Say “No to Neck Pain” with Ayurveda
In the fast paced life we accumulate toxins, forget to detoxify, relax or rejuvenate the muscular system which in turn leads to many painful conditions. Cervical spondylosis is one such important, common ailment which affects the younger men and women a lot. People from IT, ITES industry and with long driving habits, stress, obesity, diabetes, less physical habits, improper positioning while sleeping, sitting etc are primary contributors for this condition. Simply describing sedentary workers are more affected than others.
Cervical spondylosis is an inflammatory arthritic condition which primary affects the vertebrae (Neck and Back Bones) and ligaments. Usually it affects the neck region and lower back region.
Common symptoms
a. Pain in the neck, back, chest and shoulders
b. Pain, numbness, discomfort in half of the face, neck, shoulder
c. Slightest movements of neck, touch increases pain
d. Giddiness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting in aggravated state
Ayurveda about Cervical Spondylosis
Even though this condition seems to be more with modern life style habits, Ayurveda discusses this condition in detail with causes, pathogenesis, treatment, therapies, prevention etc.
Ayurveda names vitiated or aggravated vata dosha for all painful conditions. This vitiation can be of two reasons, a. obstruction to the pathway, b. degenerative changes. Ayurveda terms this condition as “Griva sandi Vata” and shares the above as causes and symptoms for this condition.
Causes
a. Age – Common in 45 years and above. Today due to sedentary habits young people do suffer
b. Sex – Men are more affected than women.
c. Dryness and loss of elasticity in the spinal ligaments and discs
d. Injury led
e. Muscular and ligament stiffness
f. Excessive Sex
Symptoms
a. Painful and stiffness of neck, shoulder
b. Radiating shoulder pain to arms and upper part of the chest
c. Tingling and pricking pain in arms, hands, legs
d. Difficulty in doing works like writing, holding minute objects even holding cell phones
e. Abnormal reflexes
f. Irritability and lack of coordination
Healing Cervical spondylosis
Ayurveda treatment protocol is primarily focused on normalizing the vitiated vata dosha and to rejuvenate the affected tissue. Since this condition may also be related to stress, Ayurveda recommends a holistic approach with Ayurveda medicines and therapies, life style modifications and diet, minimized exercise and yoga.
Ayurveda recommends Guggulu, Aloe Vera, Ashwagandha, Turmeric, Giloy, Dry Ginger, Shallaki etc for prevention. These herbs are well known muscular and stress relaxants and anti inflammatory with no side effects which helps to prevent and to manage this condition. Ayurveda does recommend intake of 3 gm of Cow’s ghee as diet for prevention.
Ayurveda therapies for cervical spondylosis
Ayurveda cautions not to use any stronger, vibrant massage therapies for this condition as it may further worsen the condition. Only a gentle application of warm medicated oil, depends on the condition and Prakriti of the patient the oil is selected followed by herbal steam application improves the condition in no time.
Kati Vasti: Ayurveda recommends this therapy as a specialized care therapy for this condition. A bridge is formed on the back bone with flour power and warm medicated oil is filled for the period of 45-60 minutes. This helps the muscles and ligaments to relax and heal; improved blood circulation heals the tissues. This treatment usually advised for 14-28 days depends on the condition.
Ela Kizhi: Warm medicated oil application followed by warm Herbal bolus on the affected part improves the stiffness and pain. This therapy is recommended for 7-14 days depends on the condition
Mamsa Navara Kizhi: This is one of the specialized treatments for cervical spondylosis. Red meat, medicated rice, vata normalizing herbs processed with milk, made as a bolus. After the gentle application of the warm oil, this bolus is applied on the affected parts for 30-45 minutes without pressure. This treatment is very effective to heal any types of cervical spondylosis and with any degree of pain. This treatment usually suggested for 21-28 days depends of the condition.
These three above treatments is suggested alone or in combination depends on the condition.
Ayurveda recommendations for Cervical Spondylosis
a. Avoid – sour, salty foods and drinks, curd, deep fried foods, Maida, Suji, pulses and various by products of pulses
b. Take – Bitter gourd, drum stick and Neem flowers as diet helps
c. Wheat helps better than rice
d. Add more fibers and water as constipation may increase the condition
e. Avoid – Exposure to cold, cold water bath, violent exercises without proper guidance
f. Improve the milder physical exercises like walking, Surya Namaskara etc.
Yoga for cervical spondylosis
a. Padmasana (Lotus pose) for keeping the spine erect.
b. Tadasana (palm tree pose), helps rectifying postural defects
c. Yastikasana (Stick pose), helps to de-stress
d. Greeva Sanchalan asana (Neck movement) is the best to cure cervical spondylosis.
Conclusion
Prevention is better than cure. Simple changes in life style, proper exercise, guided yoga with regular detoxification and rejuvenation can prevent this condition. Maintaining a correct posture while reading, writing or working etc does help in prevention. A holistic approach with Ayurvedic medicines and treatments, simplified exercise and yoga, personalized diets are beneficial in curing cervical spondylosis
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