Effectiveness of Panchakarma in the Management of Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: A Case Study

Lumbar spondylolisthesis is a spinal disorder characterized by the anterior or posterior displacement of a vertebral body relative to the adjacent vertebra. This condition most commonly affects the lumbosacral region, particularly the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels, and can result from congenital defects, degenerative changes, traumatic injury, or pathological processes. Clinically, patients may present with lower back pain, radiculopathy, neurogenic claudication, or may remain asymptomatic depending on the degree of slippage and neural compromise. Lumbar spondylolisthesis closely parallels the Ayurvedic condition known as Gridhrasi, as both share remarkably similar clinical manifestations. This article presents a case of a diagnosed Grade III anterolisthesis of the L5 vertebra over the S1 vertebral body, for which surgical intervention had been recommended. However, the condition was successfully managed through a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach involving Abhyanga, Swedana and Basti Karma, in conjunction with internal medications.