Holistic Management of Compression Fracture of Vertebral Body: A Comprehensive Approach in Conjugation with mild diffused Osteoporosis: A Case Report

Abstract

Among osteoporotic fractures, vertebral fractures are most prevalent, especially in older individuals and more common in women due to lower bone mineral density. These fractures cause intense discomfort, impaired activity, loss of autonomy, and markedly worsened quality of life. In Ayurveda, the condition is identical to Katishoola, one of the eighty forms of Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhi mentioned by Acharya Charaka. In the present study, a 52-year-old patient had complaints of an unbearable shooting type of pain in the lower back region along with a tingling sensation and weakness in bilateral lower limbs. Pain gets aggravated on movements like bending or twisting. An X-ray of the lumbosacral spine revealed a compression fracture of the L2 vertebral body. The patient was managed with Kati Basti, Matra Basti, Shaman Aushadhi (oral Ayurvedic medications), and Shaman Snehapana. After treatment, there was a significant reduction in pain assessed by the Visual Analog Score (VAS), improvement in the Straight leg raising test, Oswestry low back pain index, and the low back outcome score (LBOS). This case report focuses on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic intervention in compression fracture of the vertebral body with mild osteoporosis, thereby preventing surgical intervention.