Can Cervical Dystonia Be Reversed?
Cervical dystonia is a painful condition in which the neck muscles contract involuntarily which causes the head to twist or turn to one side and is also called spasmodic torticollis. This disorder can occur at any stage but most often occurs in middle-aged people. Women are most commonly affected than men. It causes the head to uncontrollably tilt forward or backward.
AS PER AYURVEDA ASPECT
Cervical dystonia can be compared to Manya Stambh. It occurs due to vitiation of Vata dosha in which there is stiffness in the neck region.
What Are The Causes Of Cervical Dystonia?
- The most common cause of cervical dystonia is unknown.
- There may be a family history.
- Other secondary causes are physical trauma
- Women are affected more than men.
- In some children with slippage of the vertebrae in the neck, and twisting of the head is very painful.
- Some infants are born with shortened muscles in the neck that causes a head turn. Some additional changes include functional movement disorders that can appear similar to cervical dystonia.
What Are The Symptoms Of Cervical Dystonia?
Symptoms of dystonia may begin at any age but they usually begin between the age of 20 and 60, most often between the age of 30 and 50.
Symptoms can range from very mild to severe. They may temporarily worsen with stress or excitement. Symptoms may begin in the neck and spread to the shoulders. It can affect different parts of the body and progress through stages.
Some Early Symptoms Are
- Cramping of foot
- Difficulty in speaking
- Involuntary pulling of neck
- Shaking the head from side to side
- Contraction of neck muscles and it may be painful
- Twisting of the head to twist in various directions
Herbs For Cervical Dystonia
Nagarmotha
Nagarmotha is also known as the nut grass. This herb is useful in treating painful disorders to a huge extent and is also useful in maintaining the balance of the body. It provides support to the various organs of the body. It relieves ama dosha, thirst, anorexia, and fever. By its anti-inflammatory action, this herb reduces the pain as well as inflammation.
Amla
Amla is the most effective herb used in Ayurveda. This provides strength to the body and boosts the immunity. It acts as a tonic in maintaining the vision, eroticism, skin complexion, physical strength etc. The fresh and raw juice fruits of this herb have cool potency. When it is taken in the prescribed dosage of Rasayana therapy, it promotes the virility and increases the lifespan of the individual.
Bala
Bala refers to strength. This herb improves the strength and nourishment of the body. By its antibacterial action, this herb kills the bacteria and prevents infections. It is useful in injuries and it provides relief in gout-related symptoms. It improves the skin texture and skin glows. Its paste is useful in relieving headache, joint pain, and inflammation. Oil prepared from this herb is useful in improving the strength of muscles, bones, and joints.
Bilva
Bilva is a famous herb used in the treatment of paralysis, arthritis and eye disorders. This herb provides strength to the weak bones in the case of osteoarthritis, osteoporosis etc. It also relieves emaciation, fractures, tendon tear and all types of arthritis. It balances Vata dosha which is the main cause of dystonia. Being an anti-inflammatory, this herb relieves pain as well as inflammation and is also useful in soothing nerves.
Guggulu
Guggulu is used as an anti-inflammatory which is helpful to relieve the pain in joints, muscles, and bones. This herb is also useful in quick bone healing during dislocation and fracture. Being a wound healer it helps to heal the non-healing wounds and ulcers quickly. It is also useful in treating goiter, nodules, and thyroid related problems.
Gokshura
Gokshura improves the strength and immunity of the body. This herb improves the vision and is useful in eye disorders. Due to its anti-inflammatory property, this herb reduces the pain as well as inflammation. Being a wound healer, this herb heals the non-healing wounds and ulcers. It is also useful in dysuria, diabetes, menorrhagia, and gout.
Shalparni
Shalparni is the most important herb used in Ayurveda. Being an anti-inflammatory, this herb relieves inflammation. This herb provides strength to the body and balances all the tridoshas. It relieves dysentery and diarrhea.
Prishniparni
Prishniparni acts as a natural absorbent which relieves mild diarrhea. This herb balances Vata dosha which is the main cause of cervical dystonia and other symptoms related to it. It promotes the natural movement of body fluids. Being a natural healer, this herb heals the fractured bones in a shorter period of time. Oil prepared from this herb is used for massage in neuro-muscular conditions.
Shallaki
Shallaki extract is used for treating osteoarthritis and other problems related to it. By its anti-inflammatory action, this herb reduces the pain and inflammation and also improves joint mobility and flexibility. It is also useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Being a wound healer, this herb heals the wounds in a very shorter period. It balances Pitta and Kapha Dosha.
Rasna
Rasna is an effective herb mentioned in Ayurveda for the treatment of pain, cough, indigestion, gout and general debility. This herb acts as an anti-inflammatory that reduces the inflammation and provides relief in the symptoms related to dystonia. It also acts as an anti-oxidant that prevents the damage of cells caused by free radicals. Its decoction acts as a blood purifier that eliminates the toxins from the body and makes the blood pure. It also treats abdominal pain, indigestion, and fever related to indigestion.
Rala
Ral is also known as shala in Ayurveda. Being a wound healer, it heals the non-healing wounds. This herb has an anti-diabetic action that reduces the glucose level in the blood. It is also useful in healing of fractures and relieves pain due to burns and wounds. It is also useful in the treatment of anemia, vitiligo and frequent urination problem.
