Cervical Spondylosis: Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

What is cervical spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is also known as cervical osteoarthritis which is caused due to deterioration of discs and vertebrae in the neck. This occurs when the cervical spine turns older. The cervical spine is one of the areas in the spine of the neck. As people get older, the soft tissues in the back, tendons, ligaments and cartilage pads start to lose strength, elasticity and moisture. When the disc dries out, it becomes weak and results in the formation of cracks.

Due to this condition, the areas of the neck, i.e., the joints and discs have a bad impact. This is the condition experienced after a person crosses 30 years age mark. When this health ailment turns serious, the person experiences acute pain and loses flexibility. People who lack calcium and bone density are prone to this disorder. Putting excessive strain on the neck such as working long hours, sleeping in an incorrect position or not doing proper exercises also leads to this condition.

Ayurveda for Cervical Spondylosis is caused due to vitiated Vata.

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

The following are the different causes of cervical spondylosis:

Shrink of spine discs

You cannot stop the age from growing. Many health problems crop up with ageing and one amongst them is this disorder. Due to this, the spine starts to shrink and dehydrate and thus loses its ability to stand and sit properly. The spine fails to offer the required level of cushioning between spinal vertebrae. When there is a contact between one bone to another, it results in extreme pain and stiffness.

Spinal ligaments turn stiff

Ligaments are flexible enough for you to bend and move around. Indeed, these tissues will act as a link between bones. As you grow old, the ligaments will lose their flexibility and thus avoiding the movement of the neck.

Develop cracks

When there is any injury to the spine or with growing age, the discs in the spine will develop cracks and lose their shape. This puts pressure on the root nerves causing extreme pain and uneasiness.

Unwanted bone projection

When there is any unwanted bone projection formed on the spine, it can also lead to this disorder. This unwanted bone puts extreme pressure on the spinal cord resulting in pain.

Injuries

If you are prone to any injuries in an accident, it can expedite the ageing process and so this condition.

Herniated discs

When any crack is formed on the disc, it leaks a gel kind of material. This gel will put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves leading to numbness.

Excess physical work

Certain works, especially at the construction site and warehouse need a lot of physical effort like lifting heavy things. It puts a lot of pressure on the spine and makes them wear out sooner.

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

It is better to detect the symptoms of cervical spondylosis in the early stage and get the right treatment done before the disorder turns worse. The ideal treatment also reduces health damage. Following are a few symptoms that are an indication of this disorder:

• Neck pain across different areas like the arm and shoulder followed by experiencing a tingling sensation
• Frequent headache
• Grinding sensation in spinal discs when you turn the neck from one side to another
• Weak arms and legs
• Losing balance
• Do not have control over the bladder and bowel movement
• Reduce space in the spinal canal
• Numbness and stiffness in the neck area

Ayurvedic treatments

Ayurvedic treatment for Cervical Spondylosis will naturally treat this problem. This problem is triggered due to vitiated vita dosha. There are many therapies and medicines available in Ayurveda to treat this problem. The procedures are prescribed by ayurvedic doctors. Not the same treatment is suitable for all. Few treatments may work effectively on one’s body and fail to respond for others. The therapy suggested is based on the age, and health condition of the individual and is customized on how well the body is responding.

Abhyanga Swedam

It is an ayurvedic massage therapy that is done for 90 minutes. Only certified ayurvedic practitioner performs this treatment giving strokes on certain pressure points of the body with deep kneading with massaging oils. Subsequently, light pressure is put on the neck area to reduce cervical spondylosis. Doing fomentation will let the massage oils penetrate deep of the tissues and work effectively.

Elakizhi

Medicinal leaves will be used in certain areas of the body to remove toxins through sweat. It is performed only using fresh herbs with rich medicinal values. The main purpose of carrying out this treatment is to reduce the Vata dosha and alleviate musculoskeletal pains.

Sarvangadhara

An oil dripping therapy is carried out with medicated oils after warming the oil slightly. It highly benefits people who are suffering from musculoskeletal pains. The oil is poured and massaged from head to toe to promote body relaxation. It is also used to treat stress and fatigue.

Greeva

It is called by another name, i.e., Kati Vasti which primarily focuses on neck and back pains. There is special oil therapy that is carried out on the shoulder, back and neck areas. In this procedure, warm yet medicated oils are poured and massaged on the key areas to leverage the treatment impact.

We, Jivaasri are the best to offer Ayurvedic treatment for Cervical Spondylosis. We perform these therapies to fight this disorder.

Navara Kizhi

It is a massage therapy that primarily focuses on treating muscle as well as joint pains while reducing sore tissues. It is done in two steps. In the first step, the areas that are affected are massaged with warm oils and in the second step, Navara rice is prepared adding cow milk and ayurvedic decoctions.

Pizhichil

It is a massage carried out on the affected areas to give instant relief from the pain. The linen cloth dipping in warm oil is rubbed across the head and other areas of the body followed by a gentle massage in different positions. Around four to five practitioners are involved to do this therapy for a patient and it takes around an hour to complete a session.

Ayurvedic medicines available

Following are the few medicines that are prescribed by medical practitioners to treat cervical spondylosis

Yogaraja Guggulu

It helps to get rid of joint pains and stiffness in the neck area. Taking these tablets will soothe the Vata dosha and promote healthy joints.

Mahanarayana Thailam

The massage oil can be applied to the muscles after you are done with the workout or a long yoga session. It is spread deep inside the skin and soothes the muscles.

Hakam Churna

It helps you to alleviate joint pains, stiff joints and back pain.

Kottamchukkadi Thailam

It is another massage oil that is perfect to apply on the tennis elbow to reduce swelling and stiff muscles. It also reduces inflammation caused due to this disorder. This penetrates deep inside the skin and gives instant relief from stiffness besides improving neck flexibility.

You can use home remedies to treat cervical spondylosis such as using garlic, sesame seeds, castor oil, turmeric, ginger and Epsom salt. These all will relax the muscles and reduces inflammation.

Tweak your lifestyle

Making the following changes to your lifestyle also helps you avoid getting prone to this disorder:

• Use cow ghee in the therapies and massage the affected areas to get instant relief and have a soothing effect.
• Apply massaging oils and take steam to get quick relief from muscle spasms and pain in the neck area.
• Sleep on the right mattress that can give ample support to your spine and keep your head level right. Ensure the pillow does not cause bending of your neck leaving you in discomfort.
• Perform yoga asanas such as Matsyasana and Dhanurasana to reduce cervical spondylosis

Conclusion

When suffering from cervical spondylosis, it is good to undergo Ayurvedic treatment. Alongside, you also have to include yoga asanas and ayurvedic medicines to rejuvenate the complete body and mind. Indeed, Jivaasri is doing the same. It does provide ayurvedic treatment by amalgamating with holistic approaches such as a good diet, lifestyle changes and physical exercises to make the treatment work quickly on the body and help you get rid of the health issue in no time. Doing this improves neck flexibility and reduces bone joint pains.