Add on Effect of Smriti Meditation in Neck Pain Associated with Psychological Distress: A Case Report
M.O. Athira Mohan, Jithesh Madhavan
International Journal of AYUSH Case Reports March 6, 2025 DOI: 10.70805/ija-care.v9i1.676 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Case study Case report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 1 |
| Population | A patient with psychosomatic neck pain |
| Interventions | Smriti meditation internal medicines |
| Duration | Three sessions, each 45 minutes, conducted weekly; follow-up assessment two weeks post discharge |
| Measures | Hamilton Anxiety scale, Hamilton Depression scale, Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability scale |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Key findings | The authors report that adding three weekly 45-minute Smriti meditation sessions to internal medicines produced satisfactory relief from psychosomatic neck pain, with improvements on the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales. Neck pain on the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability scale improved only after the psychotherapeutic intervention, which the authors present as evidence of Smriti meditation's impact. Pain decreased notably two weeks post discharge, right upper limb strength improved, and the patient reported reduced stress perception. |
Abstract
Neck pain is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition resulting from physical and psychosocial factors. Studies point those psychological conditions including anxiety, distress and depression results in musculoskeletal disorders. Addressing psychological distress with medical management and psychotherapeutic techniques aids stress coping healthily. Ayurveda explains psychological factors as causative for all painful conditions including neck pain. Sodhana, samana along with satvavajaya to be adopted in its management. Satvavajaya alleviates this condition by restraining mind from erroneous objects of focus. Smriti meditation is a guided interactive technique developed based on Satvavajaya. Recognition of the actual contributing factors serves as a partial solution and contributes to overall healing process. It serves as valuable tool in formulating and focusing on a proper goal, expanding awareness of goal, sustaining awareness on the object of meditation and addressing emotional obstacles and replicates all thoughts and emotions. The case report narrates adjuvant role of smriti meditation in psychosomatic neck pain. Patient underwent three sessions of Smriti meditation, each lasting 45 minutes and conducted weekly, combined with internal medicines, resulting in satisfactory relief from symptoms. Significant improvements were observed in both the Hamilton Anxiety and Depression scales following the intervention. Neck pain was evaluated using the Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability scale, showing improvement only after the psychotherapeutic intervention, highlighting the impact of Smriti meditation. Pain significantly decreased two weeks post discharge, and there was notable improvement in the strength of the right upper limb. Additionally, the patient could limit the perception of stress, contributing to a healthier lifestyle.