Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects millions worldwide, causing neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort. It is a condition that occurs in the ageing population and can affect the posture and flexibility of the person while also causing them severe pain. Conventional treatments for cervical spondylosis often focus on providing symptom relief, but Ayurveda, an ancient holistic practice that originated in India, has a different and holistic approach to managing cervical spondylosis. In this article, we will explore the symptoms, reasons, and Ayurvedic remedies of cervical spondylosis.

 

Understand cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as Greeva Stambha in Ayurveda, is related to Vata dosha and occurs when the spinal discs in the neck degenerate, leading to wear and tear on the cartilages and bones in the neck region. This condition can cause neck pain, stiffness, headaches, migraines, numbness, tingling sensation in arms and hands, weakness in the shoulders and upper back, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

 

Reasons behind cervical spondylosis

There are several reasons behind cervical spondylosis: ageing, past injuries or trauma, obesity, poor posture, and occupational factors are some of them. According to Ayurveda, when the Vata Dosha increases, degeneration of tissues can accelerate; this is a major reason behind cervical spondylosis. Bad eating habits, too much gap between meals, night shifts, jobs that involve heavy lifting, frequent neck movements, and rigorous activities can also cause cervical spondylosis. In the initial stages of the condition, you might not experience direct symptoms, but as time passes, you might start experiencing more and more symptoms of cervical spondylosis.

 

Symptoms of cervical spondylosis

• Frequent headaches
• Tingling sensations and numbness in the limbs
• Pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders
• Difficulty walking
• coordination issues
• Difficulty in maintaining balance

 

Ayurvedic remedies for cervical spondylosis

 Cervical spondylosis is considered a condition caused by Vata imbalance in Ayurveda. To manage cervical spondylosis, Ayurveda recommends:

 

Dietary Changes: Including warm and nourishing foods and avoiding cold, dry, and bitter foods is recommended. Including herbs and spices like ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and other sweet, sour, and salty tastes in food will be beneficial.

 

Herbal Remedies: Most medicines in Ayurveda are herbal-based and have no or minimal side effects, but to consume them, you need a proper diagnosis from an Ayurvedic physician. Other common herbal remedies for cervical spondylosis include turmeric, ginger, ashwagandha, and guggulu, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, stress-reducing, adaptogenic, and detoxifying properties.

 

Panchakarma Therapy: Panchakarma translates to five procedures, and like the name suggests, it is a therapy that combines five Ayurvedic procedures. It is an incredibly effective Ayurvedic remedy for many ailments. With the proper guidance of a physician, Panchakarma can be a tremendous help if you are suffering from cervical spondylosis.

 

Yoga and Exercise: The health of the body and mind are correlated, and certain yoga positions and regular exercise will improve both your body’s and mind’s health.

 

Lifestyle Modifications: The lifestyle you lead has the biggest impact on your physical and mental health. In the case of cervical spondylosis, practicing good posture, stress-reducing exercises such as meditation and breathing exercises (pranayama), regular exercise, maintaining a healthy sleeping pattern, and relaxing properly can drastically improve the overall quality of your life.

 

Conclusion

 The Ayurvedic solutions for cervical spondylosis are holistic, but if you want to get a more comprehensive and personalized opinion, you need to consult an Ayurvedic physician. Rasayana Ayurveda Centre is one of Kerala’s most prominent Ayurvedic hospitals, and we specialize in Panchakarma treatments in Kerala. Connect with us to book an appointment and learn more about Ayurveda treatment for back pain in Kerala!