Lumbar Spondylosis
Spondylosis is a degenerative disorder affecting the vertebral discs and joints, commonly due to aging or mechanical stress, resulting in stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. It can affect the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Sandhigata Vata, where Vata dosha gets aggravated and localizes in the joints, causing Shoola, Stambha, and Spandana. It is commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals due to lifestyle and posture-related issues.
Patient Name: Mr. AB
Age/ Sex: 45 yrs/ Male
Presenting complaints:
Ø Pain and stiffness in the lower back since 3 years
Ø Radiating pain to the legs occasionally
H/O Presenting complaints:
A 45-year-old male patient was admitted in our hospital with complaints of chronic low back pain for the past 3 years. He experiences stiffness in the morning and pain increases on prolonged sitting or physical activity. Occasionally, the pain radiates to the lower limbs, especially the left side. He had undergone physiotherapy and analgesics with temporary relief.
Vital Parameters:
BP: 128/84 mm Hg Pulse: 78/min
Height: 170 cm Weight: 75 Kg
Ahara: Mixed diet
Vihara: Sedentary occupation, irregular exercise
Appetite: Mandagni
Micturition: Normal
Bowel: Regular
Sleep: Disturbed due to backache
General Systemic Examination:
Gait: Normal GC: Normal CVS: S1S2 heard
CNS: Oriented to time and place
RS: NVBS heard PA: Soft, no organomegaly
Dasavidha Pariksha:
Prakruthi: Vata Pitta
Vikrutha Dosha: Vata
Dushya: Asthi, Majja
Sara: Asthisara
Samhanana: Madhyama
Satva: Madhyama
Aharasakthi:
- Abhyavaharanasakthi – Madhyama
- Jaranasakthi – Mandya
Vyayamasakthi: Avara
Vaya: Madhyama
Pramana: Madhyama
Ashtavidha Pariksha:
Nadi: Vataja
Mala: Sadharana
Mutra: Sadharana
Jihwa: Anupalipta
Sabda: Sadharana
Sparsha: Ruksha
Drik: Sadharana
Akruthi: Madhyama
Nidana Panchaka:
Nidana:
- Ahara – Ruksha, Laghu, cold food; irregular eating habits
- Vihara – Prolonged sitting, lack of exercise, improper posture, excessive travel
Purvarupa: Mild lower back discomfort, stiffness
Rupa: Low back pain, stiffness, radiating pain to leg, difficulty in movement
Upasaya: Warm application, rest
Anupasaya: Cold exposure, long sitting hours
Samprapthi Gataka:
Dosha: Vata
Dushya: Asthi, Majja
Agni: Mandagni
Ama: Saama
Srotas: Asthivaha
Srotodushtiprakara: Sanga, Margavarodha
Sadhyasadhyata: Yapya
Samprapthi Flow Chart:
Mithyaharavihara
↓
Vata vriddhi
↓
Agnimandya → Ama
↓
Asthivaha srotodushti
↓
Sandhigata Vata lakshanas
↓
Shoola, Stambha
Diagnosis: Lumbar Spondylosis (Sandhigata Vata)
Treatments given:
The patient was admitted for 21 days of inpatient treatment including internal medications, Panchakarma therapies and external applications.
- Shodhana – Basti Chikitsa (Yoga Basti)
- Abhyanga – with medicated oils like Mahamasha taila
- Swedana – Patrapinda sweda
- Shamanaushadhi – Herbs for Vatahara and Rasayana purposes
- Dietary and lifestyle guidance provided
Outcome scales after 21 days of treatment:
Symptoms | Before treatment | After treatment |
Back pain | 8 (VAS) | 2 |
Stiffness | High | Minimal |
Radiating pain | Occasional | Rare/Absent |
Sleep quality | Disturbed | Improved |
After 21 days of inpatient management, the patient experienced marked relief in pain and stiffness. Radiating pain reduced significantly. Advised to continue prescribed medications and gentle stretching for further maintenance.
