Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis

Here will discuss how Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis is helpful. Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the neck, typically affecting people as they age, resulting in wear and tear of the vertebral disks, bones, and joints. It can cause neck pain and stiffness, as well as nerve compression leading to symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or muscle weakness. Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis or arthritis of the neck, is a common age-related condition affecting the joints and discs in the neck. It develops from the wear and tear of cartilage and bones present in the cervical spine, located in the neck.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis: Symptoms

The basic symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis are neck pain and shoulder pain with stiffness. Most people with spondylosis don’t have significant symptoms as well. Some of the symptoms are listed below: 

• Tingling, numbness, and weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet
• Lack of coordination and difficulty walking
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance

Complications of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a condition characterized by the degeneration of the cervical spine (the neck region of the spine) due to the natural aging process. While many people with cervical spondylosis may not experience any symptoms, others may develop complications or experience symptoms that can impact their daily life. Here are some potential complications and symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis:

Neck Pain: One of the most common symptoms of cervical spondylosis is neck pain. This pain can range from mild to severe and may be persistent or intermittent.

Radiating Pain: Cervical spondylosis can cause pain that radiates into the shoulders, arms, and even the hands. This is often referred to as cervical radiculopathy and can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected areas.

Muscle Weakness: As the condition progresses, pressure on the spinal cord or nerve roots can lead to muscle weakness in the arms and hands. This can affect a person’s ability to perform daily tasks.

Loss of Coordination: In severe cases, cervical spondylosis can lead to a loss of coordination and balance, which can increase the risk of falls and injuries.

Bowel or Bladder Dysfunction: Rarely, severe compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region can lead to bowel or bladder dysfunction. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.

Cervical Myelopathy: Cervical myelopathy is a condition where the spinal cord becomes compressed and results in a variety of neurological symptoms, including weakness, coordination problems, and difficulty with fine motor skills.

Degenerative Disc Disease: Cervical spondylosis can also contribute to the development of degenerative disc disease, which can further exacerbate neck and arm pain.

Spinal Stenosis: Over time, the degeneration of the cervical spine can lead to the narrowing of the spinal canal, a condition known as spinal stenosis. This can put additional pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Bone Spurs: As the discs and vertebrae in the neck degenerate, the body may respond by forming bone spurs (osteophytes). These spurs can cause pain and restrict movement in the neck.

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Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

Before getting the ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis, one should understand the causes of it. The bones and protective cartilage in your neck are prone to wear and tear that can lead to cervical spondylosis. Some of the causes are listed below:

• Over Usage: Due to our regular activities which involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting can put extra pressure on the spine, resulting in early wear and tear. This is the most common reason found in cervical spondylosis.
• Stiffness in Ligaments: The tough cords that connect spinal bones to each other can become even stiffer over time of period, due to this neck movement is affected and starts pain.
• Injury: It is also the most common reason for cervical spondylosis. Any kind of neck injury faster the process of aging.
• Dehydrated Spinal Disks: Disks are like cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. Most people’s spinal disks begin drying out and shrinking, which allows more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
• Disk Degeneration and Bone Spurs: These overgrowths of bone are the result of the body trying to grow extra bone to make the spine stronger. However, the extra bone can press on delicate areas of the spine, such as the spinal cord and nerves, resulting in pain.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis: Type of Cervical Spondylosis

There are two main types of cervical spondylosis:

1. Degenerative: associated with aging and wear and tear of the neck structures.
2. Degenerative-inflammatory: a combination of degenerative changes and inflammation caused by conditions such as arthritis.

Cervical spondylosis is a type of spinal degeneration that affects the neck region and is typically caused by aging and wear and tear. There are several other types of cervical spondylosis are following:

1. Degenerative spondylosis: a result of the normal aging process and wear and tear of the cervical spine
2. Congenital spondylosis: a result of congenital spinal anomalies
3. Traumatic spondylosis: caused by spinal injury or trauma
4. Inflammatory spondylosis: caused by long-standing inflammation in the cervical spine
5. Radiculomyelopathy: a condition where there is compression of the nerve roots leading from the spinal cord.
6. Myelopathy: a condition where there is compression of the spinal cord itself.

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Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis:

Ayurvedic treatment for Cervical spondylosis comprises herbal medicines and therapies that help to relax the muscles,  as well as relieve inflammation to the nerves and surrounding tissues, healing the damage to the nerves and strengthening the nerves and muscles.

Greeva Stambha (A Vataja Disorder) simulates cervical spondylosis, which is a chronic degenerative condition of the cervical spine. In the management of cervical spondylosis Abhyangam, Swdana, Virechanam, Basti, Shalishastika pinda Swdena, Greeva Basti, and Greeva Pichu, can improve conditions. These therapies relieve pain and inflammation, strengthen the tissues, and prevent a recurrence.

Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage): Abhyanga involves the application of warm herbal oils to the body, with a focus on the neck and upper back in the case of cervical spondylosis. The massage helps reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. Specific oils, such as Mahanarayan oil or Bala oil, may be used for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Swedana (Sweating or Heat Therapy): Swedana involves exposing the body to steam or applying warm herbal poultices to the affected area (neck and upper back). It helps relax muscles, reduce pain, and improve circulation.

Basti treatment: Basti treatment is useful to treat cervical spondylosis, particularly when the condition is influenced by Vata dosha imbalance. Basti is effective in pacifying Vata dosha by delivering therapeutic substances directly to the colon and the nervous system. Basti can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with cervical spondylosis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. Basti can help alleviate pain and discomfort associated with cervical spondylosis by reducing inflammation and promoting healing.

Greeva Basti: Greeva Basti is a specific Ayurvedic treatment that focuses on the neck region, making it particularly relevant for conditions like cervical spondylosis. Greeva Basti is beneficial for alleviating pain, stiffness, and discomfort associated with cervical spondylosis. Greeva Basti helps lubricate the neck joints, nourish the cervical vertebrae, and provide relief from dryness and degeneration.

Kizi treatment: Kizhi (also spelled as “Pinda Sweda” or “Potali Sweda“) is an Ayurvedic therapy that involves the application of heat and herbal poultices to specific parts of the body. The heat and herbal properties of the poultices can help reduce pain, muscle tension, and stiffness in the neck region. It helps to improve circulation & aid in the delivery of nutrients to the affected cervical vertebrae and discs, potentially promoting healing. Also, reduce inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis & gives Muscle Relaxation.

Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Cervical Spondylolysis

The best Ayurvedic medicine for Cervical Spondylolysis are listed below:  

• Yogaraj Guggulu
• Ashwagandha
• Brahmi
• Sahacharadi Kashayam
• Dhanvantaram kashayam,
• Dashamooladi Kashayam
• Ksheerabala 101
• Kaishora Guggulu

Home Tips to Avoid Cervical Spondylosis

• Avoid Dry, Fried, Cold, Junk, and Chilled Food.
• Exposure to Cool Breezes, Air Conditioning, and Fan,
• Proper Posture When Sitting, Walking, and Sleeping Change your seat or bed as per your comfort.
• Avoid Sleep during the day and sleep early at night.
• Exercising regularly, and turning the neck clockwise and counterclockwise is helpful. Bending and stretching your neck and nodding your head is also helpful.
• The use of garlic, ginger, turmeric, and sesame seeds in the daily diet helps in reducing Vata and  as well as reduce inflammation
• Applying warm sesame oil to the neck area and a hot bath also relieves pain.
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Marjariasana (Cat Pose), as well as Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spine Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) are some of the recommended yoga poses equally important that relieve spondylosis of the cervical spine.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights and works that rather pressurize the neck.
• Last but not least avoid sitting in front of a computer for a long duration, and take breaks in between work for 10 minutes for every hour that will not only reduce pain but also keep you relaxed to work better.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis: Summary

Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine in India, offers various remedies and approaches to Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis. It is important to note that these remedies should be used under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Here are some Ayurvedic remedies that may help alleviate the symptoms of cervical spondylosis:

1. Ayurvedic oils: Ayurvedic Oil Massage on the affected area can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Some commonly used oils include Mahanarayan oil, Bala oil, and Vishgarbha oil. Warm the oil slightly before applying it to the neck and gently massage in circular motions.
2. Herbal remedies:
   
   • Guggulu: Guggulu is a resinous extract from the Commiphora mukul tree and has anti-inflammatory properties. It can be taken internally in tablet or powder form after consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner.
   • Ashwagandha: Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, has adaptogenic properties that may help reduce pain and improve muscle strength. It can be consumed in powdered form or as a supplement.
   • Shallaki (Boswellia serrata): Shallaki is an herb known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It may help reduce pain and inflammation associated with cervical spondylosis.
3. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapy: Panchakarma is a detoxification and rejuvenation therapy in Ayurveda. Some Panchakarma treatments that can be beneficial for cervical spondylosis include:
   
   • Abhyanga: Full body massage using herbal oils.
   • Shirodhara: Continuous pouring of medicated oil on the forehead.
   • Greeva Basti: A warm oil treatment specifically for the neck region.
4. Yoga and stretching exercises: Regular practice of specific yoga asanas (postures) and stretching exercises can help improve flexibility, strengthen the neck muscles, and relieve pain. Some beneficial asanas include Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Makarasana (crocodile pose), and Setu Bandhasana (bridge pose). It is essential to learn these exercises from a qualified yoga instructor.
5. Lifestyle and dietary recommendations: Ayurveda emphasizes a healthy lifestyle and diet to support overall well-being. Recommendations may include:
   
   • Maintaining a good posture and avoiding prolonged sitting or standing.
   • Avoiding excessive use of electronic devices.
   • Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
   • Drinking warm water throughout the day to aid in digestion and detoxification.

To understand the best Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis consult an experienced Ayurvedic doctor at Adyant Ayurveda who can assess your condition and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and Dosha’s (body constitution).

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