E-ISSN:2456-3110

Case Report

Gridhrasi

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2025 Volume 10 Number 5 MAY
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An Ayurvedic approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy (Gridhrasi) with special reference to Ksheera Vaithara Basti - A Case Report

Vasantha B1*, Moharana PK2, Totad M3, Rakshitha J4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.10.5.48

1* Vasantha B, PhD Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai and Associate Professor, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

2 Pradeep Kumar Moharana, Professor, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.

3 Muttappa Totad, PhD Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai and Professor Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

4 Rakshitha J, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.

Lumbar radiculopathy is a neurological condition characterized by pain radiating along the path of sciatica nerve. It has significant impact on quality of life associated with chronic pain and disability. Early recognition and appropriate management are crucial for reducing morbidity and improving functional outcomes. In Ayurvedic literature, Gridhrasi resembles to the clinical features of lumbar radiculopathy. In this study, the patient presented with low back pain radiating to left lower limb, heaviness, and numbness, unable stand/walk due to pain. Magnetic resonance imaging of lumbosacral spine shown loss of lumbar lordosis, grade I anterolisthesis of L5 over S1 vertebra noted, diffuse disc bulge with facetal arthropathy is seen at L5-S1 level causing indentation of anterior thecal sac. The disease was diagnosed as Ghridhrasi (Left) with Kaphavruta stage. Treated with Ksheera Vaithara Basti (Kaala Basti) and Shamana Oushadhis for a period of 51 days (in-patient 21 days and out-patient 30 days). However, there was a significant improvement in pain relief and patient was able to walk without support in a span of twenty-one days. The treatment protocol followed for Gridhrasi with special reference to Ksheera Vaitharana Basti and Shamana medications has given a significant relief and thereby improved the quality of life.

Keywords: Gridhrasi, Lumbar radiculopathy, Basti, Ksheera Vaithrana Basti

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Vasantha B, PhD Scholar, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Ayurveda College and Hospital, Nazarathpet, Chennai and Associate Professor, Dept of Kayachikitsa, Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheshwara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Vasantha B, Moharana PK, Totad M, Rakshitha J, An Ayurvedic approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy (Gridhrasi) with special reference to Ksheera Vaithara Basti - A Case Report. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2025;10(5):309-312.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/4325/

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2025-04-10 2025-04-26 2025-05-07 2025-05-17 2025-05-27
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
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© 2025 by Vasantha B, Moharana PK, Totad M, Rakshitha J and Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2025;10(5)309
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionCase ReportResultDiscussionConclusionReferences
Vasantha B et al. An Ayurvedic approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy

Introduction

Modern lifestyle & work demands are increasingly impacting overall health, with factors such as overexertion, sedentary jobs & lifting heavy objects often leading to lower back pain. Lumbar radiculopathy is said to be second commonest cause for low back pain leading to functional disability.[1] Lumbar radiculopathy-pain that radiates along sciatic nerve, running from lower back through hips & buttocks & extending down legs. This condition often arises from nerve irritation or compression due to issues such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. It can be correlated to Gridhrasi in Ayuveda. Gridhrasi is one among Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhis. Symptoms of Gridhrasi include Sthmbha (stiffness), Ruk (pain), Toda (pricking pain), Spandana (Tingling sensation) in Spik Poorva, Kati, Prusta, Janu, Jangha & Paada respectively.[2] Treatment of Gridhrasi as mentioned by our Acharyas is Siravyadhana, Basti Chikitsa & Agnikarma. 35 years female, brought by attender on wheel chair, with complaints of sudden onset of low back pain radiating to left lower limb (LL), stiffness, heaviness & numbness. Disease was diagnosed as Gridhrasi (Left) with Kaphavruta stage. Treatment protocol followed for Gridhrasi was Ksheera Vaitharana Basti[3] & Shamana medications for period of 51 days (in-patient 21 days & out-patient 30 days). Assessed for changes in clinical features, nerve compression tests & Oswestry disability index.[4] These assessments were shown significant improvements. Thus, treat. protocol adopted had given relief complaints & thereby improved quality of life of patient.

Case Report

Aatura Parichaya:

  • Age: 35 years
  • Gender: Female
  • Socio economic status: Middle class
  • Occupation: Home maker
  • Marital status: Married
  • IPD number:023649
  • Date of admission: 23/03/2024
  • Date of discharge: 12/04/2024
  • Follow up date: 10/5/2024

Pradahana Vedana:

Patient was brought by attender to SDM Hospital at 10am on wheel chair.

  • Low back pain radiating to left LL
  • Stiffness of left LL
  • Heaviness of left LL
  • Numbness of left LL
  • Patient was not able to walk/stand with or without support.
  • Sudden onset since 7 am on 23/3/2024, after lifting weight of 12 kgs.

Clinical Findings

Musculoskeletal System
Gait: patient was unable to walk due to pain.
Straight leg raise test:
Right LL – Negative, Left LL- 10 degree (Passive) and 0 degree (active)
Fabers Test: Positive (Left)
Lasegue’s Test: Positive (Left)
Browstring Test: Positive (Left)
Bragard’s Test: Positive (Left)

Investigations

MRI of L-S spine: 23/3/2024:

Picture 1: Report
jaims_4325_01.JPG


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Vasantha B et al. An Ayurvedic approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy

Impression:

  • Loss of lumbar lordosis.
  • Grade I anterolisthesis of L5 over S1 vertebra.
  • Diffuse disc bulge with facetal arthropathy is seen at L5-S1 level causing indentation of anterior thecal sac and narrowing of bilateral lateral recess.

Diagnosis: Gridhrasi (Left) with Kaphavruta Vata stage (Lumbar radiculopathy)

Treatments:

IP treatments: 23/3/24 to 12/4/25:

Table 1: Showing Shamana Oushadhi

DurationShamana OushadhiDoseTime
23/3/24- 27/3/241.  Dhanwantaram Vati
2.  Rasnaerandadhi Kashaya
3.  Bruhatvatachintamani Rasa
4.  Tab. Triphala 		1-1-1
30ml-30ml-30ml
1-1-1
0-0-1		Before food (B/F)
After food (A/F)
A/F
AIF
28/3/24- 12/4/241.  Dhanwantaram Vati
2.  Bruhatvatachintamani Rasa		1-1-1
1-1-1		B/F
A/F

Table 2: Showing Procedures

DateProcedureDays
23/3/24 – 25/4/24Kati Upanaha with Rasna Choorna + Devadaru Choorna + Kusta Choona + Godhuma Choorna + Pariseka Taila3 days
25/3/24 – 27/4/24Anuvasana Basti with Nirgundi Taila - 30ml3 Days
26/3/24- 12/4/24Sarvanga Abhyanga with Pariseka Taila followed by Nadi Sweda18 days
28/3/24- 11/4/24Kaala Basti:
Ksheera Vaitharana Basti (N):
  • Guda: 50grms
  • Chincha Swarasa: 25ml
  • Sneha: Nirgundi Taila- 70ml
  • Saindhava:10grms
  • Ksheera: 100ml
Anuvasana Basti (A): Nirgundi Taila: 60ml
Table 2a: Schedule of Kaala Basti
28/329/330/331/31/42/43/44/4
ANANANAN
5/46/47/48/49/410/411/4
ANANAAA

15 days
1/4/24 – 11/4/24Vestana to Kati and left LL with Pariseka Taila12 days

OP (Discharge) medications:

1. Dhanwantaram Vati 1-1-1 (B/F) with warm water
2. Trayodashang Guggulu 1-0-1 (A/F) with warm water
3. Bruhatvata Chintamani Rasa 0-1-0 (A/F) with honey

Follow-up: After 30 days (10/5/2024)

Assessment Criteria:

  • Clinical features
  • Nerve compression tests
  • Visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain
  • Oswestry disability index

Result

Table 3: Showing assessment criteria

SNParameterBefore treatmentAfter treatmentAfter follow-up
1.  Low back achePresentAbsentAbsent
2.  Pain radiating to left LLPresentReduced 70%Absent
3.  Stiffness of left LLPresentReduced 70%Absent
4.  Heaviness of left LLPresentReduced 70%Absent
5.  Numbness of left LLPresentReduced 70%Absent
6.  Walk/standNot ableAbleAble
7.  VAS920
8.  SLR - passive10 degree60 degree70 degree
9.  SLR - active0 degree40 degree70 degree
10. Fabers Test:LeftPositiveNegativeNegative
11. Lasegue’s Test:LeftPositiveNegativeNegative
12. Browstring Test:LeftPositiveNegativeNegative
13. Bragard’s Test:LeftPositiveNegativeNegative
14. Oswestry disability index80% - crippled20% - minimal disability12% minimal disability

Discussion

The probable mechanisms are outlined as follows:

Tab Dhanwatram Vati[5]: It is best in Vatanulomana.


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Vasantha B et al. An Ayurvedic approach to Lumbar Radiculopathy

Trayodashanga Guggulu[6]: It is indicated in Vatavyadhi. Trayodashang Guggulu[7] have proven anti-inflammatory action. Bruhatvatachintamani Rasa[8]: Swarna nourish and rejuvenate nerve cells. The site of action of Abhraka is on Nervous system which helps reducing Kshobha and reinforce nerve cells. Rasanaerandadhi Kashaya: Reduces inflammation around the lumbar spine and nerve roots, thereby decreasing pain. Antioxidant property[9] is effective in an oxidative stress induced condition associated with the Vata. Triphala tablet: Triphala reduces constipation and flatulence (Vatanulomana). It is having anti-inflammatory effect. Ksheeera Vaitharana Basti: It is the most effective treatment for diseases arising out of vitiation of Vata. Ksheera Vaitarana Basti removes the Aavaranajanya Vata and acts as Rasayana.Chincha: It is Deepana. Guda: Sodhana property-separate viscid/morbid matter (Dosha-Dushya Sammurchhana) and eliminates easily. Saindhava: It is carminative and digestive. Nirgundi Taila: Pacify morbid Vata at its own site, i.e., Pakwashaya. Ksheera: It is having Brihmana, Virechaka, Jeevaneeya property. Upanaha: Relieves pain, muscle spasm and stiffness.

Vestana: Relieve pain, muscle spasm and stiffness. Vestana has gradual increasing effect in symptomatic management of Vata Vikara.

Conclusion

Ksheera Vaithara Basti and Shamana medications in Lumbar radiculopathy (Gridhrasi) given significant improvements. Thus, improved the quality of life.

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