In Ayurveda, a condition called Greeva graham is explained – A condition with cardinal feature of stiffness of the neck is explained and it exactly suits with cervical spondylosis. Greeva means neck and Graha refers to stiffness. It is explained as a Vata condition. Increase in Vata leads to depletion of body tissues. (For example, with ageing, Vata increases and body tissues start degenerating.) The dryness and degeneration caused by Vata leads to decrease of Kapha Dosha. Sleshaka Kapha is responsible for cushioning in between bone joints. Hence disc degeneration sets in leading to spondylosis.
Causative factors for Greeva graha (Cervical spondylosis):
- Food habits that increase Vata Dosha
- Intake of dry, cold / frozen and light food
- Fasting for long period – leads to depleted nourishment and increase of Vata Dosha
- Untimely intake of food
- Junk food, Sodas
- Less intake of water/liquids
- Excess intake of curried food etc
- Night awakening
- Day sleep
- Heavy exercise
- Suppression of the urges
- Weight bearing in the head, shoulder or neck
- Walking for long distances
- Bike riding for long distances
- Stress, Grief, Anger, Fear, Loss of interest in work etc
Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Pain
- Headache
- Stiffness in the neck
- Tingling & Numbness in arms
- Pains on back of neck & shoulders
- In the chronic phase, the patient complains of pain which may be worse at night and after neck movement
- Morning stiffness is a characteristic feature
- The disease is exaggerated in cold weather
- There may be tingling and numbness along the arms. This is due to compression of the nerves by protrusion of the disc
- Vertigo is common
Ayurvedic Treatment for Spondylosis or Cervical
The treatment for Cervical Spondylosis is comprehensive and may include Ayurveda internal medicines and Ayuveda Panchakarma therapies in severe cases.
Panchakarma therapies like:-
- Abhyanga and swedam
- Nasyam
- Shirovasti or shirodhara
- Sarvangadhara
- Greeva basti
- Navara or mamsa kizhi
- Podikkizhi
- Patra Potli Sweda
Acupressure Treatment for Cervical Or Spondylosis Pain
In acupressure it is said that there are certain potent points in our body to treat cervical or spondylosis pain. Those acupressure points for cervical or spondylosis are as mentined below.
- LI 4
- LI 11
- GB 21
- GB 20
Stimulating the above pressure points for 2 to 4 minutes daily will surely cure cervical or spondylosis pain. There are other ways of stimulation like moxibustion, elctro acupressure and many more. But these are available only at our centre and it is done under the supervision of Mr Amit Jain( Acupuncture & Acupressure Specialist ).
Home remedies for Cervical or Spondylosis Pain
Cervical problem can also be cures at home by regular yoga exercise. There are certain exercise people can do at their home on their own. Like side wise bending of head will help people to maintain the blood circulation around neck. People can also bend their neck front and back to avoid muscle tension or stiffness. Other way is to rotating neck 360 degree so that all the muscles will be energised and blood circulation around neck improves. If one’s blood circulation is better around the neck than there will be little or no chance of getting cervical or spondylosis pain.
Diet for Cervical Patient
Diet Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful. Wheat is better than rice for the patient.
Lifestyle for Cervical or Spondylosis
Exposure to cold, cold bath and any violent exercise of the neck muscles, including pressure are very bad for the patients. Under the impression that this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles, people undertake different types of neck exercises.
While reading and writing, one should maintain a comfortable posture.
Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen scarf around his neck while going out of the house.
If someone has extreme level of cervical or spondylosis pain than they need to consult with our expert. We will provide the best suited treatment for Cervical or Spondylosis.