World Journal of
Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF VIDDHAGNI KARMA AND AGNIKARMA WITH PANCHADHATU SHALAKA IN KATIGRAHA W.S.R. TO LUMBAR SPONDYLOSIS

Nirmala Bidari* and Srinivas Masalekar

ABSTRACT

Lumbar spondylosis, a degenerative condition affecting the lumbar spine, is characterized by severe lower back pain, stiffness, and numbness, often impairing daily activities.1In Ayurveda, it corresponds to Katigraha, a Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi,[2] and is typically managed with therapies targeting Vatavyadhi. For severe cases involving pain due to vitiated asthi (bones) and mamsa (muscles), Agnikarma (therapeutic cauterization) is recommended.[3] This study evaluates the efficacy of Viddhagnikarma, a fusion of needling (Vyadhana) and heat application (Agnikarma), compared to the standard Panchadhatu Shalaka Agnikarma. A total of 40 patients with Katigraha were selected from Government Ayurveda Medical College, Bengaluru, and randomly divided into two groups of 20 each. Group A underwent Viddhagnikarma, while Group B received Panchadhatu Shalaka Agnikarma. The outcomes were assessed based on predefined criteria. Results indicated no statistically significant difference between the two groups (chi-square value: 1.32; p-value: 0.723). However, clinical observations revealed that Group B showed relatively better responses (good and moderate outcomes) than Group A. Both treatments were effective in managing Katigraha, with Viddhagnikarma providing comparable results to the established Panchadhatu Shalaka Agnikarma. This study supports the use of Viddhagnikarma as a viable alternative treatment for Katigraha, offering benefits such as improved circulation, reduced stiffness, and minimized invasiveness without leaving scars. The findings validate its efficacy in outpatient settings while emphasizing the need for further research to refine its applications.

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