Lumbar Stenosis
Treatment – Back massage with Choorna Pinda Sweda
Name of Medical Problem: Lumbar Stenosis
Ayurveda term: Katigraha
Background and Description
An elderly 85-year-old retired gentleman came with chronic low back pain, stiffness and numbness in the back of the leg, and occasional muscle cramps. He was seen by GP and Orthopaedic consultants who advised limited surgical options which he refused and wanted to explore Ayurvedic options.
Signs and Symptoms:
Pain: dull ache (5/10 on VAS), Stiffness in the left leg and buttock +++, Tingling and numbness in the leg and toes ++
Movements; moderately restricted, raised on walking or standing for a long time
Investigations: MRI- showed lateral lumbar stenosis
Ayurveda Treatments:
The treatment approach for this patient included a combination of internal and
external treatments.
Internal Treatment:
- Mahayograj Guggul 4 tablets twice a day along with 20ml Sahacharadi
Kashaya was given twice a day before meals. - Maharasnadi Kashaya Tablets – 2 tablets with warm water twice a day
External Treatments:
- Back massage with Choorna Pinda Sweda ( Ayurvedic hot bag massage) +
Kati Vasthi with Prasarini Thailam x 10 days
Results:
Pain and stiffness in the legs were reduced markedly by the 10 th session. Movements improved significantly from the 5 th session onwards and had overall 80-85% relief in the symptoms by the end of the treatment course. Followed in the clinic for 3 months and was pain-free for almost 2 years, came back again with back and leg pain albeit much lesser than before. Underwent a short course of back massage and Kati vasthi which gave total relief.