Protocol based pain management by Ayurveda parasurgical procedures W.S.R to musculoskeletal pain and its critical appraisal – An open labeled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Pain has globally become an attention problem which causes discomfort by affecting the body as well as the mind. The International association of pain estimated that 1 in 5 patients experiences the pain, i.e. 30% of world population. 19.3% (180–200 million) of the total population in India suffer from chronic pain and its severity appeals early approach of patients to hospitals. Ayurveda being the oldest medical science emphasized its importance and treatment of pain with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological (Parasurgical) methods. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological (para surgical) procedures in the management of pain. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Total 100 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited by assessing the site, severity and nature of pain. A special protocol was framed by incorporating Ayurveda treatment principles by using Para surgical procedures such as Agnikarma (Therapeutic burn), Jalauka (leech therapy), Alabu (Cupping therapy) and Siravyadha (Vein puncture). The parameters like VAS and VDS pertaining to pain were assessed from baseline and at various time points. Statistical analysis was performed by using Wilcoxon match paired test to assess the results. RESULTS: The VAS and VDS scale were used to assess the efficacy of para-surgical procedures which was found to be significant (p < 0.0001) from baseline and at various time points. CONCLUSION: Protocol based pain management by various para surgical procedures was found effective in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The ambiguity in selection of proper parasurgical procedure for pain management is justified by following the protocol.