Ayurveda Tips To Treat Cervical Spondylosis (Osteoarthritis Of Neck)

Cervical spondylosis is a common degenerative condition of the cervical spine which is caused by age-related changes in the cushion between the joints of the neck and the neck bone. It is also called as Osteoarthritis of neck. In this disease intervertebral disc which acts as a cushion between two vertebrae gets damaged due to age-related changes or other reasons. As disk degeneration occurs, movements of neck get restricted; also edges of vertebra get damaged & these changes increase pressure on nerves originating from cervical vertebrae. Due to this, there are many symptoms found in this disease.

According to Ayurveda, this condition occurs due to Sandhigata Vata of Neck. Vitiated Vata dosha causes the following symptoms.

Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms

Pain in the back of neck, shoulder, and arms, stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to this condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck. Pain along the arms and fingers while standing, sitting, coughing and tilting the neck backward, Problem in lifting the arm or grasping something firmly, Headaches which occur mostly at the back side of the head as well as Feeling dizziness or loss of body balance is often found as the symptom in this disease.

Tips for treatment of Cervical Spondylosis

1. Avoid amla (Sour), kashay(pungent), highly acidic foods like red meat, citrus fruits, and even white potatoes which increases Vata dosha in the body which further damages bones.
2. Avoid Constipation at all cost, it increases pain & stiffness of neck. Ayurveda uses anulomana medicines during treatment, which avoids constipation & also pacifies Vata Dosha. For that medicated castor oil, Rasna erandadi kashay, Nimba amrutadi eranda tail, Triphala is used according to condition & severity.
3. Cows ghee is best vata shamak & acts best in degenerative diseses, so snehapana (oleation therapy) should be done with medicated cow ghee like- Panchatikta ghrut, Mahatikta ghrut etc.
4. Also (Snehana-swedana) external application of medicated oil followed by steam relieves muscle spasm around neck & pain can be minimized.
5. Ayurvedic Basti/ Vasthi (medicated enema) has been described as best treatment for vata diseases. Ayurveda classics had mentioned Panchatikta kshir basti in treatment of osteoarthritis which is aslo found very beneficial in treatment of cervical spondylosis. 8 days treatment with such basti shows marked improvement in this disease.
6. Manya Basti or greeva basti can also be done for treatment of cervical spondylosis. In Manya Basti neck region is bathed in pool of medicated warm oil for 30 minutes.
7. Avoid diet that's very high in protein. It can interfere with the absorption of calcium. Also, avoid salt, phosphorus (from fizzy drinks), caffeine and alcohol can affect calcium obtained.
8. Exposure to cold, cold baths and any violent exercise of the neck muscles are very bad for the patients.
9. Ayurvedic medicines like shallaki, Rasna, Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Ashwagandha(Withania somnifera), Shunthi (Ginger) as well as some rasa medicines like vata vidhvans rasa, bruhat vata chintamani rasa are best medicines for treating cervical spondylosis but these must be used with experts advice.
10. During study or office work your sitting posture should be straight, don't lean too much while reading or during office work.
11. Sleep on a firm mattress that keeps your head level. The pillows should not bend the back more than 15 degrees. Avoid sleeping on your stomach as it extends the neck. It is ideal to sleep on your back or your side.
12. Yoga postures like Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Matsyasana (Fish pose), Dhanurasana (Bow pose) are extremely beneficial for cervical spondylosis.

 About the Author Dr.Yogesh Chavan is renowned Ayurveda Physician from Nashik, India. He is also a passionate blogger with the motto to spread Ayurveda Sciences to the community. He is spreading Ayurveda & health knowledge through articles in many newspapers & his blog www.ayushmanbhavayurveda.com . Dr. Chavan is an expert in Ayurveda medicine & panchakarma treatment. His work & sound knowledge in this field has been acknowledged by many institutes.