Disc Extrusion at L5–S1 level leading to Canal Stenosis - Patient Case Study

Patient: Shiv, Madhya Pradesh

Patient Baseline

Shiv initially developed back pain in June 2017, with MRI showing a degenerative L5–S1 disc. He underwent a Microdiscectomy on medical advice to prevent possible bladder involvement. The procedure caused severe postoperative pain, and symptoms persisted. Within two months, after being hospitalized for ten days on continuous painkillers, he was advised a second surgery — Endoscopic Discectomy — for a right-sided disc bulge. This, too, failed to provide relief. After two consecutive surgeries within three months, pain and disability worsened. A repeat MRI revealed a disc extrusion at L5–S1 with canal stenosis—a complication aggravated by repeated surgical trauma. When Shiv came to Sukhayu Ayurved, Jaipur, he was: Unable to sit or walk without support. Experiencing constant radiating pain down both legs. Restless and tearful due to sleepless, painful nights. Ayurvedic evaluation revealed Vata Prakopa with Majja Dhatu Kshaya (loss of spinal tissue integrity) and Avarana of Vata in the Kati Pradesha, consistent with Ghridrasi and Kati-Shoola presentations.

Panchakarma Protocols

  • Kati Basti: Local oil-retention therapy over L5–S1 region to nourish the disc and decompress the spinal canal.
  • Pizhichil (Kaya Seka): Warm medicated oil streaming over the spine to reduce inflammation and muscular spasm.
  • Nadi Swedana: Focused steam therapy to relieve stiffness and restore circulation around the nerve roots.
  • Choorna Pinda Swedana: Herbal bolus fomentation to relax fibrotic muscles and improve flexibility.
  • Basti & Anuvasana Basti (alternate days): To pacify aggravated Vata, purify Ama, and strengthen Majja Dhatu.
  • Rehabilitation Yoga: Once pain subsided, gentle supervised postural correction and stretching introduced.

Improvements Observed

  • Patient was able to sit properly on 7th day onwards
  • VAS pain score- 8/10 to 5/10 on 10th day.
  • Patient started walking with support on 15th day
  • On 21st day, patient walked by himself without any support
  • 28th day patient was discharged from hospital walking normally
  • Total 6 month of medication

Treatment Outcome

This case demonstrates that even post-surgical disc extrusion with canal stenosis can recover successfully through Ayurveda when treatment focuses on Vata pacification, tissue regeneration, and spinal realignment rather than symptom suppression.