An open labelled randomized comparative clinical study to evaluate the efficacy of kati basti and matra basti with rasna taila and ketakimooladi taila in the management of katigraha vis-a-vis lumbar spondylosis

Katigraha is a condition in which the vitiated Vata localizes in the Kati Pradesha producing Shula and Stabdhata i.e. restricted mobility of low back region. Stressful life, workouts, ageing, frequent travelling, improper postural habits will lead to one of the most common clinical health problem of low back ache which hampers the day-to-day activities. Low back pain is more prevalent among the middle-aged and elderly, which affects both genders equally. The prevalence rate affecting adults is approximately 60-80% at some time in their lives (1). Lumbar Spondylosis is a degenerative condition which affects the discs, vertebral bodies and/or associated joints of lumbar spine (2) which can be corelated to Katigraha due to similarity in clinical manifestation and pathogenesis. In Lumbar Spondylosis, back pain is usually in the lumbosacral area and the back of the thighs. Patients often complain of spinal stiffness, paraspinal muscle spasm and difficulty in performing activities of daily living. In modern medicine, if the disease is in early stage it is managed by medications such as analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, corticosteroids, epidural steroid injections etc. but these drugs cannot be used for longer duration. Acharya Charaka has mentioned Snehana, Swedana and Basti as general line of treatment for Vata Vyadhis (3). Kati Basti is a Bahir Parimarjana Chikitsa (4) and Matra Basti (5) is a type of Sneha Basti which is indicated in Vata Vikaras. Katigraha, as it is a degenerative condition comparison is made between Rasna Taila having Vatahara due to the virtue of Shulahara property being compared with Ketakimooladi Taila having Vatahara due to its Balya and Brimhana property; in the form of both Kati Basti and Matra Basti respectively. Thus, this study is intended in relieving pain and stiffness in low back region by comparing the effects of Rasna Taila and Ketakimooladi Taila. Hence, a comparative clinical study has been taken up to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Kati Basti and Matra Basti using Rasna Taila and Ketakimooladi Taila in the management of Katigraha vis-à vis Lumbar Spondylosis.