L4–L5, L5–S1 Herniated Disc with Canal Stenosis - Patient Case Study

Patient: Mr. Peter Armitage, New Zealand

Patient Baseline

Mr. Peter Armitage, a 6-foot-tall diamond craftsman from New Zealand, approached Sukhayu Ayurved, Jaipur in 2016 for Ayurvedic treatment of L4-L5 and L5-S1 herniated disc with canal stenosis. He presented with severe low-back pain, radiating to both legs, inability to stand upright, and marked forward bending of the trunk. Years of sitting in a slouched posture while cutting stones had led to chronic stiffness and postural collapse. MRI findings: L4-L5 and L5-S1 disc herniation with canal stenosis, causing bilateral nerve compression. When he arrived, he could neither stand nor sit comfortably, and his posture was severely distorted. From the Ayurvedic standpoint, he exhibited Vata-Pitta aggravation with Majja Dhatu Kshaya and dominance of Asthi Sara (lean body, tremulous hands, dry skin) — classically corresponding to Kati-Shoola and Ghridrasi under the Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi spectrum.

Panchakarma Protocols

  • Kashaya Basti and Anuvasana Basti (21 days): The central therapy planned to pacify Vata and strengthen Majja Dhatu, using medicated decoctions and unctuous oils in alternate schedule.
  • Patra Pinda Swedana: Leaf-bolus fomentation to relax paraspinal muscles and relieve stiffness caused by chronic postural strain.
  • Abhyanga with Nadi Swedana: Warm oil massage followed by focused steam to improve spinal flexibility and nerve function.
  • Kati Basti: Local oil-retention over lumbosacral region for direct nourishment of intervertebral discs.
  • Yoga Therapy (initiated Day 10): Gentle spinal realignment postures and breathing practices introduced under supervision.

Improvements Observed

  • Within 10 days: Patient reported a visible change — “My height feels increased!” — as postural alignment improved.
  • Pain intensity reduced by 70 %; he could stand upright without severe nerve pull.
  • By Day 21: Able to walk, sit, and stand comfortably; radiating pain and numbness subsided completely.
  • Muscular tone and confidence restored; skin tone and energy improved with Vata-Pitta balance.
  • Follow-up observation showed continued spinal mobility and no recurrence of pain.

Treatment Outcome

Mr. Peter’s case demonstrates how even advanced herniated discs with canal stenosis can be managed effectively through Ayurvedic principles when the focus is on Vata pacification, Majja Dhatu nourishment, and postural correction. Within three weeks, he regained upright posture, complete pain relief, and spinal flexibility—without any surgical intervention.