The spinal cord and nerves pass through vertebrae which protect and support them. 26 of such vertebrae make up the spine. The spinal discs are a staunch spindle that is elastic in nature which is present in each of the spine joint segments. These discs are what provide a wide range of motion for the neck as well as the lower back.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical spondylosis is a disease which affects inter vertebral discs of cervical vertebrae. For understanding the pathology, cervical spine anatomy should be understood. Cervical spine contain 7 vertebrae. A spongy gel like substance is situated between two vertebrae called intervertebral disc(IV Disc) which provide a cushioning effect. Cervical nerves are emerging out from pathways corresponding to spine. In cervical spondylosis, these IV discs and vertebrae are affected in different manner.
Dehydrated discs: In this condition discs may loss its spongy nature and become dry results in direct bone to bone contact which cause pain.
Intervetebral disc prolapse: Sometime IV discs may slip from vertebral space causing compression to nerve roots resulting in pain, numbness and disabilities.
Bone spurs: Degeneration of vertebrae sometime results in abnormal growth of bony structure called as spur. This may come in contact with nerve root or spine.
Pain over the cervical region usually increased by excess movement and strain
Referred pain: pain may transfer to the back of head, shoulders and upper arms
Stiffness of neck
Feel of giddiness on the sudden movement of the head
Cramps in legs or foot while standing for a long duration
Numbness, tingling, or weakness in upper limbs
Radiological image techniques like X-ray, MRI or CT of cervical spines will give an exact impression about the underlying pathology.
Blood tests for reactive diseases, hormonal imbalance, auto-immune disorders are also helpful.
If condition not improving with all these measures surgical interventions may be needed.
All the degenerative conditions are classified in Ayurveda under Vata disease. Different diseases described in Charak Samhita, Susrutha Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya like Viswachi, Manyasthambha, and Greevagraha, etc have one more symptom similar to Cervical spondylosis.
Ayurveda categorizes Manyasthambha among 80 diseases caused by vatha. Ayurveda opines vatha dosha will be predominant during old age. Aggravation of vatha results in the degeneration of body tissues. In Ayurvedic treatment for Cervical Spondylosis, Vatha along with kapha stiffens neck (manya) causing pain and disabilities. Due to roughness of vata, vertebrae become dry and rough results in the degeneration of discs and vertebrae causing pain. Kapha causes stiffness and disabilities.
A wide range of medicines is available in Ayurveda to manage vatha diseases. They will pacify vatha and reduce inflammation and pain. When kapha alleviated, stiffness will be reduced. The application of medicinal pastes(lepa) will be highly beneficial to reduce inflammations. Medicated ghee is given to regain the unctuousness.
Aches and pain management is one of the strongest positives of Ayurveda. Aim of treatment to restore bone strength and rehydrate them. But just applying some oils will not give you any benefits. Proper medicines with panchakarma therapies associated with yoga and lifestyle management will be beneficial to a great extent.
This is a well-known drug in Ayurveda which reduces inflammation, it also possesses anti-arthritic properties. Ayurvedic formulations like Gugguluthiktakam Kashayam, Yograja Guggulu,Trayodasanga Guggulu, Kaisore Guggulu, etc are commonly used in the ayurvedic treatment of cervical spondylosis.
Nasya is the best choice to treat diseases of the upper part of the body. Nasya simultaneously controls both vatha and kapha.
Nasya stimulates the brain through an olfactory pathway, structures of the Limbic system including Thalamus, Hypothalamus, Hippocampus, Amygdala, and parts of the Basal ganglia which are concentration areas for neuropeptides called nodal points. Nasya can stimulate areas like Amygdala in the Limbic system, thus activating the neuropeptide pathway which helps to reduce pain.
Nasya with a nourishing drug can induce some nourishment to tissues by impregnating Kapha and reduce degeneration thus reduce stiffness.
Pathra pinda sweda(poultice with herbs), one among the common treatment modality in keraleeya ayurvedic treatment. Researches show patra panda sweda has the following effect on cervical spondylosis
Greeva vasthi( pooling of medicated oil over neck region), taila dhara(pouring vatha hara oils over neck region) for giving nourishment effect also reduce dehydration of IV discs.
Njavara kizhi : Gives back muscular strength, relive spasm and regain tone. Also, provide a rejuvenating effect.
Gentle abhyanga(oil massage) also useful to reduce pain but vigorous massages may aggravate the condition.
Choorna Pinda Sweda(poultice prepared with medicated powders) to relieve stiffness and inflammation
It relieves para-vertebral muscle spasm
Strengthens Para-vertebral muscles
Strengthens intervertebral discs
Helps repair damaged myelin sheath
Has a local anti-inflammatory effect
Simple techniques like moving neck to the front, back and sidewise, rotating shoulders in both clockwise and anticlockwise directions may help to reduce neck pain.
Yoagasanas like bhujangasana, matsyasana, etc can be practiced with the help of a yoga trainer. Diet includes light food with proper nutrition. Milk is good for bone health. Ghee helps for avoiding degeneration. Leafy vegetables to keep away from constipation and indigestion. Meat soup and fish for muscular tone and maintaining bony density.
Ayurveda provides complete care for cervical spondylosis. It prevents the degeneration of bones, also reverses the dehydration of IV discs. Repairing the damaged soft tissues and bone-strengthening reverse the pathology involved. A combination of traditional ayurvedic panchakarma treatments with Kerala special treatments like elakizhi, uzhichil,pizhichil, etc offers a multidimensional benefit to patients suffering from cervical spondylosis.
There is nothing ayurveda couldn’t offer you. From minor disease treatments to entire body rejuvenation, ayurveda has everything in it to keep your wellbeing.
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