Cervical Spondylosis- Ayurvedic treatment & Medications

Cervical spondylitis is also called neck arthritis or cervical osteoarthritis. It is a common disorder among the elderly and causes progressive degeneration of the cervical spine. It affects the invertebrate disks in your neck and spinal canal. Wear and tear of cartilage and bone affect the flexibility of the neck joint and causes cervical spondylitis. If left untreated, it can stifle your neck movement.

It can also cause pain that radiates from your neck to both or one of your hands. Today, even young people experience this problem due to bad posture. If you have this condition, you may experience:

• Nausea
• Vertigo
• Headaches
• Palpitation
• Angina
• Tinnitus

What is Cervical Spondylosis Ayurvedic treatment?

Ayurveda offers many options as a treatment for cervical spondylitis. The vitiation of Vata and Kapha dosha causes cervical spondylitis. Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis can help you reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation. Treatment options are of many types and include:

• Yoga
• Herbs
• Medications
• Massages
• Other therapies

Read on to know more about cervical spondylitis and some Ayurvedic health tips to treat it. 

Additional Read: Ayurveda and Insomnia: 5 Top Ayurvedic Tips for Good Sleep

Ayurveda options

Ailments of the skeleton and muscular system occur because of vitiated Vata. Vata is the principle of movement in Ayurveda. This is the primary function of the vertebrate. Ayurveda treatment for cervical spondylitis includes massages, medication, and lifestyle changes. Here are some Ayurveda treatment options for cervical spondylitis.

Abhyanga swedam

In spondylitis, neck discomfort and shooting pain are typical problems you can expect. This treatment is a massage with warm oil that relaxes your joints and muscles. This provides relief from immediate discomfort. This massage also has the following benefits:

• Improves lymphatic drainage 
• Treats muscle stiffness
• Reduces blood pressure
• Helps manage stress
• Elakizhi

This is a sudation procedure, which means it helps you sweat out toxins. It is used to treat problems related to your joints, muscles, and nervous system. Here is the process followed.

• Fry certain leaves, grated coconut, turmeric salt, and lemon in oil.
• Divide the mixture into four equal parts and tie in linen cloths as bundles.
• Dip the mixture in a vessel, which contains the oil used for frying. The vessel is then heated.

You are given a gentle oil massage for 15 minutes and then these bundles are places on certain points on your body. Then, you are covered with a blanket for 30 minutes. After this, you are asked to take a hot shower.

Benefits of this treatment:

• Restores and increases muscle strength
• Relieves stiffness and pain
• Improve blood circulation
• Promotes skin health

Nasyam

Here, you lie down on a wooden cot. The therapist places your head lower than the rest of your body. Then, he or she massages your neck, head, and chest with medicated oil. The medicated oil is also dropped into your nostrils. Then your shoulder, sole, and palms are massaged.

In spondylitis, neck pain and stiffness are common. Medicines taken through the nose go to the brain, neck, and head. This provides relief from neck pain and stiffness. Some of the other benefits of this procedure are:

• Improves memory
• Strengthens immunity
• Detoxifies cavities like the neck, nose, and throat
• Cures headaches and migraines

Shirovasti or shirodhara

Shirodhara is a preventative therapeutic procedure. Here, a herbal oil is chosen as per the ailment. It is then slowly poured in a constant stream over your forehead. This treatment calms the Vata Dosha, restoring balance in the neck and head region.

A Shirodhara session lasts about 30 minutes. First, the attendee gives you a gentle full-body massage. Then, a device helps to pours a gentle, constant stream of oil on the forehead. The therapist moves the device to cover your entire forehead. Lastly, the therapist wipes the oil and gives you a steam bath.

Benefits of Shirodhara:

• Reduces hair fall
• Improves dry skin
• Addresses eye problems
• Decreases muscle and stiffness
• Treats breathing issues
• Lowers stress and anxiety

Sarvangadhara or Pizhichil

Here, warm herbal oil or milk is poured on your whole body for 60 to 90 minutes. The treatment requires 5 to 6 attendees. Two attendees continuously pour oil while the rest massage. The attendees ensure that your head is cool to avoid discomfort. This treatment helps correct the Vata Dosha, providing relief from cervical spondylitis. Its other benefits include:

• Helps prevent nervous disorder
• Improves blood circulation
• Relaxes the muscles
• Cleanses cavities and channels

Greeva Basti

In this treatment, attendees contain and pool medicated oil over the nape of your neck. In simple words, Greeva Basti is a hot-oil pooling technique. This treatment relieves pressure around your neck and shoulder region. This helps your muscles relax, preventing stiffness and cervical spondylitis. Its benefits are:

• Improves flexibility
• Cleanses and opens up congested nerves
• Improves blood circulation in the neck and shoulder region
• Relieves inflammation and swelling in the neck and shoulder region
• Replenishes blood flow in the upper body

Additional Read: Top 6 Benefits of Ghee for Health That You May Not be Aware of!

There are many Ayurvedic self-care tips that can help, but it is best to follow them as per a doctor’s advice. Find the best Ayurveda doctors around you on Bajaj Finserv Health. Book an online doctor consultation with top doctors easily and in just a few clicks. You can do so from the comfort of your home and relieve pain and discomfort related to this condition with ease.