A CASE REPORT OF COMPREHENSIVE AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT IN LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS WITH SEVERE NEUROLOGICAL COMPRESSION: RESOLUTION OF STRUCTURAL PATHOLOGY EVIDENCED BY DIAGNOSTIC IMAGING

Abstract

This case study reports the successful management of a 24-year-old male with severe, symptomatic lumbar spondylosis using an Ayurvedic regimen. Initially diagnosed via MRI, the patient presented with chronic lower back pain radiating to the right leg, exacerbated by activity and significantly impairing sleep and quality of life. The MRI revealed advanced degenerative changes including disc desiccation, osteophytes, endplate alterations, and disc protrusions at L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels causing significant spinal canal stenosis (AP diameters of 10.1mm and 6.9mm, respectively) and nerve root compression. Having experienced limited improvement with prior treatment and facing surgical recommendation, she commenced a three-month Ayurvedic protocol. The treatment, formulated on principles of correcting Vata imbalance and addressing affected tissues (Asthi, Mansa, Snayu), included a combination of oral formulations such as Ras RajKalp, Vatgajankush Ras, Tab. Ayush 64, Syp. Peedhanjay, Cap. Shilajeet Plus, and Cap. Nerve Sanjivani, alongside external application of Lahsunadi Tel and localized heat therapy. Clinical symptoms were monitored fortnightly. Remarkably, a follow-up CT scan of the lumbosacral spine after three months of treatment showed no significant abnormality. This outcome suggests the employed Ayurvedic regime may have induced significant structural and symptomatic resolution, presenting a potential non-surgical alternative for managing advanced lumbar spondylosis. Further controlled studies are warranted to validate these findings.