ROLE OF AYURVEDIC CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF KATIGRAHA (LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS): A CASE REPORT

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Monica Chavhan
Plot no. 16, Sant Dnyaneshwar Society, Near New India Church
Mankapur, distt.- Nagpur- 440030



Contact No. : 07448085058, Email : monica.chavan94@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 29 Jun 2026

Date of Publication : 30 Jun 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_194

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4217

Abstract

Katigraha is a Vata-predominant disorder described in Ayurveda and is characterized by pain, stiffness, and restricted movements in the lumbar region. Its clinical manifestations closely resemble Lumbar Spondylosis, a degenerative condition involving the lumbar vertebrae and intervertebral discs that commonly affects the elderly population. Chronic low back pain associated with Lumbar Spondylosis significantly impairs physical functioning and quality of life. Ayurveda advocates both Shamana (pacifying) and Shodhana (purificatory) therapies for the management of Vata Vyadhi. The present case report describes a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with Lumbar Spondylosis associated with hypertension who presented with persistent low back pain, difficulty in walking, lumbar stiffness, disturbed sleep, and restricted forward bending for six months. The patient underwent one month of Ayurvedic treatment comprising oral medications, local therapies, Matra Basti, and Kati Basti. Significant clinical improvement was observed after treatment, including reduction in pain and stiffness and improvement in mobility and sleep quality. This case suggests that Ayurvedic management may offer substantial symptomatic relief and functional improvement in patients suffering from Katigraha (Lumbar Spondylosis).

KEY WORDS:-  Katigraha, Lumbar Spondylosis, Low Back Pain, Vata Vyadhi, Kati Basti, Matra Basti.

Introduction

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints encountered in clinical practice and represents a major cause of disability worldwide. Lumbar Spondylosis is characterized by degenerative changes involving the lumbar vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and associated structures, resulting in pain, stiffness, and restricted movements.

In Ayurveda, disorders affecting the lumbar region are described under Vata.

Vyadhi. Katigraha is characterized by pain and stiffness localized to the Kati Pradesh (lumbar region) resulting from aggravated Vata Dosha. Vata vitiation, either independently or in association with Kapha Dosha, produces functional impairment and restricted mobility. Degenerative changes associated with ageing further contribute to Asthi Dhatu Kshaya, thereby predisposing individuals to chronic pain syndromes.

The clinical features of Lumbar Spondylosis exhibit close resemblance to Katigraha. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on pacifying aggravated Vata Dosha, nourishing affected tissues, and restoring normal functional activity. The present case report evaluates the clinical efficacy of Ayurvedic management in a patient diagnosed with Lumbar Spondylosis.

Discussion

Katigraha is predominantly a Vata-pradhana disorder involving pain and stiffness of the lumbar region. Degenerative changes associated with ageing result in Asthi Dhatu Kshaya and contribute to functional impairment. Therefore, management should address both Vata Dosha aggravation and nourishment of affected tissues.

Sthanika Snehana and Swedana aid in relieving stiffness and improving local circulation.

Kati Basti facilitates prolonged retention of medicated oil over the affected region, thereby providing nourishing and analgesic effects. Matra Basti is regarded as one of the most effective therapies for Vata disorders because of its ability to restore Doshic equilibrium and support tissue rejuvenation.

Punarnava Guggulu possesses anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in musculoskeletal disorders. Dashamoola and Rasna contribute to pain relief and reduction of inflammation, whereas Ashwagandha exhibits Balya and Rasayana properties. Pravala Panchamruta provides mineral supplementation that may support degenerative changes involving Asthi Dhatu. The synergistic action of Shodhana and Shamana therapies appears to have contributed substantially to the favourable clinical outcome observed in this case.

Conclusion

The present case report demonstrates that Ayurvedic management may provide meaningful clinical benefits in patients suffering from Katigraha (Lumbar Spondylosis). The combination of Shamana and Shodhana therapies resulted in appreciable improvement in pain, stiffness, sleep disturbances, and functional limitations. Ayurvedic interventions may therefore serve as an effective conservative treatment modality in the management of Lumbar Spondylosis. Further clinical studies involving larger sample sizes are warranted to validate these findings scientifically.

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