Case Study: Ayurvedic Treatment for Sciatica & Ankylosing Spondylitis
Patient Name: Mr. Rajesh Kumar (Name changed for privacy)
Age: 32 years
Condition: Ankylosing Spondylitis (HLAB27 Positive) & Sciatica
Ayurvedic Diagnosis: Gambheer Vataratkta with Gridhrasi
Duration of Symptoms: 7 years
Background
Mr. Rajesh Kumar, a 32-year-old IT professional, had been suffering from
- Severe lower back pain
- Restricted movement of LS spine
- Morning stiffness
- Radiating pain to the left leg
- Pain increasing after prolonged sitting and standing
- Heaviness in lower limb
Patient was suffering from all these since last 7 years. His condition had progressively worsened, impacting his ability to sit for long hours, perform daily activities. This has also affected on the mental well-being of the patient.
He was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (as HLA B27 was positive) and PIVD in L4-L5 and L5-S1.
Before consulting at Sukhayu Ayurved Hospital Jaipur, patient was taking painkillers conventional painkillers and biologics. Patient got temporary relief only with these medicines.
Seeking a holistic and long-term solution, he consulted Sukhayu Ayurved Hospital, Jaipur.
Clinical Presentation
- Symptoms at the time of admission:
- Persistent lower back pain (VAS Score: 8/10)
- Severe morning stiffness (lasting more than 2 hours)
- Sciatic nerve pain radiating to the left leg
- Limited spinal mobility (Schober’s test: 2 cm)
- Fatigue and disturbed sleep
- Dependency on NSAIDs and biologics
Ayurvedic Diagnosis
- Vyadhi: Gridhrasi (Sciatica), Gambheer Vatarakta, Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Dosha Involvement: Predominantly Vata and Kapha, with Aama accumulation
- Srotas Affected: Asthi, Majja, and Snayu Srotas
Treatment Approach
A 21-day intensive Panchakarma-based Ayurvedic treatment was planned to:
- Reduce inflammation and pain
- Remove Aama (toxins)
- Improve flexibility and mobility
- Strengthen musculoskeletal structures
Panchakarma & Ayurveda Therapies Administered
- Snehana (Oleation Therapy) – Internal administration of medicated ghee for 5 days to lubricate joints and eliminate Aama.
- Swedana (Sudation Therapy) – Nadi Sweda (localized steam therapy) to relieve stiffness.
- Kashaya Basti & Taila Basti (Medicated Enema) – Alternating Matra Basti and Niruha Basti with Dashmool and Tikta Ksheer Basti to reduce inflammation and nourish joints.
- Kati Basti (Localized Oil Therapy) – With Dhanvantram Tailam to detoxify the muscles and improve the blood circulation. This helped to relieve lower back pain and sciatica symptoms.
- Pinda Sweda (Bolus Therapy with Medicated Herbs) – Choorna Pinda Sweda done on the full body to improve flexibility and to remove stiffness from the body.
- Lepana (Medicated Paste Application) – Herbal anti-inflammatory application for localized relief- this was done on the lower back and neck regions.
- Kayaseka (Herbal Decoction Bath) – Patient was offered a complete bath with decoction of herbs like- Dashmool, Panchvalakala.
Diet & Lifestyle Modifications Advised
- Diet: Aama Pachana & Vatahara diet (including Mung dal, cooked vegetables, and medicated herbal drinks)
- Yoga & Exercises: Sukshma Vyayama and mild stretching post-treatment
- Avoidance of Triggers: Dairy and gluten were minimized to reduce inflammation
Outcome After 21 Days
- Pain Score Reduction: From 8/10 to 3/10
- Morning Stiffness: Reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes
- Sciatica Symptoms: Significant reduction in radiating pain and tingling
- Improved Flexibility: Schober’s test improved from 2 cm to 4 cm
- Medication Dependency: No NSAIDs required post-treatment
Follow-Up & Long-Term Plan
Rajesh was advised to continue Ayurvedic medicines and a biannual Panchakarma regimen for sustained benefits. Three months post-treatment, he reported 90% pain relief, increased spinal mobility, and no need for conventional painkillers.
Conclusion
Ayurvedic treatment at Sukhayu Ayurved Jaipur helped with holistic relief to Mr. Rajesh. This significantly improved his quality of life without surgical intervention. This case reinforces the effectiveness of Panchakarma therapies in managing Ankylosing Spondylitis and Sciatica naturally.
