Cervical spondylosis or arthritis of the neck is a medical term referring to the wear and tear that impacts our cervical spine. Not many people know that Cervical is the seven stacked bones (vertebrae) in our neck. Spondylosis, on the other hand, is a medical condition when a few parts of the spine start to see wear and tear. You can easily treat the neck pain accompanying this ailment, provided you catch the symptoms early. Ayurveda has emerged as a great alternative to conventional treatment of cervical. Ayurveda makes use of the best Ayurvedic medicine for cervical spondylosis.
Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis
- Neck pain
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- A bump or knot in your neck
- Muscle spasms
- Neck movements accompanied by popping, grinding sounds
One thing to note is that cervical spondylosis is not accompanied by any symptoms in many people.
Causes of Cervical Spondylosis
- Changes in the spine with age
- Degenerative disk disease
- Herniated disk
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone spurs (osteophytes)
- Spinal stenosis
Risk Factors that May Act as Triggers for Cervical Spondylosis
- Age greater than 60
- Smoking
- Straining your neck while lifting heavy objects
- A family history of cervical spondylosis
- Having a history of neck injury
Curing Cervical Spondylosis
Traditional treatment for this health disorder aims at managing pain and other symptoms associated with this neck ailment. Doctors may advise you on specific medications to suppress pain. In some cases, soft collars or braces, massage, physical therapies, etc. are also used to manage the pain. If the symptoms have reached the extreme stage, spinal fusion surgery is recommended but it can result in serious repercussions.
Best Ayurvedic Medicine for Cervical Spondylosis
Ayurveda comes with multiple approaches to treat Cervical Spondylosis like massages, healing therapies, and natural herbs to alleviate the symptoms, improve mobility in the neck, and pain, and manage other symptoms associated with this neck ailment. Medicines that are often used to treat cervical spondylosis in Ayurveda are:
1. Shallaki
Shallaki is one of the best medicine for spondylitis. It has anti-inflammatory qualities that reduce the already present swelling in the joints. Apart from this, Shallaki is also helpful in preventing the breakdown of cartilage.
2. Rasna
Applying Rasna oil has shown good results in alleviating neck and spinal cord pain.
3. Guduchi
Guduchi stems are known to reduce inflammation that has cervical spondylosis as its primary cause.
4. Shunthi
Shunthi is the best Ayurvedic medicine for cervical spondylosis. It has multiple benefits for cervical patients such as reduced swelling and joint discomfort. Additionally, Shunthi also helps reduce stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis, and other symptoms related to cervical Spondylitis.
5. Guggulu
Guggulu has a lubricating and rejuvenating effect on the tissues that surround our neck. This helps improve the overall mobility of the neck, resulting in better flow of blood towards the neck and eases pain too.
Some Ayurvedic therapies such as Abhyanga swedam, Shirovasti or Shirodhara, Sarvangadhara, Greeva Basti, and Nasya have helped treat neck pain and improve mobility in the neck.
A thing to note is that Ayurvedic herbs may cause some side effects in some patients. Please consult with your healthcare provider before you consume any herb or medicine for treating neck pain or cervical spondylosis.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes Helpful for Cervical Spondylosis Patients
Even if you consume the best medicine for cervical spondylosis, you need to implement certain health and lifestyle changes into your daily life. These lifestyle modifications are necessary for the accelerated rehab of cervical patients.
- Avoid food items that have a high concentration of calcium. It may result in interference with the process through which calcium is absorbed in our body.
- If you are suffering from cervical pain, avoid cold baths. You must try to limit the exposure of your neck to cold weather too.
- Any exercise that causes unnecessary pressure on the neck should be avoided at all costs.
- Leaning while studying or at the office may result in cervical pain; rectify your posture.
- If suffering from neck pain, you must refrain from consuming sour, pungent, highly acidic foods like red meat, citrus fruits, etc. These foods may result in increased vata dosha and poor bone health in the long run.
- The mattress you sleep on should be firm and not too comfy.
- Give a regular break to your neck. Slowly rotate your neck from left to right five times to improve mobility in the neck.
- Bhujangasanaa, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Dhanurasana, Marjariasana, Setu Bandhasana, and Matsyasana help strengthen neck muscles and alleviate the pain. But you must do these asanas under the guidance of a teacher and never overexert yourself.
Cervical Spondylosis needs to be treated timely to avoid further complications. Changing your lifestyle habits, maintaining a good posture at school or the office, avoiding putting unnecessary pressure on your neck, etc. will help you avoid this neck ailment. However, consulting a neck specialist in the case of severe neck pain will be a good idea.
Dr. Puneet Dhawan
Dr. Puneet is a highly respected Ayurvedic expert known for his deep knowledge and compassionate approach towards treating chronic health issues.
His USP is meticulously addressing the root cause of the disease rather than just superficially attending the surface level symptoms.
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