Ayurvedic Management of Lumbar Radiculopathy

Abstract

Low back pain associated with Lumbar Radiculopathy is a common musculoskeletal disorder characterized by pain, sensory disturbances, motor weakness and functional impairment. As per Ayurvedic classics, this presentation could be correlated to symptoms of Gridhrasi. Cardinal symptoms include Stambha, Ruk, Toda and Muhuspandana. Pathogenesis involves aggravated Vata Dosha often associated with Kapha causing obstruction and progressive neuromuscular impairment producing these symptoms. Conventional management includes use of analgesics, physiotherapy and in severe cases surgery.  Ayurvedic interventions aim to alleviate pain, improve neurological function and restore mobility through Vata Shamana, removing Avarana through Shamana and Shodhana therapies. A 47 years old female patient presented with complaints of radiating low back pain associated with weakness, numbness and burning sensation of bilateral lower limbs with walking difficulty. Clinical examination was done and the findings were suggestive of features of Gridhrasi with Kapha Avarana. Considering Avarana as the main pathology behind the symptom manifestation, management was done with Vaishwanara Vasti and Adhakaya Dhanyamla Dhara along with internal medications for a period of 2 weeks. Following treatment, patient demonstrated marked clinical improvement with significant reduction in low back pain, burning sensation and lower limb weakness. The patient was able to walk normally and overall quality of life also improved without any adverse effects.