Slip disc is among the most common causes for back pain and the number of patients suffering from this crippling disorder is increasing at an alarming rate. Most are either treated with Pain killers or with physiotherapy which provides symptomatic relief for a short time and if the patient is not responding to this, then surgery is the only resort. However, with the help of Ayurvedic panchakarma therapies most of these surgeries can be easily avoided.
CASE STUDY: A 57-year-old female patient, known case of “Intra vertebral disc protrusion L3/4 and L5/S1″ came with symptoms of –
- Excruciating pain at lower back since 10 yrs
- Pain radiates from lower back in left leg, occasionally in right leg
- Tingling – numbness in both legs
Associated symptoms
- Pain in both knee joint, especially while climbing stairs
- Occasionally pain at back of the neck and in both arms
- Disturbed sleep
- Weight gain
History of present illness – while lifting weight in Gym Patient had developed sudden lower back pain for which she went to see Doctor, where she was diagnosed as a case of Intra vertebral disc prolapsed (Slip Disc). For which she was operated in 1992. Again after 9 yrs she had developed very sever lower back pain for which she was suggested another surgery. Pt declined to go for surgery. She has been taking physiotherapy and pain killers, but in spite of this her condition was deteriorating every day.
Drug History- Pain killers
Family History – Sister is suffering from the same problem.
Diagnosis – Depending upon clinical examination and MRI Lumber spine- Diagnosis was confirmed as –
Post surgical spine (1993).Evidence of right L4 hemilaminectomy is seen.
Large left postero- lateral disc protrusion L3/4 and L5/S1 causing mild thecal sac compression.
Treatment-
Before starting treatment RONALDS AND MORRIS QUESTIONAIRE (RMQ) was taken for severity of pain analysis and – score was -13/24
Medicated enema and Heat therapy was given for 8 day along with some oral medications-
On 8th day of the therapy, Severe pain at lower back almost gone
No radiating pain from lower back in Lt Leg, some times in Rt leg
No Tingling –numbness in both legs
Very slight pain in both knee jt, sp while climbing stairs
No pain at the back of the neck and in both arms
RMQ score was – 6/24
Patient was given medicine for 21 days and called for follow up every 21 days. After 2 months again stage II medicated enema was given.
RMQ score was – 2/24
After therapy
RMQ score- 0/24
RESULT: At present, the patient is completely free from lower back pain and knee joint pain, leading a very healthy life.