Intervertebral Disc Bulge with Sciatica Treated Successfully with Homoeopathy Treatment: An Evidence-Based Case Report

Abstract Lower back pain (LBP) is one of the most common musculo-skeletal complaints, affecting people of all ages and occupations. It may arise from muscle strain, disc degeneration, or underlying medical conditions and can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain, impacting the quality of life. A 46-year-old female patient consulted with complaints of pain in the lower back, radiating to the left foot, at the outpatient department (OPD) of National Homoeopathy Research Institute in Mental Health, Kottayam. The patient's condition was diagnosed as intervertebral disc bulge (IVDB) at the level of L4-L5 and L5-S1 with sciatica. Initially, the patient was treated in the OPD without any positive change; later, she was admitted to the inpatient department and treated with homoeopathic medicines. The effectiveness of the treatment for LBP was assessed using the Start Back Rating scale, and the score changed from high risk (8) to low risk (2). LBP improvement was assessed with a visual analog scale, the score changed from 8 to 2 at discharge. The changes in outcome and causal attribution were assessed using the Modified Naranjo Criteria for Homoeopathy (MONARCH). The score was +9, close to the maximum (13), showing positive relationship between homoeopathic intervention and outcome. This case report suggests the positive role of homoeopathic intervention in treating IVDB with sciatica.