Ayurvedic Management of Cervical Spondylosis-Ayucliniko

Introduction

Cervical spondylosis is an age-related condition in which wear and tear affect the joints and spinal disks present in the neck. The other terms used for cervical spondylosis are neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis.

Causes of cervical spondylosis

There are possible causes that develop wear and tear of bones and protective cartilage in your neck which can lead to cervical spondylosis.

• Bone spur
• Herniated Disc
• Dehydrated Spinal Disc
• Injury
• Ligament stiffness

Risk factors for cervical spondylosis

• Age
• Occupation or job which includes repetitive neck motions.
• Previous neck injuries
• Genetic factors
• Smoking

Signs and Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

In most people, cervical spondylosis causes no significant symptoms. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The most common symptom is pain and stiffness in the shoulder blades. Pain may increase when standing, sitting, sneezing, and coughing and when you tilt your neck backward.

Other signs of cervical symptoms are

1. Muscle weakness
2. Lack of balance and difficulty in walking
3. Loss of bladder or bowel control
4. Tingling, numbness, and weakness in hands, arms, legs or feet

Diagnosis of cervical spondylosis

The doctor will examine the problem by doing a physical examination and imaging tests such as

Physical examination

1. Check the range of motion of the neck
2. Check muscle weakness
3. Test reflexes

Imaging test

1. X-Ray
2. CT scan and MRI
3. EMG (Electromyography)
4. A nerve conduction study

Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis

Ayurvedic treatment is a natural remedy. Natural remedies are the best and alternative treatment for any disease. According to Ayurveda , a sedentary lifestyle and poor diet is the main cause of any disease. So, Ayurveda provides proper and natural remedies for their treatment.

There are some Ayurvedic herbs , Panchakarma, dietary guidelines, yoga asanas and home remedies which are beneficial for the treatment of cervical spondylosis.

Ayurvedic herbs for cervical spondylosis

Ayurveda provides various herbs for the natural treatment of cervical spondylosis . These herbs are also used to prepare herbal medicines.

It includes:

1.Bala (Sidacordifolia)

Bala possesses an anti-inflammatory property and provides strength to the muscles. So, this herb is very effective for cervical spondylitis, paralysis, and facial paralysis.

2.Ashwagandha (WithaniaSomnifera)

This herb has a strong anti-inflammatory property which helps to reduce pain and swelling in joints and promotes healthy joints. Use of this herb is very effective in the treatment of cervical spondylitis, arthritis , and osteoarthritis.

(BhavaPrakashaNighantu/ GuduchyadiVarga/ Shloka no. 190)

This Shloka explains the use of Ashawgandha. It is widely used in the treatment of anxiety , skin disorder, depression , chronic and adrenaline fatigue, and swelling. It also improves blood circulation. It is a very good antioxidant, actsas a nervine tonic and soothes nerve. Hence it is useful to relieve numbness. Ashawgandha improves quality and quantity of sperm count.

1.Chitrak (Plumbagozeylanica)

This herb also has anti-inflammatory action and used to decrease swelling and joint pain. It is also beneficial in heart diseases.

2.Guggul (Commiphorawightii)

It helps to restore and strengthen the skeletal and neuromuscular system. It is also very effective in relieving pain and inflammation. It helps to support healthy metabolism and eliminates toxins from the body.

3.Nirgundi (Vitexnegundo)

It has analgesic and anti-inflammatory property. It provides relief from pain and inflammation of the muscles and joints. It also heals fractures.

4.Turmeric, Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

Turmeric is known for its strong healing property. It has an anti-inflammatory property and used to reduce inflammation. It is beneficial in the treatment of bone-related diseases.

5.Rasna (Alpiniagalanga)

It is beneficial for all bone-related disorders. It helps to reduce inflammation of other joints.

Panchkarma for cervical spondylosis

Panchakarma in Ayurveda is a purification therapy that is used to balance and purify the body, mind, and emotions. Panchakarma is used as a treatment for various health conditions. There are also some Panchakarma therapies that are used to treat cervical spondylosis naturally.

It includes:

• GreevaVasti
• PatraPindaSweda
• Nasyam

GreevaVasti

It is a therapy to strengthen the cervical nerves, where the dough is prepared on the cervical area and filled with oil. The temperature must be maintained throughout the process.

PatraPindaSweda

In this treatment, the potli is prepared by the Vata subsiding herbs and after dipping in special oil they are massaged on the body. It helps to strengthen the nerves of the spine.

Nasyam

In this therapy, the patient should lie on his back and the prepared medicated oil is passed through the nasal area to clean the area. Smell deep, then lie down for a minute or two, to penetrate Nasya properly. Virechananasyam is one of the type of Nasayamtherapy which purifies and treat doshas of head and neck. It is beneficial in the treatment of many diseases like headache, disease of throat, skin disease, etc.

Dietary guidelines for cervical spondylosis

Foods to be taken

1. Omega 3 and Vitamin E rich foods such as oilseeds, nuts, and fish.v
2. Cow's ghee in your food.
3. Lemon juice thrice daily along with a pinch of rock salt.
4. Use of garlic: Eat 2-3 cloves of garlic in the morning along with the application of garlic oil.
5. Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd and drumstick in regular meals.
6. Add Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorous and the essential trace minerals in your diet .
7. Fresh green and leafy vegetables.
8. Salad of raw vegetables such as carrot, lettuce, cabbage, tomato, cucumber, radish, etc.
9. Anti-inflammatory food such as apple, garlic, ginger, and turmeric, etc.

Foods to be avoided

1. Fried foods, spicy, oily foods, excessive meats.
2. Processed foods like sweets, confectionery, bread, etc.
3. High-acid food along with red meat, citrus vegetables, white potatoes, etc.
4. Avoid smoking, consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
5. Home remedies for cervical spondylosis
6. Using a heating pad or cold pack on your neck is beneficial to get relief from severe muscle pain.
7. Soft Collars or soft neck brace helps to limit neck motion and temporarily provides rest to the neck muscles but it can weaken the strength of muscles if worn for a longer period of time.
8. Do exercise regularly it will help you recover faster.
9. Sleeping Posture: Sleep on your back or by your side. Use a hard mattress and keep your head level. Always use cushions that do not bend back more than 15 degrees. Do not sleep on your stomach.

Some Yoga Asanas for cervical spondylosis

Yoga helps to manage the balance in your body and provides relief from many diseases. It is a natural remedy for cervical spondylosis. Regular exercise of these yoga poses leads to a flexible body, a calm mind and also keeps our mind and body fresh.

• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• ArdhaMatsyendrasana (Sitting Half-Spinal Twist)
• SetuBandhasana (Bridge Pose)
• Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
• Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
• Marjariasana (Cat Pose)