Efficacy of Panchakarma and Shamana Chikitsa in the Management of Gridhrasi (Lumbar Spondylotic Radiculopathy): A Single Case Study

Gridhrasi is one among the 80 Nanatmaja Vata Vyadhis described in classical Ayurvedic texts. It is characterized by radiating pain from Kati (low back) to Pada (lower limb), stiffness, tingling sensation, and difficulty in walking. In contemporary medicine, it closely resembles sciatica due to lumbar spondylosis or intervertebral disc prolapse. A 38-year-old male patient presented with complaints of low back pain radiating to the left lower limb, associated with tingling sensation and muscle spasm. MRI of lumbosacral spine revealed sacralization of L5 vertebra, disc desiccation, and L4-L5 diffuse disc bulge causing moderate spinal canal stenosis with nerve root indentation. The case was diagnosed as Gridhrasi (Vata-pradhana) and managed with a combination of Panchakarma procedures including Sarvanga Abhyanga, Patra Pinda Sweda, Kati Basti, Anuvasana Basti, Niruha Basti along with internal medications such as Trayodashanga Guggulu, Sahacharadi Kashaya, Shallaki, and supportive formulations. Significant reduction in pain, stiffness, and tingling sensation was observed after the treatment course. This case highlights the effectiveness of Panchakarma combined with Shamana therapy in managing lumbar spondylotic radiculopathy without surgical intervention.