The term growth is always believed to be in some sort of equilibrium with changes, changes that can be good or bad depending on the lifestyle you are adapted to. Cervical spondylosis is generally age related tearing and wearing of cartilages, ligaments, discs and bones of your neck resulting in pain and stiffness around the regions of neck in most of the cases, but it has been also noticed that the symptoms related to cervical spondylosis differs from person to person and ranges from mild to severe depending on the severity of case. Pain around shoulder blades, stiffness around neck, headache, tingling sensations in arms and muscles weakness are some common symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Changing in your cervical spine like thickening of ligaments, wearing of cartilages and sense of abrasion between the bones through friction is natural part of ageing. By the age of 60, almost 9 out of 10 people have cervical spondylosis and is also called as arthritis or osteoarthritis of neck. According to Ayurvedic studies, the elevated ruksha (dry) guna of Vata Dosha is responsible for the degenerative cascade in spinal column of neck causing nerve compressions and wearing of cartilages, discs, bones and ligaments. It is also known as Greeva Sthamba which is a vata vyadhi in Ayurvedic classical texts. It has been found that in some cases injury around neck region and repetitive work related activities putting extra strain on your neck also results in increasing the risk factors of cervical spondylosis.
In classical textbooks of Ayurveda, the treatment for cervical spondylosis involves internal medication and external applications of several herbal drugs. Ayurvedic Panchakarma therapies have showed remarkable results in mild as well as severe cases both. Bringing changes in dietary habits (Ahar) and lifestyle (Vihar) can prevent our body from degenerating and helps in curing the spondylosis.
MANAGEMENT OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS AT HOME
Anti-inflammatory qualities of many herbal drugs have made it possible to cure and get symptomatic relief from the ailments like cervical spondylosis. So here we are mentioning some powerful and effective herbal formulas that are considered to cure such Vata Vyadhi :
Sesame oil – The warm quality of sesame is known for nourishing the joints for ages. Lukewarm sesame oil for massage around affected neck and shoulder region is considered very effective as it penetrate the affected tissue very easily.
Ghee – Ghee is natural Vata pacifier, it helps in bringing down the elevated Vata level to it normal range. So adding a little amount of ghee to your daily meal is good for curing any kind of Vata vyadhi.
Amla and aloe Vera juice - According to studies, the juice of amla and aloe-vera is considered very effective in curing and relieving pain from several osteo-related problems and it also improves the immunity system to tackle such ailments effectively.
Castor oil- Castor oil helps in purification of body and balances the vitiated Vata Dosha, so one or two tablespoon of castor oil before bed will be good for curing the osteoarthritis of neck.
Turmeric- The anti-inflammatory quality and its property of increasing blood circulation helps in reducing the muscle stiffness and pain of cervical region. One tablespoon of turmeric in a glass of milk with little bit of honey before bed is advised.
Ginger and garlic – Their anti-inflammatory and analgesic property helps in providing relief from the pain of affected areas.
To ensure the effectiveness of all the above herbal home remedies, we should consider the followings also:
Hot and cold compression: Hot and cold compressions enhances the blood circulation and reduces swelling of affected area respectively.
Effective yoga and exercises: Regular exercise and practicing yoga have been considered effective in reducing the stiffness of neck.
Surya namaskar, Bhujanga-asana (cobra pose) and Ushtra-asana (camel pose) are some common yoga that helps in restoring the original postural condition of neck.
Follow healthy lifestyle: Maintain correct postures either while standing or sitting. Get enough sleep and avoid any kind of stress and anxiety. Avoid fatty, spicy and fried junk foods and adapt yourself in habit of eating fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin-C, protein, calcium and phosphorus. Give up all the bad habits like chewing tobacco, smoking and alcohol drinking, restraining yourself from them will strengthen your body to fight every possible ailments.
By executing the above remedies, one can easily find its effectiveness soon. Your dedication and desire will always let yourself to the place you wish to be.
Enjoy being healthy !