Cervical Spondylosis Ayurvedic Natural Treatment

Cervical spondylosis is a very common problem and may progress with age. It develops due to the wear and tear of the cervical structures.

 

Cervical Spondylosis is term used for neck pain due to the shrink spinal discs, bone spurs and arthritic changes. Cervical spondylosis is generally found along with the osteoarthritis in people older than age 60.

 

Causes of Cervical Spondylosis

 

 

The main cause of cervical spondylosis is wear and tear of neck bones and cartilages, which make up the neck and backbone. These may include following things:

 

 

Bone spurs

 

Degeneration of disks often occurs in cervical spondylosis, which lead to the development of the bone spurs. Bone spurs are bony structures, which are misguided efforts of the body to recover strength of the spine. But sometimes, these spurs pinch the spinal cord, so result in pain and numbness.

 

 

Dehydrated disks

 

Discs are cushions between the vertebrae. In most of people, discs start shrinking and drying out by the base of 40. Thus, it reduces space between the vertebrae and lead to the pain.

 

 

Bulged discs

 

Cracks of the discs may cause bulging or herniated discs. The bulged discs may press on the spinal cord and lead to nerve irritation.

 

 

Stiffed neck ligaments

 

Ligaments connect bone to bone. Due to increasing age, ligaments get stiffed and calcified. It reduces the neck flexibility, so cause cervical spondylosis.

 

 

Other Factors Causing Cervical Spondylosis

 

Other factors may also responsible for developing cervical spondylosis. These factors are listed as under:

 

1. Neck injuries
2. Computer work
3. Neck strain
4. Heavy lifting
5. Sitting in uncomfortable position that affects neck
6. Obesity
7. Inactive life
8. Smoking
9. Genetic factors such as family history

 

 

Cervical Spondylosis and Ayurveda Treatments

In ayurveda, cervical spondylosis is called Greeva Shool. However, term greeva shool represents all types of diseases that affect neck and causes neck pain. According to ayurveda, cervical spondylosis is Vata type disease and caused by the factors that lead to vata aggravation in the body. Other two humors are generally associated with the vata aggravation, so ayurvedic doctor need to identify the exact underlying humor involved.

 

 

Symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis

 

 

During the initial stage, no symptom appears in cervical spondylosis.  The common symptoms that may appear during the progression of the disease are:

 

 

1. Pain in neck
2. Neck stiffness
3. Numbness

 

 

Other symptoms that may occur due to the involvement of the nerve root irritation are:

 

 

1. Tingling sensation in the arms and shoulders
2. Weakness of arms, neck and shoulders
3. Lack of coordination
4. Difficulty in walking

 

Natural Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis or Neck Pain Melbourne

 

 

Ayurvedic treatment involves Vata pacifying methods and herbs that strengthen the neck and its structures such as cervical vertebrae, ligaments, muscles and bones.

 

 

Herbs to Cure Cervical Spondylosis or Neck Pain Naturally

 

 

Ayurvedic herbs are used as per body type, humor involvement in a particular disease and dominance of the specific humor. If you are looking for the treatment of cervical spondylosis, you can find qualified ayurvedic doctors at Pure Herbal Ayurved Clinic.

 

 

The following herbs are beneficial for cervical spondylosis, but ayurvedic doctor can suggest the better use according to the individual needs.

 

 

Ashwagandha

 

Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic medicine highly effective in neck arthritis, neck pain, cervical stiffness and cervical spondylosis. It helps in reduction of all symptoms associated with cervical spondylosis. It enhances body rejuvenation process. It also protects discs from bulging and desiccation. All these effects of Ashwagandha appear due to its major alkaloids known as withaniods.

 

In a case report presented by Sarvesh Kumar Singh et al on the treatment of cervical spondylotic myelopathy mentions the effectiveness of ashwagandha. A patient suffering from Greevastambha (neck stiffness) and was treated with Shalishastika pinda svedana (sudation with medicated cooked bolus of rice) for one month and Mustadi yapana basti (enema with medicated milk) for 16 days along with oral Ayurvedic drugs such as Brihatavata chintamani rasa 50 mg, Ekangaveer ras-250 mg, Ardhangavatari rasa-125 mg, Amrita satva (dryextract of Tinospora cordifolia Willd)-500 mg, Muktasukti pisti-50 0 mg, Ashwagandha churna (powder of Withania somnifera Dunal)-500 mg, Dashmool kvatha ghana (solid extract of Dashmool kvatha)-500 mg, Trayodashanga guggulu-575 mg, twice a day with honey and Eranda paka-10 g twice a day with milk. Patient's condition showed substantial improvement for symptoms of CSM.

 

Boswellia serrata

 

Boswellia serrata is an anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbal gum used in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, chronic inflammation etc. It is also effective in cervical spondylosis. It helps to improve the flexibility of the neck and reduces irritation of nerves and pain.

 

A paper presented by Shyama Kumar et al mentions the uses of boswellia serrata in the treatment of cervical spondylosis and other inflammatory diseases. The gum resin from Boswellia serrata, i.e. frankincense, is used as medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.  Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, cervical spondylosis, ankylosing spondylitis. Besides being an effective anti-inflammatory,   boswellia can be an effective painkiller and may prevent the loss of cartilage.

 

Gugul (commiphora mukul)

 

Gugul gum resin is beneficial in pain disorders, joint diseases, arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis etc. It is one of potent ayurvedic herb used for relieving pain, stiffness and inflammation. It is also effective in cervical spondylosis.

 

In a case study reported by Raman Kaushik et al highlights the benefits of guggulu in the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Guggulu was given in the form of Trayodashanga guggulu. It is a special ayurvedic formulation for vatavyadhi. It contains drugs like guggulu, rasna, ashwagandha, etc which are have vata and kapha, shothhara properties. Dashmoola kwatha is a well-known ayurvedic medicine having anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect.

 

A combination of trayodashanga guggulu and dashmoola kwatha has vata-kapha alleviating, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. In the above mentioned study the patient was having neck pain with stiffness, which got significant relief after first session. Complete relief in the pain and stiffness was observed after the second session.

 

Indian Asparagus

 

According to ayurveda, Indian asparagus possesses strengthening capacity, so it improves strength of the muscles, ligaments and spine. It is effective in osteoarthritis and spinal disorders. It prevents desiccation of vertebral discs and improves the health of inter-vertebral disks by hydrating and nourishing them. Therefore, it is very helpful for the cervical spondylosis.

 

 

Gokhru (tribulus terrestris)

 

Gokhru is known for its diuretic effects and increasing sexual performance. It is generally indicated in kidney diseases, cardiovascular disorders, arthritis and spinal disorders. It is also used for lowering blood pressure and relieving headache and weakness. It is very helpful in cervical spondylosis due to its rejuvenation properties and anti-inflammatory characteristics.

 

 

Pure herbal ayurved clinic is specialized in ayurvedic therapies and medicines. For a proper guidance, contact Dr. Gurnam Saini

 

 

Ayurvedic therapies for Cervical Spondylosis

 

 

Neck massage

 

Ayurvedic neck massage is done with special ayurvedic medicated oils, which help to give strength to the neck muscles, ligaments, bones and cervical vertebrae. Ayurvedic neck massage relieves in pain and stiffness of the neck.

 

Griva Basti

 

Griva basti is one of the most effective Ayurvedic therapies to cure any type of neck issues naturally. During Griva Basti ayurvedic medicated oil, according to one’s unique body type is used, to apply heat to the neck region.

 

Ayurvedic Medicines for Cervical Spondylosis In Melbourne 

1. Aswagandharishtam
2. Balarishtam
3. Dasamoolarishtam
4. Saraswatharishtam
5. Bala Thailam
6. Bala awagandhadhi Thailam
7. Dhanwantharam Thailam
8. Ksheerabala Thailam
9. Mahamasha thailam
10. Narayana Thailam
11. Dhanwantharam 101 capsule
12. Dasamoola kashayam
13. Rasnadi kashayam
14. Rasana erandadi kashayam tablets
15. Rasana saptakam kashayam tablet
16. Dhanwantharam Gulika
17. Chandraprabha vatika
18. Yogaraja Gulgulu vatika
19. Aswagandhadi lehyam
20. Sathavari Gulam

 

Yoga for Cervical Spondylosis

 

 

Yoga poses of neck, shoulder and back can help in cervical spondylosis. More sitting hours and computer jobs affect the neck and may result in cervical spondylosis. Yoga poses can also help in preventing this disease in computer users. The common yoga poses effective in cervical spondylosis are Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Makarasana (Crocodile Pose), Bal-Shayanasana (Infant’s Pose), Ardha Naukasana (Half Boat Pose), Ardha Salbhaasana: (Half Locust Pose), Shanshank-Bhujangasana (Striking Cobra Pose), Kohni Chalana (Elbow Rotations) and Marjariasana (Cat Pose).

 

 

Lifestyle and Cervical Spondylosis 

 

To get relief from the cervical spondylosis, the following 8 tips are helpful:

1. Do yoga for neck regularly.
2. Take a short break of 1 minute to 3 minutes after each 30 minutes while working on computer.
3. Do neck exercises during the breaks. Move your head forward, downward and in circular motion.
4. Neck exercises are beneficial for cervical spondylosis.
5. Use a good neck supportive chair for working and you should give 5 minutes rest to your head and neck after every hour of work.
6. Use bolster type pillows that help to support your neck properly.
7. Sleep on a firm mattress.
8. Take ayurvedic rejuvenation supplement to keep yourself healthy.

 

You can consult Dr. Gurnam Saini for more details about ayurvedic rejuvenation supplements and their suitability on your body type and for the ayurvedic treatment of cervical spondylosis in Melbourne, Australia. Online consultations are available as well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

References:

 

1.Sarvesh Kumar Singh, Kshipra Rajoria, ‘Ayurvedic management in cervical spondylotic myelopathy’, Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/314782841_Ayurvedic_management_in_cervical_spondylotic_myelopathy

2. Shyama Kumar, Divya Bhosle, Akshay Janghel, Shraddha Deo, ‘Indian Medicinal Plants Used for Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis’, RJPT, Research Gate, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/281573305_Indian_Medicinal_Plants_Used_for_Treatment_of_Rheumatoid_Arthritis

 

3. Raman Kaushik, Pragya Sharma, Om Prakash, ‘Management of Cervical Spondylosis through Ayurveda: A Case Study’, International journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, https://www.ijrap.net/admin/php/uploads/1797_pdf.pdf

 

Dr. Gurnam Saini

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery

MD Alternative Medicine

Panchkarma Detox Expert