Evaluation of effect of poultice (Upanaha Sweda) in low back pain (Katigraha): A randomized comparative clinical trial.

Background: Katigraha (low back pain) is a condition where low back is afflicted either with Vata or Sama Vata (Vata involved with the toxins released due to altered digestion and metabolism) and present with symptoms such as pain with stiffness. About 60%-80% population in India suffer from this condition. Upanaha Sweda (poultice) is one of the Swedana (sudation) treatment modalities mentioned for Katigraha. As Sama (affected with toxins released from impaired digestion) and Nirama (without toxins) are two stages of Katigraha, hence, the specific type of Upanaha is required for such condition.

Aims and objective: The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Upanaha Sweda in Katigraha (low back pain) as per the presentation of stages of Ama.

Materials and methods: Selected patients were categorized into two groups. In group A, patients having Samaja Katigraha, were given Panchakoladi Upanaha once a day till it became Niramaja, then shifted to Godhumadi Upanaha for 7 days and patients who had Niramaja Katigraha, Godhumadi Upanaha was used once a day for 7 days. In group B Godhumadi Upanaha was used once a day for 7 days irrespective of stages. Subjective parameters assessed were pain in the low back, stiffness, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was also used. The Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed‑rank test were used to assess results.

Results: Patients who were treated considering the Sama and Nirama phases had 78.88% better results in relieving pain, stiffness, and in ODI change than the patients treated without considering the phases.

Conclusion: The present study showed significant results in both the groups, but patients treated as per stage wise treatment showed better effect in treating Katigraha than the patients treated with out considering the stage.