Effects of Siddha Thokkanam Therapy in Correction of Spinal Curve in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis in a Female Patient- A Case Report
Scoliosis is defined as an abnormal curvature of the spine with a curve or a deviation or rotation of the spine in young females. This case report illustrates the potential effect of Siddha manipulative therapy (Thokkanam) with varmam/marma chikitsa (energy medicine) on back pain and curve progression in a 15-year old female with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
The girl presented with right thoracic scoliosis from past 4 years. She received regular physiotherapy and was wearing a brace for correction, but the curvature of the thoracic spine still progressed. The Cobb angle measured 34° and pain was scaled as 8 on the scale which use to increase while sitting for her classes or any exercise. She underwent Siddha spinal manipulation (Thokkanam) for five weeks initially and for two weeks after 3 months. Follow-up after 6 months of consecutive treatment was conducted with radiographs and other examinations. The Cobb angle decreased by 25° and measured at 13° at follow-up. The pain measured after intervention of therapy came down to 2 on any activity. The patient was able to work on computer for long, sit straight for 1-2 hrs without help of brace, lift her arm with increased flexibility and lower backache reduced. Her activities of playing badminton, writing and sleeping too showed a positive shift improving her quality of life. The patient responded well to manipulative and rehabilitation techniques.
The case highlights the potential of Siddha therapy's holistic interventions in managing Scoliosis in reducing the degree of curvature of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and giving a good quality of life.