Cervical spondylosis is a terminology commonly used for age-related wear and tear affecting the bones (vertebrae), joints and discs of the neck (cervical spine), and commonly occurs in men and women older than the age of 40 and progresses with age. As the age increases, the discs gradually break down and tend to get stiffer and as because of which the body reacts and develops bony growths (osteophytes) and these osteophytes, in turn, put pressure on the spinal nerve roots or spinal cord resulting in mild to severe pain.
With symptoms like head spinning, continuous headache, the problem in bending or pain in the neck, the disease is known as Cervical Spondylosis. It is undoubtedly a prevalent, age-related condition that affects the bones, joints, and discs in your neck and it occurs usually due to the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones in the cervical spine leading to chronic, severe pain and stiffness.
In Ayurveda Cervical spondylosis is mentioned upon as “griva sandhi gata vata”. According to Ayurveda the Vata, the principle of movement is one of the most predominant functions with the skeletomuscular system and the nervous system. Problems relating to these systems are predominantly caused by vitiated Vata.
The vitiation of Vata is discussed to be caused by two mechanisms. First of them is an obstruction to vata due to malfunctioning of Kapha and pitta. The other one is an increase of vata independently (the degenerative problems). The sacrum is situated in the Vata area of the body and this disease is caused by aggravated Vata and ama (toxins), which cause stiffness and reduce mobility in this area.
Causes
Cervical spondylosis is caused by persistent degeneration of the cervical spine, the cushions between the neck vertebrae, and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. A previous neck injury can predispose a person to have cervical spondylosis. Some of the other causes are as follows.
- Bulging and sometimes herniation of disks so that disk material protrudes from between two vertebrae
- Stiffening of the ligaments connecting neck bones and muscles
- Most of the people show age-related wear and tear in the age of thirty as evidenced by x-rays but symptoms do not appear until later ages of life.
- Drying and loss of elasticity in the spinal and cervical disks
TREATMENT
The explanation of Cervical Spondylitis may seem weird to modern world people but ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis is an ancient healing science utilizing herbs for centuries. Many patients respond very well to Ayurveda for cervical spondylosis as the principles of healing are focused on balancing the “Vata” – the main reason behind pain due to nerves. Hence the vata is controlled by herbs like Yograj Guggul , Kaishore Guggul, Aloe Vera juice (Kumari Saar) and also Stress Support, as stress also causes stiffness in neck joints and Ashwagandha is the herb which benefits in stress-related muscle stiffness. Vata- the kinetic energy of the body is regulated by a regular massage with Ayurvedic oils, internal consumption of medicated Cow’s ghee.
Do you want to know what are the best home remedies to treat cervical spondylitis
Anti-inflammatory herbal tablets like Sinhnaad Guggul, Kaishore Guggul, Yograj Guggul, Arthritis Support are useful in managing pain and inflammation in Cervical Spondylitis. Sometimes the pain is severe in Cervical Spondylitis which needs to be tackled quickly. Ayurveda for cervical spondylosis mentions that there are quite common herbs for the painful joint which work instantly. Herbs like Dry Ginger, Turmeric (curcumin), Fenugreek, Ashwagandha, Sallaki (Boswellia), and Giloy (Tinospora) provide relief. The extracts of these herbs are more effective in reducing the pain and inflammation of all types of arthritis and joint pains to a large extent.
Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis also includes using a large handkerchief with about 500gms of salt that is kept over a frying pan till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over the neck. Precaution should be taken to see that the handkerchief doesn’t get too hot as it may cause burns.
That’s because sometimes patients suffering from cervical Spondylosis develop some anaesthetic patches in the back, neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous systems and is therefore not able to feel the quantum of heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus before applying it on the affected parts.
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Author of the Blog: Dr. Rajeshri Mehta
Expert Review By: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram
Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd