Aging is not always kind to people. More than 80% of adults experience neck pain at some point. Common causes include poor posture, physical strain, pinched nerves, herniated discs, and cervical spondylosis. Among these conditions, cervical spondylosis is particularly problematic, often causing severe neck pain and stiffness.
Cervical spondylosis, also known as osteoarthritis of the neck, is an age-related condition characterized by the wear and tear of the spinal discs in the neck. Worryingly, the prevalence of this condition is increasing as many people spend hours watching TV or using mobile phones with poor posture, which strains neck muscles.
As we age, osteoarthritis signs develop. This includes the appearance of bone spurs along the edges of the bones, causing pain, discomfort, and stiffness in the neck. Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis may include therapies such as Greeva Vasti, Abhyanga, and Nasya, as it considers this condition a Vata dosha complication.
What is Cervical Spondylosis?
Cervical spondylosis is age-related wear and tear of the cervical spine (neck region). Patients often experience severe pain and stiffness in the spine and neck due to the degeneration of discs, joints, and bones. Ayurveda considers cervical spondylosis disease as the accumulation of vitiated Vata and Kapha dosha in the neck region.
Changes in the spine are natural as we age, so, most adults over the age of 60 have cervical spondylosis or cervical osteoarthritis. With age, the cervical spine most likely starts to wear down. Early detection is possible through an X-ray examination. The damage caused by the degeneration of joints in the cervical region can be reduced by early-stage treatment.
While Kapha dosha is the primary reason for neck pain, stiffness, and other nerve issues in adults, the cervical pain that radiates to the lower spine or the hands is caused by the vitiation of Vata. In Ayurveda, tissue degeneration and related diseases are categorized under Vata imbalance, whether it is cervical spondylosis or osteoarthritis.
What are the symptoms to watch for?
Studies suggest that most people will not experience symptoms initially. However, when symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the neck do occur, non-surgical treatment options are often effective.
Common cervical spondylosis symptoms include;
- Neck pain (cervical region)
- Stiffness of neck
- Pain radiating to arms
- Tingling, numbness, weakness in the hands, legs, or feet
Sometimes, it may also cause other symptoms as well, due to the narrowing of the spinal canal and pinched spinal cord or nerve roots.
Signs of cervical spondylosis suggesting more complications may include;
- Pain radiating to lower back
- Dizziness when moving your neck suddenly
- Lack of coordination or difficulty walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms such as numbness, as these can progress from mild discomfort to chronic pain.
Causes and Risk Factors
As we age, the structures that make up the backbone and neck develop wear and tear.
This can result in;
- Dehydrated discs: Discs are the cushions between the vertebrae of the spine. By the age of 40 or 50, spinal discs begin drying out, and as the discs shrink, there is more bone-on-bone contact between the vertebrae.
- Herniated discs: As cracks appear on the exterior of the spinal discs, their soft interiors squeeze through these cracks, exerting pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Bone spurs: When the discs break down, the body may produce extra bone to strengthen the spine. These bone spurs can cause a pinching effect on the spinal cord and nerve roots.
- Stiff ligaments: This is a major cause of stiff neck in adults. Spinal ligaments often become stiff with age, making the neck less flexible.
Other cervical spondylosis causes may include a sedentary lifestyle, such as prolonged sitting while using a mobile phone or laptop, poor posture, and repetitive stress on the neck.
Risk factors for neck pain and cervical osteoarthritis include;
- Age: The condition occurs commonly as part of aging.
- Neck injuries: If you have had prior neck injuries, you are at an increased risk of cervical spondylosis and neck pain as you near 40.
- Occupation: Jobs that involve prolonged sitting, repetitive neck movements, or putting extra stress on the neck.
- Genetic factors: Certain families experience more arthritis-related issues over time.
Holistic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis
Ayurveda emphasizes non-surgical, organic remedies and therapy for cervical spondylosis treatment, promising a permanent cure. The treatment options are many, including 14-21 days of external therapies such as Greeva Vasti, Abhyanga oil massage, and Panchakarma detoxification.
Ayurvedic therapies for cervical spondylosis;
- Abhyanga (oil massage): Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis that effectively reduces muscle stiffness. Seasonal, medicated oils are used in this body massage to improve blood flow.
- Shirovasti or Shirodhara: In this therapy, medicated oil is retained in a cap-like structure placed on the head for a specific time. This practice relaxes the nervous system, pacifies the Vata dosha, and provides relief from cervical spondylosis neck pain, and discomfort.
- Greeva Vasti: This localized therapy nourishes and heals the cervical spine (neck area). Pain-relieving medicated oils are poured and pooled in a small cabin (constructed using black gram or wet flour) over the back of the neck for a specified duration.
- Panchakarma Detoxification: Panchakarma detoxification is performed to eliminate toxins from the body and restore the balance of doshas.
- Nasya (Nasal Therapy): Nasya alleviates nerve-related issues. Herbal oils used in Nasya lubricate nasal passages and neck joints, providing relief from pain and stiffness in the neck associated with cervical spondylosis.
Among all these therapies, Greeva Vasti provides magical relief from the pain and stiffness caused by cervical spondylosis. When combined with Abhyanga, Nasya, and disease-modifying herbal medications, it provides long-standing and appreciable relief for people suffering from painful cervical spondylosis and neck discomfort.
Modern vs. Ayurvedic treatment for neck pain
Cervical spondylosis treatment in Ayurveda can deliver a permanent cure for patients in the early stages. Therefore, if you opt for Ayurvedic treatment in the early stage, you may be able to avoid surgery for your neck pain. Early treatment is recommended because, once the condition progresses and degeneration increases, finding a cure becomes challenging.
Although Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis can help you avoid surgery, once it reaches an advanced stage, unfortunately, surgery may be the only option. Also, for patients who have already had surgery, Ayurveda offers therapies that can stop the degeneration of tissues in the cervical region, preventing the chances of recurrence.
Modern medicine provides cervical spondylosis management protocol using muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medicine, and pain relievers. However, keep in mind that it doesn’t offer a complete cure and often resorts to laminectomy and laminotomy (surgical options). On the other hand, the Ayurvedic approach is progressive as it aims for a permanent cure.
Lifestyle and Self-Care Tips
If your daily routine involves sitting for hours for writing, reading, or working on your laptop, you may have experienced neck pain and discomfort at least once. What is the solution? First, try correcting your posture.
Also, avoid heavy weight lifting and activities that strain the neck. Use ergonomic chairs to support your neck and shoulders to prevent muscle and ligament pain. Make simple changes in your posture to reduce neck pain, such as; holding your phone up to eye level, and keeping your head in line with the center of your body.
Even though rest is the ultimate solution, when it comes to neck discomfort and pain, movement can help relieve neck pain naturally. You can practice simple exercises that improve blood flow to stiff muscles. Using heating pads or ice packs alternately for about 20 minutes each, several times a day can also be effective.
Several cervical spondylosis exercises can help stretch your neck muscles and relieve stiffness. Try gentle yoga poses like Cat-Cow, Cobra, and Child’s Pose. Other helpful exercises include head tilts, head presses, and shoulder blade squeezes. Focus on moves that relieve tension in your shoulders and upper back for better neck pain relief.
What dietary changes can help with cervical spondylosis?
While posture correction and other lifestyle changes are important, certain dietary practices can also help balance doshas and relieve neck pain. Your diet for cervical spondylosis should incorporate Vata-pacifying foods. For example; warm soups, ghee, nuts (e.g., walnuts and almonds), fruits, vegetables, and turmeric milk.
Consider consuming anti-inflammatory foods for neck pain relief, including omega-3 fatty acids and extra virgin olive oil. Foods rich in antioxidants may help neutralize free radicals in your body and reduce inflammation. Strictly avoid processed, or heavy-to-digest foods, artificial trans fat, and refined carbohydrates, as these may aggravate Vata dosha.
Why Choose Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital for Cervical Spondylosis Treatment?
Patients who underwent cervical spondylosis treatment at Chaithanya Ayurveda Hospital came from different parts of India, many of them suffering from chronic cervical pain. The Ayurvedic and integrated therapies provided here have helped even those who had previously tried treatments like acupuncture, physiotherapy, naturopathy, and a range of painkillers.
As a pioneer hospital for cervical spondylosis, we are proud to announce that the use of advanced diagnostic tools and the center’s serene healing environments has helped countless patients over the years. During the treatment, our practitioners and care team recommend only simple exercises, as heavy exercises may increase wear and tear in the joints.
While Ayurvedic intervention can be beneficial at any stage of cervical spondylosis, early-stage treatment ensures faster improvements. The recurrence can be effectively reduced if you consult us during the early stages of cervical osteoarthritis, potentially eliminating the need for surgery. With our help, you can lead a routine life without relying on surgery or medications.