Effect of siddha varmam therapy in the management of cervical spondylosis - A case series

TL;DR

This study explores the effectiveness of Varmam therapy, a traditional Siddha treatment, in reducing pain and disability in patients with cervical spondylosis.

Contribution

The study introduces Varmam therapy as a potential treatment for Ceganavatham, a condition linked to cervical spondylosis, in the context of Siddha medicine.

Findings

Pain levels significantly decreased as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.

Disability levels improved as assessed by the Neck Disability Index.

The therapy was applied over 12 sessions with positive outcomes observed.

Abstract

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition affecting the intervertebral discs and vertebral bodies of the neck, causing pain,
stiffness and neurological symptoms. Cervical spondylosis is closely associated with Ceganavatham, where pain management is the primary
treatment focus in Siddha medicine. Varmam therapy is a traditional Siddha technique that was applied to 10 patients with Ceganavatham
using selected pressure points once every two days for 12 sessions. Pain and disability levels were measured using the Numeric Pain
Rating Scale (NPRS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) before, during and after treatment. The results showed a significant reduction in
pain and disability, suggesting that Varmam therapy is an effective treatment for Ceganavatham. It should be noted that further studies
are needed for validation.