Cervical Spondylosis / Chronic Neck Pain
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition that affects the joints of the neck region (Seven cervical vertebras). This is usually an age related condition in which wear and tear of the intervertebral disc (a cushion like structure between two cervical vertebrae) occurs. But other factors can also contribute for cervical spondylosis.
Due to degenerative changes pressure is exerted on the nerves coming out from the spinal cord adjacent to the vertebrae, thus if there is a compression of any of the nerves it can create further complications. With advancement of age complications could get more severe if this disorder remains untreated.
Causes of Cervical Spondylosis:
- Degeneration of bone/ cartilage/ tendon tissue with age
- Excessive strain on neck due to lifting of heavy objects
- Prolonged and regular awkward position of the neck.
- Stiffening of neck muscles and ligaments (e.g. sitting long hours for a desktop job)
- Neck injury
- Excessive strain on the neck due to travelling/commuting
- Obesity with lack of exercise
According to Ayurveda:
This predominantly happens by two ways:
- Due to the blockages caused by the toxins in the musculo-skeletal system obstructing the normal functions of the muscles and nerves.
- Due to degenerative changes in the muscles, bone tissue and cervical discs.
The causes mentioned above are responsible for the above to ways in the impairment or changes in musculo-skeletal system functioning. This also affects the functions of the nervous system related to the neck region (cervical region). Pain being the main symptom.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis:
- Pain and stiffness in the neck ,shoulders and arms
- Pain in shoulder radiating towards arms and fingers
- Tingling numbness in arms and fingers
- Difficulty in writing, holding objects, etc.
- Difficulty in sleeping on either side , or one side
- Ayurveda Body Cure’s treatment plan for Cervical Spondylosis:
Our treatment plan is decided after a detailed consultation by our Ayurvedic consultant along with your other related complaints. This plan will include a recommendation on diet and life style changes, herbal medication; Herbal massage based body therapies, and the most important part Detoxification called as Panchakarma, Yoga and Yogic Breathing techniques.
Herbal Medications:
According to the individuals’ body constitution, severity of disorder, climatic conditions, etc. keeping all the above due factors, specific combination of herbal medication and remedies are prepared and given.
Medications such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundi), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sunthi (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. are used along with herbal oil applications which have their base as sesame- castor oils etc.
Herbal Massage based body therapies:
The herbal massage based therapies is recommended as per severity of cervical disorder and pain. This therapy comprises of Manya basti (Oil Pool over Neck), Pind Sweda (Hot Poultice De-stress massage), Prustaabhyanga (Back Massage) which are to be done over neck region.
Detoxification/Panchakarma:
In this treatment plan the most important part is the Panchkarma which includes Basti (Enema therapy), Nasya (Nasal medication), Mrudu Virechan (Mild Purgation therapy), etc.
The detoxification will help in reducing the toxin barrier thus increasing the efficacy of herbal medications enhancing the neck movements which are restricted by the pain and tenderness over cervical region.
Diet and lifestyle:
Healthy lifestyle and dietary habits are suggested considering your daily routine and keeping the health issue in mind.
Have a glimpse of your dietary recommendations – Diet Cervical Spondylosis.
Exercise and Yoga recommendations:
Along with the Panchkarma / Detoxification and other recommendations, daily exercise and yoga practice is must. This will help in decreasing the pain and increase muscle flexibility. Yoga postures such as Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Ardhamatsendrasana (Sitting half spinal twist), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), etc. under proper guidance are recommended.
Yogic breathing techniques:
To relieve stress which is related to your disorder and daily routine, Yogic breathing techniques are very helpful. Yogic breathing techniques such as Anulom vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing), Bhramri (Humming/Bee Breathe), Kapalbhati (blowing air out from stomach through nose), etc. are helpful.
To see a video of the techniques please click – Yoga for CervicalSpondylosis.
The above Ayurvedic holistic treatment plan will minimize the degenerative changes due to cervical spondylosis, thus giving you a pain relieving experience.
