Effective Ayurvedic Treatments To Cure Cervical Spondylosis

Introduction

Cervical spondylosis is a common condition that affects the joints and discs in the cervical spine. The cervical spine is located in the neck region. So it is also known as neck arthritis. As per Modern science, Cervical Spondylosis is a kind of Arthritis characterized by osteophyte growth in the spine that affects cervical vertebrae and is characterized by pain at the back of the neck (radiating towards the upper limbs) and vertigo while bending downwards. There might be sensory loss and numbness in the upper limbs.

In Ayurveda, it is known as Griva sandhi gata Vata. Cervical spondylosis in Ayurveda is caused by a Vata Dosha aggravation. This is caused by bad habits and a Vata aggravating lifestyle and food. So treatment aims to focus on calming the Vata Dosha. Cervical Spondylosis Treatment in Ayurveda works on the root cause by balancing the doshas and strengthening the Asthidhatu.

The treatment comprises herbal medicines and therapies that help to relax the muscles, relieve inflammation to the nerves and surrounding tissues, healing the damage to the nerves, and in strengthening the nerves and muscles. Sleeping properly and eating freshly prepared nutritious food prevents Ama formation in the body and reduces inflammation and pain in the joints.

Symptoms Of Cervical Spondylosis

• Pain over the cervical region is usually increased by excess movement and strain.
• Referred pain - pain may transfer to the back of the head, shoulders, and upper arms.
• Stiffness of neck.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in upper limbs.
• Feel of giddiness on the sudden movement of the head.
• Pain radiating to the lower back.
• Headache originating in the neck.
• Grinding noise or sensation when the neck is turned.
• Bladder or Bowel disturbances.

Causes Of Cervical Spondylosis

Some of the causes of Cervical Spondylosis are:

• Dehydrated disks

  By the age of 40, spinal disks begin to dry out and shrink, which allows more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae causing aforesaid symptoms.

• Herniated disks

  Age also affects the exterior of your spinal disks. Cracks often appear, leading to bulging (herniated) disks — which sometimes can press on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

• Bone spurs

  These are overgrowths of the vertebral bones which also happen with age. These outgrowths may compress the nerves arising from that particular segment thus leading to neck pain.

• Stiff ligaments

  Ligaments are cords of tissue that connect bone to bone. Spinal ligaments can stiffen with age, making your neck less flexible.

• Age

  Cervical spondylosis is a normal part of aging.

• Occupation

  Jobs that involve repetitive neck motions, awkward positioning, or a lot of overhead work put extra stress on your neck.

• Neck injuries

  Previous neck injuries appear to increase the risk of cervical spondylosis.

• Genetic factors

  Some individuals in certain families will experience more of these changes over time, while others will not.

• Smoking

  Smoking has been linked to increased neck pain.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Cervical Spondylosis

Ayurvedic treatment of cervical spondylosis comprises herbal medicines and therapies that help to relax the muscles, relieve inflammation to the nerves and surrounding tissues, healing the damage to the nerves, and in strengthening the nerves and muscles. The most commonly used therapies are as follow:

• Podikkizhi (Herbal Powder Poultice massage)

  Podikizhi is one of the most common and effective Ayurvedic therapy using kizhis (cotton boluses) with a mixture of 12 herbs, dipped in medicated oils. It is effective in treating neuromuscular diseases, bringing back the natural body balance.

• Ilakkizhi (Fresh herbal poultice massage)

  Elakizhi or Patrapotala Sweda is an ancient Ayurvedic sudation therapy using numerous medicinal leaves (herbs). It induces perspiration within the affected area, which prompts the skin to eliminate wastes. These kizhis, dipped into warm Ayurvedic oils, will be used for massaging the body. It is very useful for relieving inflammation and relaxing the muscles. .

• Greeva Vasti (Pooling of medicated oil on the back)

  Greeva Vasti is one of the most effective treatments recommended in Ayurveda for relieving neck pain and stiffness. The Greeva Vasti means a treatment in which medicated oils are poured and pooled for a fixed duration of time in a compartment or a cabin constructed over the neck or nape of the neck (backside of the neck) area using wet flour of black gram, covering the cervical region.

• Greeva Pichu( Soaking oil on the neck by placing a cloth soaked in medicated oil)

  Pichu therapy is one Ayurvedic treatment method that helps treat body pains and Greeva Pichu is the Ayurvedic treatment for neck pain. Pichu means sponging, and the process involves a piece of sterile cotton wool dipped in warm medicated oil. This is applied over the affected area for treatment.

• Tailadhara (Pouring of medicated oils over the affected part of the body)

  It is a procedure involving the rhythmic pouring of warm medicated oil over the forehead. Taila Dhara is highly beneficial in cervical spondylosis symptoms.

• Njavarakizhi

  Navarakizhi (Navara- Medicated rice; Kizhi- Bolus or Potli) is one of the most popular sweat-inducing therapies which is used to relieve pain and stiffness in the muscles. It helps in improving muscle strength. Navarakizhi provides nourishment and strength to body tissues including bones, muscles, and soft tissues.

Panchakarma Treatment

Panchakarma is one of the most famous treatment methods in Ayurveda. The process comprises five steps for the detoxification and rejuvenation of mind and body. This treatment contains herbal massages and cleansing enemas. The five steps of treatment are:

• Abhyanga

  A massage performed on the body using warm medicated oil. This is one of the key components of back pain treatment in Ayurveda. Abhyanga can provide relief from neck pain by helping in balancing the doshas.

• Snehana

  Snehana is the process of applying pressure to specific areas of the body through massage, which helps in relieving pain.

• Swedana

  Swedana is the process of inducing sweat using different methods. It helps in relieving stiffness, coldness, and heaviness in the body, which makes it appropriate in the treatment of neck pain.

• Basti Karma

  It is an ayurvedic enema therapy, in which medicated oils or herbal decorations are used.

• Nasya Karma

  Nasya Karma is a method that involves the installation of liquids infused with the properties of particular herbs into the nasal cavity. It is effective in managing the Vata and Kapha disorder.

Some of the effective Ayurvedic treatments for Cervical Spondyiyosis are Panchakarma treatments, Nhavarakkizhi, Podikkizhi, Illakizhi, Greeva Vasthi, Greeva Pichu, Tailadharae, etc.

These therapies are the most important components of the treatment to relieve pain and inflammation, strengthen the tissues, and prevent a recurrence.

Home Remedies To Manage Cervical Spondylosis

The best home remedies to manage cervical spondylosis are mentioned below.

• Garlic

  The use of Garlic is an effective home remedy to control problems related to cervical spondylosis symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help treat pain, swelling, and inflammation in the neck and surrounding areas. Eat a few raw garlic buds on an empty stomach every day in the morning. Alternatively, you can also heat two to three crushed garlic cloves in a pan with some vegetable oil, let it cool, and then use it to massage the affected area. Once you are done with that, take a warm bath.

• Turmeric

  Turmeric is one of the best home remedies for spondylosis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help in relieving pain and inflammation of the cervical spine and boosting the healing process from within. Add a teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of milk and heat it on low flame for around five minutes. Let it cool down. Add a little honey to it before drinking.

• Castor oil

  A tablespoon of castor oil once or twice a week before bed helps in cleansing toxins and balancing Vata.

• Sesame oil

  This oil has been a home remedy for joint problems and nourishes the joints. It can be warmed and gently massaged into the area as one of the home remedies for spondylitis neck pain. It is light and penetrates the tissues very easily. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins K and D, which are good for our bones and overall health. .

• Ginger

  Ginger is another widely used home remedy to treat cervical spondylosis. This herb is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and improves blood circulation. Drink ginger tea twice a day. To make ginger tea, add a tablespoon of thinly sliced ginger in 2 cups of water and boil it for ten minutes. Now strain it, add some honey and drink it.

• Cayenne Pepper

  Another effective home remedy for cervical spondylosis is cayenne pepper. It contains capsaicin, which has analgesic as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain and inflammation in the neck. A mixture of 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder and 2 tablespoons of olive oil can be applied to the affected area and covered with a cloth. Leave it on for a few hours or overnight.

• Ghee

  Cow's ghee is one of the crucial ingredients to cure cervical spondylosis. According to Ayurveda, cow's ghee is said to have joint lubricating properties. This natural food is the best pain reliever and nourishes the nerves and other body parts. Add a bit of ghee to your food. It is a natural Vata pacifier and nourishes the nerves as well.

Ayurveda suggests some of the home remedies that are useful to treat cervical spondylosis are garlic, turmeric ginger, ghee, cayenne pepper, Castor oil, and Sesame oil.

Diet And Lifestyle Changes

A few changes in your diet can help control neck pain and provide relief. Here are a few diet changes to manage neck pain.

• Take lots of fruits, green vegetable salads, and sprouts.
• Milk is an important source of Calcium and can help maintain healthy bones.
• Vitamin C in citrus fruits will help the healing process.
• Good hydration will help retain neck health.
• Avoid refined foods and junk foods.

Not only these, but some of the things you should avoid to control the symptoms of cervical spondylosis also are:

• Avoid sour foods and Vata aggravating foods like semolina and white flour.
• Avoid carrying heavy weights that put pressure on our head and shoulder region.
• Going to bed early at night is healthy and important. It is better to avoid sleeping during the day.
• Too much air conditioning may result in dryness in the body. Try to stay longer in naturally open environments.
• Try to follow the correct posture while reading, writing, or working on the computer.