Clinical Evaluation of Siddha Varmam Points and External Manipulative Therapy for Chronic Low Back Pain (Thandaga Vatham)

Background: Thandaga Vatham, a clinical condition described in Siddha medicine, is characterized by lumbar pain radiating to the lower limbs and corresponds closely with lumbar spondylosis or mechanical low back pain in modern medicine. Middle-aged men engaged in occupations requiring prolonged standing or long-distance travel are particularly susceptible to this condition (Manchikanti et al., 2014; Brinjikji et al., 2015). Siddha Varmam therapy, which involves stimulation of vital energy points (Varmam pulligal), offers a unique therapeutic approach for musculoskeletal disorders (Elango, Arulmozhi, & Subramanian, 2018). Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Siddha Varmam therapy combined with medicated oil massage in reducing pain, improving functional disability, and inducing radiological improvement in patients with Thandaga Vatham. Methods: Sixty male subjects aged 35 to 50 years with CT-confirmed Thandaga Vatham and chronic lumbar pain were randomized into two groups: Group A received Siddha Varmam therapy plus medicated oil massage, and Group B received standard lifestyle modification. Interventions were administered daily, five days a week, for 12 weeks. Primary outcome was functional disability assessed by the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS). Secondary outcomes included pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale) and radiological changes via CT scan. Results: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed significant improvements in QBPDS scores in the experimental group compared to controls (F(2,116) = 23.67, p

Back pain · Clinical trial · Low back pain · Lumbar · Manual therapy · Massage · Radiological weapon · Randomized controlled trial · Siddha · Complementary and Alternative Medicine Studies · Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions · Musculoskeletal pain and rehabilitation

• Consort 2010 Statement

  Open Access•Kenneth F Schulz, Douglas G Altman et al.•Annals of Internal Medicine•2010

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