Cervical spondylosis is one of the many degenerative diseases. It is a condition in which the cervical spine has some age-related problems. It is caused by the cushion between the joints of the neck and the neckbone.
It is also called osteoarthritis of the neck.
In this disease intervertebral disc which acts as a cushion between two vertebrae gets damaged due to age-related changes or other reasons. As disk degeneration occurs, movements of the neck get restricted; also edges of the vertebra get damaged and these changes increase pressure on nerves originating from cervical vertebrae. Cervical pain treatment in Ayurveda could be used to treat a lot of problems. This condition occurs due to Sandhigata Vata of the Neck.
Cervical pain treatment in Ayurveda is used to cure pain in the back of the neck, shoulder and arms, stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to this condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck. Pain along the arms and fingers while standing, sitting, coughing and tilting the neck backwards, problem in lifting the arm or grasping something firmly, headaches which occur mostly at the backside of the head as well as feeling dizziness or loss of body balance is often found as a symptom in this disease.
Cervical pain treatment in Ayurveda includes a lot of lifestyle changes and precautions. It is advised to avoid amla or sour food, pungent and highly acidic foods like red meat, citrus fruits and even white potatoes which increases Vata dosha in the body which further damages bones. It is also suggested to avoid constipation at all costs, it increases pain and stiffness of the neck. Ayurveda uses Anulomana medicines during treatment, which avoids constipation and also pacifies Vata dosha. For that medicated castor oil, Rasnairandadi Kashayam, Nimba Amrutadi Eranda Taila, Triphala is used according to condition and severity.
Cow’s ghee is the best Vata Shamak and acts best in degenerative diseases, so Oleation therapy is suggested to be done with medicated cow ghee like Panchatikta ghrita, Mahatikta ghrita etc. The external application of medicated oil followed by steam relieves muscle spasms around the neck and pain can be minimized. Ayurvedic Basti or medicated enema has been described as the best treatment for Vata diseases. Ayurveda classics had mentioned Panchatikta ksheera Basti in the treatment of osteoarthritis which is also found very beneficial in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Experts say that eight days of treatment with such Basti shows marked improvement in this disease.
Manya Basti, Orgreeva Basti can also be done for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. In Manya Basti, the neck region is bathed in a pool of medicated warm oil for thirty minutes. Avoid a diet that’s very high in protein. It can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Exposure to cold, cold baths and any violent exercise of the neck muscles are very bad for the patients. Ayurvedic medicines like Shallaki, Rasna, Guggulu, Guduchi, Ashwagandha, Shunthi as well as some rasa medicines like Vata vidhvans rasa, bruhat vata chintamani ras are best medicines for treating cervical spondylosis but these must be used with experts advice.
Apart from cervical pain treatment in Ayurveda, there are a few lifestyle changes that could be done to reduce pain. During study or office work your sitting posture should be straight, don’t lean too much while reading or during office work. Sleep on a firm mattress that keeps your head level. The pillows should not bend the back more than 15 degrees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it extends the neck. It is ideal to sleep on your back or your side. Yoga postures like Cobra Pose, Fish Pose, and Bow pose are extremely beneficial for cervical spondylosis.
