Ayurvedic Management of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis- A Case Report

Abstract

Lumbar spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spinal canal, compressing the nerves travelling through the lower back into the legs. Modern management suggests surgical approach such as decompression laminectomy, if the patient develops progressive neurological deficits (leg weakness, foot drop, numbness in the limb). This study reports the effect of Ayurvedic management in such condition. A 61 year old male shopkeeper visited the Kayachikitsa OPD with complaints of weakness of bilateral lower limbs and numbness of both foot. He had undergone Ayurvedic IP treatment twice from this hospital during the last 2 years and got significant relief and is again admitted for third course. Khanja / Pangu explained under vatavyadhi may be considered here as walking difficulty is the presentation. The Ayurvedic management is observed to be effective in IVDP and canal stenosis.