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Introduction
Cervical spondylosis, a common age-related condition affecting the neck’s vertebrae and discs, can cause significant discomfort and reduced mobility. While it cannot be “cured” permanently, natural remedies can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
In this blog, let us explore effective natural remedies for Cervical spondylosis and Cervical spondylitis. We will also mention a few Ayurvedic and home remedies for cervical spondylosis of the neck that can provide long-term relief from neck pain and discomfort.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Cervical Spondylosis
How to cure Cervical spondylosis permanently is a frequently asked question by many suffering from this condition. There is no permanent cure for cervical spondylosis, however, Ayurveda therapies and home remedies can help alleviate the pain, strengthen the bones, and improve quality of life. Ayurvedic remedies for cervical spondylosis of the neck aim to nourish the degenerated tissues surrounding the cervical region and prevent disease progression and future episodes. Treatments such as Greeva Vasti (oil retention therapy over the neck), Greeva Pichu (oil-soaked cotton pad over the neck), Abhyanga (oil therapy), and Bhaspa Sweda (Steam therapy) are administered. Depending on the patient’s condition and disease severity, Nasya (oil instillation), Virechana (therapeutic purgation), or Vasti (enema) is applied.
Cervical Spondylitis Home Remedies
Cervical spondylitis is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and pain in the joints and tissues of the cervical spine present in the neck region. Effective home remedies for Cervical spondylitis include gentle neck exercises, proper posture maintenance, and the application of hot and cold compresses to reduce pain and inflammation.
Regular practice of yoga asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Marjaryasana (Cat-Cow Pose), when done under proper guidance, can help strengthen neck muscles and improve flexibility. Additionally, simple lifestyle modifications such as using an ergonomic pillow, maintaining proper sleeping posture, and taking regular breaks from prolonged sitting can significantly relieve cervical spondylitis symptoms.
Natural Remedies for Cervical Spondylosis
The home remedies and lifestyle habits mentioned below are not considered a sure-shot cure, but following them can complement your main treatments for Cervical Spondylosis.
Rice and wheat can be consumed as a staple food. Include protein-rich sources like horse gram and black gram. Incorporate fruits and vegetables such as garlic (for its anti-inflammatory properties), pomegranate and mangoes (rich in antioxidants), brinjal and moringa, and citrus fruits like lemons, grapes, and pomegranates in your diet. Including ghee, milk, coconut water, and tamarind in the diet can offer benefits such as calcium, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lubricating properties.
7 Effective Home Remedies for Cervical Spondylosis
- Apply dry heat to your neck and shoulders using a heating pad or warm towel for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily. This helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation. You can also fill a cotton sock with sesame seed, castor oil, sand, or salt, warm it, and use it as a heat pack.
- Perform gentle neck exercises in a bathtub filled with shoulder-deep warm water or decoction of ginger or cumin. The water’s resistance reduces neck strain. Try neck rotations, shoulder rolls, and gentle stretches in water for 15-20 minutes daily.
Yoga asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) and Marjaryasana (Cat-Cow Pose) can also be practiced under the proper guidance of a trained yoga practitioner.
- Use a firm mattress and a cervical pillow that maintains proper neck alignment. Sleep on your back with a small rolled towel under your neck, or on your side with your neck aligned with your spine. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.
- Create a daily menu incorporating warm water, ghee, whole grains like wheat and rice, black gram or horse gram rasam or soup, fresh fruits like pomegranates in diet, and garlic, turmeric, ginger, and sesame seeds in the seasoning.
- Take a warm bath daily, adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil or Epsom salt. During the bath, let warm water flow over your neck and shoulders. Follow with gentle neck stretches while your muscles are warm and relaxed.
- Apply warm sesame, castor, or coconut oil to your neck and shoulders. Use gentle circular motions with your fingertips, moving from the base of your skull to your shoulders. Perform this for 10-15 minutes before your morning bath. Instilling 2 drops of medicated or sesame oil in each nostril post-exercise can be beneficial.
- Spend 15-20 minutes in the early morning sunlight doing gentle neck exercises like slow neck rotations, side bends, shoulder rolls, and chin tucks.
NOTE: Remember to perform these remedies consistently but gently, and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment routine.
What To Avoid
When managing cervical spondylosis, it’s important to be mindful of certain foods and practices that could aggravate the condition. Avoid rice varieties like Kodrava (Kodo millet) and Shyamaka (barnyard millet), pulses like peas, vegetables like cauliflower, bitter gourd, leafy vegetables, betel nut, and dates, and avoid daytime sleeping, improper postures, and looking upward with the neck bent backwards. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid suppressing body urges, and avoid excessive physical exercise. These restrictions can help prevent condition deterioration.
Conclusion
Although Cervical spondylosis cannot be permanently cured, natural remedies combined with Ayurvedic treatments and lifestyle modifications can manage symptoms effectively and improve the quality of life. The main approaches to managing this condition include heat therapy, gentle exercises, proper sleep posture, and regular oil massage. Incorporating anti-inflammatory foods, whole grains, and protein sources supports bone and muscle health. Even simple measures like maintaining the proper posture, getting up often while sitting, and practising some soft yoga poses may help prevent symptoms from worsening. Water exercises, sunlight exposure, and mindful movement help strengthen neck muscles while minimizing strain. Above all, these remedies should be pursued with patience and care, under the supervision of healthcare professionals to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
References
- Jain, M et al. (2024). Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Mashadi oil (Tinospora cardifolia) and Erandadi oil Ricinus communis via nasal administration in the management of cervical spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial protocol. F1000Research. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000
esearch.140183.2 - Ibrahim, A et al. (2018). Comparative Study between Supervised and Unsupervised Exercise Program for Cervical Spondylosis. International Journal of Medical Research and Health Sciences, 7, 1-10. https://www.semanticscholar
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f21dfa628088 - Cramer, H et al. (2013). Randomized-controlled Trial Comparing Yoga and Home-based Exercise for Chronic Neck Pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain, 29, 216–223. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.
0b013e318251026c - G., S A et al. (2023). Role of Ayurveda medicine in the management of Vishwachi Roga vis-a-vis Cervical Spondylosis. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences. https://doi.org/10.21760/jaims.8.11.17
- Chaudhary, R et al. (2019). AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS: A CASE STUDY. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy. https://doi.org/10.7897/2277-4343.100123
