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Cervical spondylosis- signs, symptoms, ayurvedic view – early detection

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Ayurveda is the Vedic system of health care that developed in India over 5000 years ago, which is a natural therapy hence it has no side effect or any complications. Computer professionals whose work demands lot of work sitting on a chair in a bent down posture causing undue strain on the vertebral column tend to be more affected by Cervical Spondylosis , which is  a special type of arthritis which affects the vertebrae of the neck region.  Ayurveda offers conservative treatment as oral & external medication in which herbal medicine helps you reverse the disease-process giving decongestion of the spinal canal & nerve-root bony outlets which can relieve cervical spondylosisThe signs and symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

1.       Pain in the back of the neck spreading at times to the base of skull, shoulder, down your arms to hands and fingers, chest and forehead. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain of the neck.

2.        Stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia may occur due to this condition.

3.          An increased risk of other injuries to your neck.

4.         Crunching sounds with movement of the neck or shoulder muscles.

5.       Numbness and tingling in the arms, hands and fingers, some loss of feeling in the hands and impairment of reflexes.

6.       In an aggravated state it may present with nausea, blurred vision, and may also be associated with induced tendency of vomiting.

7.       Dizziness and Blackouts ( if there is pressure on the vertebral artery ) fatigue and irritability.

8.       With advanced disease, loss of bladder control and leg weakness.

9.       May feel irritable and fatigue, disturb sleep and impair the ability to work.

10.   Headaches, which often start at the back of the head, just above the neck, before moving over the top to the forehead.

11.   Difficulty in swallowing.

12.   It is often associated with loss of memory.

13.   A loss of balance, fear of falling.

14.   Muscle weakness and deterioration, diminished reflexes.

15.   General tiredness and anxiety – can be present.

Cervical Spondylosis – Degeneration for IT people

Ayurveda is the world’s oldest health care system and a complete science of life. It offers a holistic treatment based on bodily constitution, mental make up, diet pattern, and work schedule which will open new horizons to a healthier lifestyle.
Cervical Spondylosis which is commonly found among those who work in computer field may be defined as the degenerative changes of the spine at the neck, creating pressure on nerves and spinal cord at the level of the neck.
The life style, work habits, food etc of computer professionals which increases the risk of getting an early onset of cervical spondylosis can be cited as :
1. Working excessively on computers/Wrong Posture – They work by sitting in front of the computer screen for extended period of time, tilting the neck forward, head down or with a posture leaning forward.
2. Overexertion – Stress associated with longish work schedules to meet deadlines across time zones..
3. Ill Designed Chair – Even four hours of continued working in front of computers could induce cervical spondylosis if one happened to be sitting on ill-designed chairs.
4. Not exercising – Their busy work scheduled prevents them from relaxing, not treating their body to a consistent regimen of stretching and strengthening to balance their muscle groups
5. Faulty diet – They often skip meals instead take snacks and they forget to take plenty of water which will lead to imbalance of proper nutrition.
6. Consumption of stress busters – They consume excessive alcohol, smoking, tea, coffee, narcotic drugs.
7. Disturbed sleep – While doing their projects they often don’t have enough sleep.
8. Constant use of mouse – Those who use the mouse and punch in keys at wrong angles get this problem.
9. Miles of driving – Their work demands travelling in a car, airplane or train, unless they place a small pillow or rolled towel between their neck and a headrest to keep the normal curve in their neck, it leads to CS

Cervical spondylosis – Helpful exercises and food.

Ayurveda, recognized as alternative medicine now, represents the science of life  recommends us to choose the food we eat and the  type, intensity and duration  of exercises we do  based on our predominant dosha and individual needs for balance.

  • Helpful Exercises to fight Cervical Spondylosis :
  1. a) Yogic Exercises –Exercise programmes to strengthen the neck is a good idea. Neck rotations of  left/right, side-bending, up/down & half-rotation is beneficial for cervical spondylosis, neck stiffness & pain. Pranayama (breathing exercises) relieves the stress in the neck. Padma asana or Shirshasana  which are aimed at keeping the spine erect are recommended.  
  2. b)  Morning walk– It  gives some relief to the patient, but if it is cold outside  patient should always use a woolen scarf around neck while going out of  house.
  3. c)Range of motion exercises – Slowly turn head to the right until it hurts, hold, and return it to the centre. Do the same to the left. Drop chin down slowly towards chest, hold, and relax. Bring head back up. Tilt  head straight over towards left ear, hold, and return it to the centre. Do the same on the right side. Tilt head backwards so you can see the ceiling, hold, then bring  head back down.d) Isometric exercises – Don’t hold  breath as you do these. For each exercise, press for 5-6 counts, then relax. Press  forehead into palms. Resist any motion. Press hand against the side of head. Try to bring ear to the shoulder, but resist any motion. Press both hands against the back of head. Try to pull head up, but resist any motion. Press  hand against your temple. Try to turn chin to  shoulder, but resist any motion.
  • Helpful Diet to fight Cervical Spondylosis :

Sour things particularly curd, are strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various preparations of pulses are also contra indicated in this condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful. Wheat is better than rice but avoid taking refined wheat such as maida  and suji as they lead to constipation  and do not help the patient in the recovery.

Cervical Spondylosis – Ayurvedic Management with drugs

Ayurveda, originated in ancient India is the world’s oldest system of natural medicine which has a remedy for various ailments. Cervical Spondylosis, a type of arthritis affecting the cervical and the intervertebral discs of the spine, producing pain in the neck region. The increase in the travel, computer savvy and life style also contributes more to the problem.

The treatment is a combination of ayurvedic drugs for internal and external use, yoga and music therapy.

    1. Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful for the spondylosis patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose Mahanarayan tail is best suited. This gentle massage can be given 2-3 times a day.
    2. Guggulu, gum resin extracted from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of cervical spondylosis. Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this condition popularly use compound preparations named as Simhanada guggulu, Guggulu thiktaka qwath tablet, Yogaraj guggulu and Kaishore guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day. Usually hot water or hot milk is given to the patient after the administration of these medicines.
    3. Triphala powder is the best medicine for spondylosis.  One teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar.
    4. Hot fomentation on the vertebrae of the neck is very useful for cervical pains.
    5. Cervilon Capsule,Rumalaya tablet, Rumalaya gel, Rheumatil tablet, Sciatico tablet,  Joint Ease, Rasraj ras, Narayan Tail, Prabanjanam Kuzumpu, Punarnavasavam, Rasnadi Qwath, Rhue Oil,  Rubilin Liniment, Shuddha Guggulu, Vatgajankush Ras, Yogarajagulgulu Tablet  are some of the popular Ayurvedic drugs  that are used for treating cervical spondylosis.

 Cervical Spondylosis – Ayurvedic Panchakarma Management.

Cervical Spondolysis, a  wear and tear of the vertebrae and discs in the neck can be a professional hazard with computer operators, clerks, officer workers and it is very important  to manage the same at the earliest. In Ayurveda, a traditional holistic Indian health care system,  Panchakarma treatments are the best option to reduce this neck pain and disc compression.  Its treatment include : 

Basti (Enema)  is considered as the mother of all Panchakarma treatments since it cleanses the accumulated toxins from all the 3 doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha, through the colon. Medicated oil or ghee and an herbal decoction is given as enema to clean the colon and increase the muscle tone.

 Shiro dhara  pouring continuous stream of medicated oil, buttermilk etc on the fore head and doing a gentle & soothing head massage which creates profound relaxation of the mind and body  and revitalizes the central nervous system. 

Abhyangam A whole body massage with specific herbal oils, achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing body, mind, soul and the senses.

 Patra Pinda Sweda (Medicated bundle fomentation) Medicated oil massage and fomentation with bundle of herbs, which  reduces pain and swelling of the joints and also checks degenerative process inside of the body.

 Bashpa Sweda (Medicated Steam bath) : Fomentation with medicated steam for Stiffness due to neurological disorders and gives instant relief from pain, spasm of the muscles, inflammation of the joints.

Nasyam (administration of medicated oil through the nose) Cleanses accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region.

Elakizhi (herbal leaf bundle massage) Entire body is massaged with herbal poultices, prepared with various herbs and medicated powder  after they are warmed in medicated oils.

Shastika Sali Pinda Swedam/ Navarakizhi A highly effective rejuvenation technique using a special type of rice that is cooked, tied into boluses and dipped into an herbal decoction and warm milk, then skillfully massaged all over the body.

Pizhichil (medicated oil bath) Fresh linen dipped in lukewarm medicated oil is squeezed over your body while masseurs slowly and gently rub the oil all over.

 Greeva vasthi  A treatment done on the neck to decrease cervical spinal compression.

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