RESTORING MOBILITY IN LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS: AN INTEGRATIVE AYURVEDIC APPROACH — A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Lumbar spondylosis is a common degenerative disorder of the lumbar spine associated with low back pain, stiffness, restricted movement and functional disability. From the Ayurvedic perspective, the clinical presentation may be correlated with Katishoola, a Vata-predominant condition. Case Presentation: A 43-year-old female presented to the OPD of IPGAE&R at SVSP Hospital on 14 July 2026 with low back pain and stiffness associated with radiating pain and numbness involving the posterior thigh, calf and heel for three years. Sleep disturbance, constipation and loss of appetite were also reported. Clinical examination revealed an antalgic gait, straightening of the lumbar lordosis, tenderness at L3-L5, painful flexion and extension and a positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test below 30° bilaterally. Digital X-ray showed reduced lumbar lordosis, early marginal osteophytic changes and reduced intervertebral disc spaces at L2-L3, L3-L4 and L4-L5. Intervention: The patient was managed with Dipana-Pachana using Panchakola Churna, Sadya Virechana with Triphala Kwatha and Abhyadi Modaka, Sarvanga Abhyanga with Sahacharadi Taila, Dashamoola Nadi Swedana and Kala Basti comprising Erandamooladi Niruha Basti and Sahacharadi Taila Anuvasana Basti. Shamana therapy included Trayodashanga Guggulu, Vatagajankusha Rasa, Dashamoola Kwatha and Ashwagandha Churna during the hospital-based treatment, followed by Rasnasaptaka Kwatha, the same oral medicines and local application of Laghu Visagarbha Taila for one month after discharge. Outcome: Following treatment, pain, stiffness, restricted joint movement and gait impairment improved from scores of 3, 3, 3 and 2 to 0, 0, 0 and 0, respectively. The SLR test improved from positive at 30° to absence of pain at 90°. The recorded Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) item scores decreased from a total of 38/50 before treatment to 4/50 after treatment, indicating marked improvement in functional disability. Conclusion: This case showed improvement in pain, stiffness, mobility, gait, SLR findings and functional disability following an Ayurvedic multimodal protocol comprising Shodhana and Shamana therapies. As this is a single case without a control group, the findings are preliminary and should be interpreted cautiously. Controlled clinical studies are required to establish the efficacy and reproducibility of the therapeutic protocol.