Assessment of Comparative Efficacy of Agnikarma by Panchdhatu Tamra Lauha Rajat and Suwarna Shalaka in pain management of Katigatvata w s r to Lumbar Spondylosis

Abstract

newline Abstract newlineKatigatavata, a Vata-dominant musculoskeletal disorder localized in the lumbar region, closely newlineresembles lumbar spondylosis and chronic mechanical low back pain in contemporary medicine. newlineAgnikarma, a classical para-surgical intervention described for deep-seated Vata Vyadhi, is newlineadvocated for rapid alleviation of Shoola, Stambha, and functional impairment. The present newlinerandomized controlled trial was undertaken to comparatively evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of newlineAgnikarma using five different metallic Shalakas- Panchdhatu, Tamra, Lauha, Rajat, and newlineSuwarna in the management of Katigatavata. newlineA total of 330 participants were randomized into five groups. Clinical assessment was performed newlineusing VAS for pain, stiffness grading, tenderness evaluation, and WOMAC score for functional newlinestatus. Demographic analysis confirmed baseline comparability across groups. Results newlinedemonstrated statistically and clinically significant improvement in all groups; however, intergroup newlinedifferences were notable. On Day 60, Tamra Shalaka showed the greatest reduction in pain newline(10.98% residual), stiffness (3.28%), tenderness (2.42%), and functional limitation (26.06% newlineWOMAC residual), followed by Rajat, Suwarna, Panchdhatu, and Lauha. The overall ranking of newlineefficacy was: Tamra gt Rajat gt Suwarna gt Panchdhatu gt Lauha. newlineThermal conductivity analysis revealed a direct correlation between metal properties and clinical newlineoutcomes. Metals with higher thermal conductivity (Tamra, Rajat) provided rapid and deeper heat newlinepenetration, resulting in effective neuromodulation, enhanced microcirculation, muscle relaxation, newlineand anti-inflammatory action. Suwarna demonstrated sustained benefit, possibly due to stable heat newlinedelivery and rejuvenate attributes, whereas Lauha, with lower conductivity, produced newlinecomparatively superficial effects. newlineThe study establishes that Agnikarma is a minimally invasive, OPD-feasible, and clinically newlineeffective modality for Katigatavata, and that therapeutic outcomes are significantly influenced by newlinethe choice of metall