Cervical Spondylitis pertains to the degeneration of the bone and cartilage in the cervical spine region (cervical osteoarthritis). Cervical spondylitis causes degeneration of the intervertebral discs between the vertebrae, which leads to discomfort, stiffness, and other ill symptoms in the neck, shoulder and even towards the arms. As per Ayurveda, this is said to be due to increased Vata dosha causing movements in the body, in particular the nerve impulses.
Neck and shoulder stiffness & pain: This particular symptom is sometimes the most prominent symptom with prolonged sitting and sleeping.
Feeling pain that is starting from the back of the head and moving forward.
Numbness or tingling: Sensations in the arms, hands, and fingers due to nerve compression.
Reduced range of motion: Difficulty in moving the head and neck freely.
Muscle weakness: Particularly in the arms and shoulders, can make lifting objects difficult.
Dizziness: Occasionally, people experience vertigo or a sensation of imbalance.
Cervical spondylitis is primarily caused by bad posture and age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Other contributing factors include:
In Ayurveda, cervical spondylitis is attributed to excessive vata dosh. It is considered that there is an excess movement and dryness of vata, which causes the spine's supportive tissues to dry and weaken. Worsening of that Vata is caused by bad habits, irregular meals, and increased stress - which then speeds up the deterioration of the cervical spine.
Spondylitis and spondylosis both deal with inflammatory and degenerative processes of the spine; however, spondylitis is specific to the inflammation of the spine vertebra. This inflammation typically causes pain and swelling in the region of cervical spondylitis. As for spondylosis, it is the term that describes osteopenic changes of the spine, which progress primarily through ageing, although it may or may not be accompanied by inflammation. To put it simply, there are more aggressive inflammatory processes in spondylitis than in spondylosis, which is mostly a process of ageing, wear, and tear.
If left untreated, cervical spondylitis bears a number of risks and complications:
It is necessary to seek medical help in the following cases:
Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from progressing into more serious complications like nerve damage.
Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylitis focuses on restoring the balance of Vata dosha and promoting healing through a combination of therapies, herbs, and lifestyle adjustments. Some common treatments include:
Some of the five major therapies of Panchakarma are given to patients with the aim of detoxifying and rejuvenating the body. Commonly recommended therapies for cervical spondylitis are:
Ashwagandha, Guggulu, and Shallaki (Boswellia) are some of the herbs that are frequently used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and strengthen the muscles. These herbs work to restore the balance of Vata while also improving bone health.
Ayurveda emphasises a diet that pacifies Vata. This involves consuming warm, cooked foods with ghee, avoiding cold and raw foods, and including spices like ginger and turmeric to enhance digestion and reduce inflammation.
Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing cervical spondylitis. Incorporating gentle neck exercises, maintaining proper posture, and practising stress-relieving techniques like meditation and yoga help to improve mobility and reduce symptoms.
Ayurveda recommends specific yoga postures to strengthen the neck and spine, along with meditation and pranayama to manage stress and improve overall well-being. Postures like Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) and Tadasana (Mountain pose) can help reduce stiffness and discomfort.
Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Jiva's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Cervical Spondylitis accurately.
Understanding your unique physical and psychological pattern allows us to tailor a Cervical spondylitis treatment plan that not only addresses symptoms but aligns with your inherent constitution for lasting health.
Our practitioners investigate the progression of cervical spondylitis by examining hygiene, dietary habits, lifestyle, and mental health factors. This thorough analysis helps identify specific triggers that need to be addressed for targeted, individualised treatment.
We then create a detailed Cervical spondylitis treatment plan, which consists of diet modifications, lifestyle adjustments, herbal medications, and specific therapies that aim to restore dosha imbalance and enhance joint health.
Continuous tracking of treatment effectiveness allows us to make necessary adjustments, ensuring that you achieve the best results from your personalised and Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylitis with Jiva's ongoing support.
Cervical spondylitis is the inflammation and degeneration of the cervical spine, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
It’s caused by age-related wear and tear, poor posture, lifestyle habits, or, according to Ayurveda, an imbalance of Vata dosha.
While cervical spondylitis is a chronic condition, Ayurveda offers treatments to manage symptoms, slow progression, and restore balance.
Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, numbness in the arms, reduced range of motion, and muscle weakness.
Yes, it primarily affects people over the age of 40 due to degeneration of the cervical spine.
Ayurveda treats it by balancing Vata through Panchakarma, herbal remedies, diet modifications, and lifestyle adjustments.
Yes, yoga helps strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and maintain a healthy posture, all of which are crucial in managing spondylitis.
If you experience persistent neck pain, numbness, weakness, or difficulty walking, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
Complications can include chronic pain, nerve damage, and, in severe cases, spinal cord compression.
Yes, maintaining a healthy posture, avoiding repetitive strain, eating a Vata-balancing diet, and practising yoga can help prevent or manage the condition.
