Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis in Coimbatore

Best Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis in Coimbatore

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis at Avanika Ayurvedic focuses on balancing the aggravated Vata and Kapha dosha, reducing inflammation and nourishing cervical vertebrae and adjacent tissues. This involves a combination of external therapies like Nasya (Nasal instillation), Greeva Vasti (Oil retention in the cervical region), Virechana (purgation) and Vasti(enema), along with internal therapies such as herbal remedies and dietary changes.

Aim of Avanika's Ayurvedic Treatment Package for Cervical Spondylosis

To address the imbalances in Vata and Kapha Dosha
To alleviate pain and inflammation
To assist in coping with stress-related pain
To help remove accumulated toxins
To support nervous and musculoskeletal system health
To nourish the adjacent structures such as muscles, cartilage, discs etc
To promote overall well-being and long term health

Benefits of the Treatment

Personalised care and treatment plan
Well-devised dietary and lifestyle recommendations
Addresses the root cause rather than just relieving symptoms.
Reduces the frequency and intensity of spondylosis
Supports nervous system health, reducing stress-induced pain.
Uses natural herbal remedies, avoiding side effects of modern painkillers.

What is Cervical Spondylosis?

Cervical spondylosis is the degenerative osteoarthritis of the cervical spine.

When the space between two adjacent vertebrae narrows, compression of a nerve root emerging from the spinal cord may result in radiculopathy (sensory and motor disturbances, such as severe pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back, and/or leg, accompanied by muscle weakness).

A direct pressure on the spinal cord (typically in the cervical spine) may result in myelopathy, characterized by global weakness, gait dysfunction, loss of balance, and loss of bowel and/or bladder control. The patient may experience a phenomenon of shocks (paresthesia) in hands and legs because of nerve compression and lack of blood flow.

What are the Symptoms

Pain in the neck radiating to the back of the head, shoulders or arms
Numbness and tingling (paresthesia) in the upper limbs
Weakness, muscle wasting, and loss of reflexes
Reduced neck flexibility and stiffness
Loss of balance or unsteady gait (in cases with spinal cord compression)

Causes

- 1. Age-Related Degeneration:
  - Disc Dehydration:
    - Ageing causes spinal discs to lose its water, becoming less flexible,, making them more prone to injuries
  - Bone Spurs (Osteophytes):
    - Formation of bony growths can cause neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.This is a result of body’s attempt to repair damaged areas and is more common in those aged 65 years and above
  - Spinal Stenosis:
    - The narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, is a common feature of cervical spondylosis.
  1. Injuries:
  - Whiplash:
    - A kind of injury that results from a forceful, rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, often causing a neck sprain
    - Can damage the discs, ligaments, and other structures in the neck, accelerating the development of spondylosis.
  - Falls:
    - Falls can result in fractures, dislocations, and spinal cord compression of the cervical vertebrae and may lead to cervical spondylosis in older adults
  1. Overuse and Occupational Factors:
  - Repetitive Movements:
    - Repetitive movements can cause disc injury when performed in poor posture
  - Poor Posture:
    - Movements when performed in poor posture can put extra stress on the spine.
  - Genetic Factors:
    - Family History: Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to develop cervical spondylosis more readily.
  - Other Factors:
  - Smoking:
    - Smoking can impair blood circulation and nutrient delivery to spinal discs, potentially accelerating degeneration.
  - Obesity:
    - Excess weight can increase stress on the cervical spine, contributing to its degeneration.

Risk factors

Age-related degeneration: Natural wear and tear of spinal bones and discs over time.
Poor posture: Especially due to prolonged use of computers and smartphones.
Injury: Past trauma to the neck can contribute to early degeneration.
Genetics: Family history of similar spinal disorders.
Sedentary lifestyle: Reduced physical activity weakens muscles and joints.
Occupational strain: Jobs requiring repetitive neck movements or heavy lifting.

Ayurvedic Perspective

Cervical spondylosis is basically a Vata dominant joint disease affecting the neck. Degeneration is the key factor behind Vata dosha aggravation and resultant joint disease. Loss of disc nourishing fluids (kapha dosha in normalcy) leads to excessive dryness in the bones and cartilages of the neck and manifest as neck pain and stiffness. There will be severe neck pain with limitation of movement. The functional kapha dosha located in the upper neck region when it loses normalcy due to aging, the Vata dosha becomes dominant leading to bony spurs.

In severe cases there may be involvement of adjacent structures like ligaments and tendons- the emerging spinal nerves leading to radiating pain in the upper limb similar to cervical spondylosis. Pain and numbness in the hand manifests as a result of this condition

Prevention of disc degeneration by controlling the Vata aggravation is the first step in the management of cervical spondylosis. If there is the involvement of adjacent structures like tendons and ligaments, with compressive neuropathy.

Ayurvedic treatment for Cervical Spondylosis in Coimbatore

The Ayurvedic management of cervical spondylosis follows a stepwise and holistic approach combining internal medications, external therapies, Panchakarma, dietary regulation, and lifestyle modifications. The key focus remains on Vata shamanam (pacifying vata), Ama pachana (detoxification), and Rasayana (rejuvenation).

1. Deepana and Pachana

These therapies aim to rekindle the digestive fire (Agni) and help eliminate Ama.

Herbs used: Trikatu, Hinguvachadi, Panchakola churna

2. Snehana and Swedana (Oleation and Sudation)

Rooksha sweda: Choorna pinda sweda, especially with dry herbs, is useful in early stages where stiffness and Kapha dominance is seen.

Snigdha sweda: Oil-based sudation such as Jambeerapinda sweda, Patra potali sweda, and Shashtika shali pinda sweda help lubricate and rejuvenate tissues

Greeva Vasti: Warm medicated oil is retained over the cervical spine area to support nourishment and comfort.

3. Nasya (Nasal therapy)

Nasya is highly effective as it directly influences the Uttamanga (head region). Brimhana Nasya is indicated to support nerve and joint tissue.

Commonly used medicines:

Ksheerabala Taila 21 or 41 Avarthi
Dhanwantharam Taila 21 or 41 Avarthi

4. Vasti (Medicated Enemas)

One of the most important therapies for Vata disorders. Both Anuvasana (oil-based) and Niruha (decoction-based) enemas are used.

Effective Vasti combinations:

Gugguluthikthaka Ksheera + Cow’s milk (120 ml)
Honey (for emulsification)
Kethakimooladi Taila
Gugguluthikthaka Ghrita

5. External Applications

Thalam: Application of herbal paste over the scalp to calm Vata and support nerve function.

Types:

Thalam with Kachooradi choorna and Nimbamru-therandam
Bala moola grinded in milk mixed with navaneetha for lepana in head.
Thalam with Rasnadi choornam with Ksheerabala thaila

Internal Medications

A combination of classical Ayurvedic formulations may be considered for supporting bone and nerve health.

Commonly used formulations:

Guggulutiktaka Kashaya
Rasnadi Kashaya
Yogaraja Guggulu
Trayodashanga Guggulu
Ashwagandha Churna
Bala Taila (for internal use or Abhyanga)

Lifestyle Recommendations for Cervical Spondylosis

Posture correction: Avoid forward-bending head position and long hours at a desk without breaks.
Yoga and Physiotherapy: Gentle neck exercises under guidance can support flexibility.
Sleep habits: Use of orthopaedic pillows and proper sleep posture to avoid neck strain.
Stress management: Incorporate mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises to reduce muscular tension.
Office Ergonomics: Avoid slouching too much at the office desk and consider working in standing position intermittently
Phone Position: Holding your phone at eye level, avoiding prolonged texting with a flexed head, and taking frequent breaks is mandatory. Consider using hands-free devices or ergonomic phone stands to reduce further strain
Pillow Support: Pillows designed to support the normal curvature of cervical spine should be used. Pillows that are too high or too low can make the pain worse, so find one that keeps your neck in line with your body.

Diet During Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylosis

Favour: Vata pacifying warm, cooked, lightly spiced foods, ghee, milk, soups, root vegetables, green gram.
Avoid: Excessive intake of dry, cold, or fermented foods; carbonated beverages, caffeine, deep-fried items.
Hydration: Lukewarm water, herbal teas like Dashamoola or prasaranyadi kwatha, or cumin-coriander-fennel infusion.

How to Prevent Cervical Spondylosis in Natural Way?

Avoid sitting in the same position for an extended period. Change your posture frequently.
Practice neck strengthening exercises such as Neck rotation, Neck stretch, Shoulder rolls, Cervical isometrics, Chin tucks, Head tilt, Cervical retraction, Shoulder shrug, Shoulder circles
Holding your phone at eye level, avoiding prolonged texting with a flexed head, and taking frequent breaks
Consider using hands-free devices or ergonomic phone stands to further reduce strain
Avoid sleeping on a mattress that is too soft.
Sudden movements such as jerking your neck to the side or snapping your neck can do more harm than good. Instead of relieving tension, these movements can injure already damaged discs in the cervical spine. Always move your neck gently.
Select a pillow that is appropriate for your neck. You may consider using a small support pillow under your neck, to help relieve pressure on the neck.
Avoid sleeping where an air-conditioner or a fan blows directly at you.
Keep your head straight while standing or walking. Do not tilt your head up or down.
Do not tilt your head down while reading, as this will increase more load on the neck muscles than normal. It is better to hold the book up to the eye level by propping against a pile of books or a box.
While driving, adjust your seat appropriately close to the steering wheel.
To help relieve pressure on the neck muscles each day, place a hot towel around the neck while gently massaging it.

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