AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TO A CASE OF LOW BACK PAIN (KATIGRAHA) WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

Katigraha is a condition where the lower back region is afflicted with Vitiated Vata and present with symptoms such as pain with stiffness. Katigraha mentioned in Ayurveda can be correlated with Lumbar spondylosis due to similarity of clinical manifestations. About 60% to 80% of the population in India suffer from this condition. The current case study was carried out at the Department of Panchakarma, B.S.D. Trust's Ayurved Hospital and Research Centre,Wagholi,Pune. A 44 year male patient suffering with lumbar spondylosis was treated with samanya chikitsa of vata vyadhi i.e.Abhyanga, Swedana, Basti and Kati Basti treatment. Patient was treated for a period of 8 days. The response to the treatment was recorded and therapeutic effect was evaluated through symptomatic relief. Clinically, cardinal symptoms were significantly reduced and degree of anterior flexion increased from 40 degree to 90 degree. Radiographically, X Ray L.S. Spine showed an improvement in loss of lumbar lordosis. However, it still shows that the patient is suffering from lumbar spondylosis.