An Ayurvedic management of Annular Tear of Lumber Intervertebral Disc - A Case Study

Abstract

Intervertebral discs are fibro cartilaginous structures. They give shape to the vertebral column. The discs act as a remarkable series of shock absorbers. Surrounding each intervertebral disc, a tough, shock absorbing layer known as annulus, protect the disc’s vulnerable interior. An annular tear occurs when this outer hard layer cracks. Causes of annular tear are aging process of spine, injury, trauma etc. Medicines like Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Narcotic drugs, injections and surgery which have their limitations and having some adverse effects too. In present era, awareness and popularity of Ayurveda is increasing day by day and people prefer to be treated by Ayurveda. So, Ayurveda is more favoured by people. According to Ayurveda annular tear can be understood as Abhighata Janya Katigatavata. In this single case study an effort has been made to manage annular tear in lumbar intervertebral disc, through Ayurveda. A 48 year old female, suffering from annular tear of lumbar intervertebral disc desiccation and herniation, was treated with Tikta Kshira Basti for 15 consecutive days. Simultaneously Kati Basti and internal medicines were also given. Noticeable relief was found in all symptoms of the patients, so here a single case study is presented