Introduction
Cervical spondylitis is an inflammatory condition causing neck pain, stiffness, and neurological issues. Cervical spondylosis, a condition similar to cervical spondylitis also causes neck pain and stiffness; but this condition occurs due to age-related wear and tear. Early and accurate diagnosis and treatment are essential in these conditions as it helps prevent severe complications including permanent nerve damage.In this blog let’s explore Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis along with
Spondylitis cure in Ayurveda , two interrelated yet different diseases that are effectively treated with a comprehensive approach.
Understanding Cervical Spondylosis - Ayurveda Perspective
In Ayurveda, Cervical Spondylitis is known as Greeva Stambha. The condition occurs due to Vata and Kapha dosha imbalance leading to pain and stiffness in the neck region. Lifestyle factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise lead to this inflammatory condition.
Cervical spondylosis is Greeva Sandhigata Vata as per Ayurveda, caused primarily by imbalanced Vata. Age related wear and tear, herniated and degenerated discs, nerve compression, trauma, and ligament changes, lead to cervical spondylosis. The Ayurveda management of these conditions corrects the disturbed doshas, prevent further degeneration and increases the overall mobility. The treatment includes Panchakarma, changes in diet and lifestyle, and internal remedies. This all-round management approach relieves pain, halts the progression, and improves the standard of living. The treatments are described in detail in the subsequent sections of the blog.
Panchakarma Therapies
Panchakarma therapies address the symptoms of the disease along with the root cause. Spondylitis cure in Ayurveda begins with Rukshana (elimination of moisture and fat) procedures performed over the affected area to control inflammation and pain. These include Churna Pinda Sweda (Medicated powder poultice), Kashaya Dhara (pouring medicated decoction) and Dhanyamla Dhara (pouring Dhanyamla) over the cervical region, Valuka Sweda (sand poultice), Lepa (medicated paste) application or Upanaha (tying medicated bandage). These modalities can be adopted in the case of Cervical Spondylosis as well if the patient is suffering from acute pain and stiffness along with inflammation.
Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis nourishes the degenerated tissues surrounding the cervical region and prevents 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), Bhaspa Sweda (Steam therapy) are employed, followed by Virechana (therapeutic purgation). Nasya (oil instillation) or Vasti (enema) depending upon the patient’s condition to withstand the therapy and severity of the disease. However, these modalities are applicable in cervical spondylitis only in the later stages when inflammatory markers are minimal.
NOTE: Panchakarma therapies are contraindicated in acute inflammation, severe neurological signs, and cardiovascular diseases or uncontrolled diabetes. It is advisable to seek the advice of an Ayurveda Physician before going through these treatment procedures.
Apollo AyurVAID operates through its protocols-driven approach combining classical Ayurveda treatments and therapies with focused functional rehabilitation, personalized diet, and lifestyle modifications to bring excellent results in such conditions. Our integrated multidisciplinary approach provides an effective cure for patients suffering from cervical spondylosis and spondylitis, relieving pain and restoring motion to eliminate the need for surgery.
Dos and Don’ts
Following certain Lifestyle and dietary modifications can greatly enhance cervical spine health and reduce pain. Here are a few dos and don’ts which are recommended in Ayurveda to combat the condition effectively:
- Include ghee and healthy fats in your diet to nourish joints and reduce dryness associated with Vata imbalance (in advanced stages).
- Use ginger, turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, and black pepper to reduce inflammation and improve circulation.
- Mild exercise is recommended to improve flexibility and strengthen the neck muscles and shoulders.
- Gentle yoga and stretching exercises such as Cat pose, bridge pose, and cobra pose will help with flexibility and muscle strength.
- Good posture while standing, sitting, and sleeping can prevent exacerbation.
- Good sleep and rest are required for the body to restore its energy.
- Avoid any activity requiring heavy lifting or repeated neck movements.
- Do not bend the neck vigorously or make sudden movements that will put pressure on the neck.
- Avoid improper neck posture during prolonged sitting or watching TV, computer, or mobile.
- Do not get exposed to cold and damp climates to prevent the worsening of pain and stiffness.
- To prevent Vata aggravation, avoid dry foods, red meat, sprouts, potatoes, aquatic animals, and specific types of beans.
- Sleeping on a cervical pillow or a firm mattress would help to soothe the neck muscles and prevent stiffness.
How I Cured My Cervical Spondylosis?
I approached Apollo AyurVAID Hospital suffering badly from neck pain (6/10), stiffness, and radiating pain in the right hand. Apart from this, I had issues such as pustules and itching over my skin. After undergoing a comprehensive Ayurveda treatment for 24 days, from 25 March – 17 April 2022, I experienced great results:
Neck pain and stiffness were resolved from the root, radiating arm pain was absent, neck mobility was restored to full range without pain, pustules and itching were cleared, and skin discolorations improved significantly (reduced to 1/10).
Ayurveda procedures like Kulathakizhi, Dhanyamladhara, Vamana, Virechana, and Takradhara were administered. My neck disability index improved from 19% to 10%, and I could move my neck and arm without pain. They addressed the symptoms and alleviated movement restrictions, enhancing my ability to perform daily activities.
Conclusion
Cervical spondylitis and spondylosis are well-known distinct conditions of the cervical spine which are effectively treated using Ayurveda approaches. The cause of both conditions is inflammation and degeneration respectively. Ayurveda’s comprehensive approach includes Panchakarma therapies, internal medications, lifestyle, and dietary modifications. Success depends upon accurate diagnosis and timely intervention. An integrative interdisciplinary approach to cervical spondylosis and spondylitis will effectively alleviate pain and restore movement, preventing disease progression or the need for surgery.
References
- Nutan Mahato, Sudarsana Kaveri R. N, Shylamma T. M, Bindu P. R. A Case Series on Importance of Rukshana Therapy in Spinal Pathology. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research. 2024;12(1):124-129.https://doi.org/10.47070/
ijapr.v12i1.3068 - Bawankar, D D S, Daulatkar, D K K (2024). “MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS THROUGH AYURVED – A CASE STUDY”. Sanjeevani Darshan – National Journal of Ayurveda & Yoga. https://doi.org/10.55552/sdnjay.2024.2308
- H, S (2023). A Review Article on Samprapti-Vighatana of Manyastambha (Cervical Spondylosis) by Panchakarma Therapy. Journal of Natural & Ayurvedic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.23880/jonam-16000383
- Purwar, S (2017). APPROACH OF AYURVEDA TO CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS W.S.R TO GREEVASTAMBHA: A CLINICAL STUDY. World journal of Pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences, 1569-1577. https://doi.org/10.20959/wjpps20176-9388
- Milmile, S K, Kandekar, S M (2017). STUDY OF MANYASHARIRA W.S.R. TO ANATOMICAL CHANGES IN GREEVAKASHERUKA IN MANYASTAMBHA (CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS) Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 2, 74-77. https://doi.org/10.21760/JAIMS.V2I1.7490
