How Ayurveda Helps to Treat Cervical Spondylosis

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A specific form of arthritis which attacks vertebrae and connects bony and ligament structures is known as spondylosis. Often, it occurs in the cervical vertebrae.

It is considered as a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine. There is an increasing incidence of this problem in modern society because of more desk-workers.

It affects the vertebral bodies and intervertebral disks of the neck as well as the spinal canal. There are degenerative changes in the joints, longitudinal ligaments and ligamentum flavum.

Spondylosis progresses with age and develops at multiple interspaces.

What are the Causes of Cervical Spondylosis?

The bones and cartilage that make the backbone and neck gradually develop wear and tear with aging. As a result, certain changes occur.

Some of the causes are:

1. Work Activity

Those who carry heavy workload on their shoulders are more likely to develop cervical spondylosis.

2. Herniated Disks

With advancing age, the nucleus loses fluid, size and flexibility. As a result, complete structure gets dehydrated which makes the disks more susceptible to damage and compression. Therefore, herniated disk can slowly develop into problems such as cervical spondylosis.

3. Neck Injury

A neck injury can predispose one to spondylosis. Other factors that could trigger spondylosis can be a poor posture, trauma and excessive intake of dry and sour foods.

What are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis?

The primary symptom of Cervical Spondylosis is pain and stiffness in the neck.

Other symptoms are:

  • Tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms, hands, leg or feet.
  • Lack of coordination
  • Difficulty in walking
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Muscle spasms
  • Headaches (at the back of head)

The symptoms of cervical spondylosis develop gradually over time but they may get worse all of a sudden.

Cervical Spondylosis According to Ayurveda

Cervical Spondylosis known as Greeva Stambha in Ayurveda. In Ayurvedic perspective, grivastambha is one of the 80 types of vatvyadhi which is characterized by stambha (stiffness) in the neck region which is commonly seen in cervical spondylosis.

According to Ayurveda, the cause of Cervical Spondylosis is the aggravation of Vata dosha (bio humor associated with Air and Ether). When Vata dosha gets aggravated, it causes the depletion of body tissues. Because of cold and dry qualities of Vata dosha, the aggravated Vata dosha leads to the decrease of the cushioning fluid and connective tissue between the joints that are ruled by Kapha dosha.

As a result, there is a degeneration of disc and eventually brings about spondylosis.

Treatment usually focuses on pacification of aggravated Vata dosha by improving digestion and enhancing the digestive fire.

What is the Ayurvedic Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis?

Any external massage does not provide much relief and massage with deep pressure is also very harmful for the patient.

Only gentle massage over the muscles of neck and shoulder joints is recommended.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Cervical Spondylosis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers Cervical Spondylosis Care Pack for ayurvedic treatment of Cervical Spondylosis.

Cervical Spondylosis Care Pack of Planet Ayurveda

1. Yograj Guggul

2. Hakam Churna

3. Joint Aid Plus

1. Yograj Guggul

Yograj Guggul is a famous Ayurvedic medicine which is used in Ayurveda for painful joints and muscles. It helps to maintain healthy metabolism and removes toxins from the system. It checks the irritation of vatic nerves as well and is also very effective for gastric problems. So, Yograj Guggul helps in balancing Vata dosha in the body.

This herbal preparation of Planet Ayurveda is a combination of various herbs such as:

  • Guggul resin (Commiphora mukul)
  • Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica)
  • Pippali (Piper longum)
  • Ajwain (Carum couticum)
  • Vidang (Embelia ribes)
  • Kulanjan (Alpinia galangal)
  • Heart wood (Citrus deodara)
  • Chavya (Piper chaba)
  • Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa) etc.

Dose: 2 tablets twice a day.

2. Hakam Churna

Hakam Churna by Planet Ayurveda is a wonderful herbal supplement in the form of powder to relieve cervical spondylosis and other painful inflammatory conditions.

This powder corrects indigestion as well as acidity formation that disturbs Vata dosha to lead cervical spondylosis.

Dose: 1 teaspoonful 2 times a day with plain water.

3. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus of Planet Ayurveda is made from the blend of herbs that are described in Ayurveda as the best anti-inflammatory herbs. These herbs are very useful in moderate as well as severe forms of inflammation, swelling and pain.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily.

Diet:

  • Taking curd is strictly prohibited.
  • Various preparations of pulses are contra-indicated in this condition as a diet that is rich in proteins can interfere with the absorption of calcium.
  • Consuming wheat rather rice is useful.
  • Avoid taking refined flour or maida.
  • Bitter vegetables like the bitter variety of drumstick, neem and bitter gourd are beneficial in cervical spondylosis.
  • Vitamin A is useful in reducing the inflammation so one should consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Include foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E such as: nuts and oilseeds.
  • Highly acidic foods such as: red meat, aerated drinks, tea/coffee, spicy food should be avoided.
  • Reduce the intake of potatoes as they build up acid in the body and lead to puffiness of the joints and aggravate the condition of cervical spondylosis.

Lifestyle

  • Morning walk can provide some relief but if it is cold outside, then walk can be avoided.
  • Sleep on a firm mattress and avoid sleeping on the stomach as it extends the neck. It is ideal to sleep on the back of your side.
  • Maintain a comfortable posture while reading or writing.
  • Exposure to cold bath or any violent exercise of the neck muscles is not advised.
  • Wearing a soft cervical collar can be used for a short period of time as it provides support to the muscles of the neck.