment is the evacuation of the morbid matters present in sciatic nerve by various ways like Ilaj-bil-dawa along with Ilaj-bil-ghiza and Ilaj-bit-tadbeer techniques like Hijama (Cupping), Zimad (Paste), Fasd (Venesection), Nutool (Irrigation), Dalak (Massage), Riyazat (Exercise), and Ishaal (Purgation).
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Irqunnasa or Sciatica refers to the pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is formed by the combination of 5 nerves in the lumbar (lower) and sacral spine -L4, L5, S1, S2, and S3 region of spinal column and then go behind the buttocks and then deep down to the foot. These nerves are the largest nerves in the body which passes through both right and left leg. It is almost thick as the little finger. Mostly, the pain feels like sudden strong pain like that of electricity shock. Irqunnasa occurs due to any irritation like compression or injury in the sciatic nerve root. Irqunnasa is typically caused by common conditions including herniated disc, degenerative disc diseases and lumbar spinal stenosis. Neurologic pains of lower limb are one of the common manifestations of Irqunnasa. Its lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40%. It is most common in people’s 40s and 50s. The corresponding annual incidence of an episode of sciatica ranges from 1% to 5%. In Unani system of medicine Irqunnasa is classified under Waja-ul-Mafasil (Joint Disorders). Ibn Sina (Avicenna) explained that Irqunnasa is caused by the accumulation of nerve fluid; mainly Khilt-e-balgam and Khilt-e-safra in the Asab-e-ariza (Sciatic nerve). The treatment is the evacuation of the morbid matters present in sciatic nerve by various ways like Ilaj-bil-dawa along with Ilaj-bil-ghiza and Ilaj-bit-tadbeer techniques like Hijama (Cupping), Zimad (Paste), Fasd (Venesection), Nutool (Irrigation), Dalak (Massage), Riyazat (Exercise), and Ishaal (Purgation).