Cervical Spondylitis

What is Cervical Spondylitis?

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.

Cervical Spondylosis Symptoms

Neck and shoulder stiffness & pain

Neck and shoulder stiffness & pain: This particular symptom is sometimes the most prominent symptom with prolonged sitting and sleeping.

Headaches

Feeling pain that is starting from the back of the head and moving forward.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling: Sensations in the arms, hands, and fingers due to nerve compression.

Reduced range of motion

Reduced range of motion: Difficulty in moving the head and neck freely.

Muscle weakness

Muscle weakness: Particularly in the arms and shoulders, can make lifting objects difficult.

Dizziness

Dizziness: Occasionally, people experience vertigo or a sensation of imbalance.

Cervical Spondylitis Causes

Cervical spondylitis is primarily caused by bad posture and age-related degeneration of the intervertebral discs and vertebrae. Other contributing factors include:

• Wear and tear : Repeated strain, bad posture, or frequent use of mobile devices (text neck).
• Bone spurs : Over time, bones may develop extra growths called bone spurs, which can press on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Herniated discs : The discs between the vertebrae are gel-like and can dry out or bulge, leading to nerve compression.

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.

Difference Between Spondylitis and Spondylosis

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.

Risks & Complications of Cervical Spondylitis

If left untreated, cervical spondylitis bears a number of risks and complications:

• Chronic pain:  Pain that may become so severe as to impair day-to-day activities.
• Nerve damage:  Damage to spinal nerves from their compression can lead to loss of feeling, numbness, or even muscle weakness.
• Spinal cord compression:  The worst of these situations could end up leading to myelopathy, which is damage to the spinal cord and hence loss of hand-leg coordination or difficulty walking or bladder problems.
• Reduced quality of life:  The pain, discomfort and physical restrictions can cause emotional issues, which leads to lower general well-being.

When to See a Doctor?

It is necessary to seek medical help in the following cases:

• Loss of coordination or difficulty in walking.
• Extreme headaches and dizziness, along with neck pain.
• Deterioration of symptoms that occur suddenly with no apparent reason.
• Failure to detect and treat the condition early enough may lead to nerve damage, among other serious effects.

Early detection and treatment can prevent the condition from progressing into more serious complications like nerve damage.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Cervical Spondylitis

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:

Panchakarma Therapies

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:

• Abhyanga : A full-body massage using medicated and herbal oils to reduce stiffness and improve circulation.
• Kati Basti : A specialised treatment where warm herbal oil is kept in a dough over the affected area to relieve pain and inflammation.
• Greeva Basti : Just like Kati Basti, this therapy focuses on the neck region to specifically target the cervical area.

Herbal Remedies

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.

Dietary Adjustments

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 Modifications

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.

Yoga and Meditation

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.

Nature Care Ayurveda’s Evidence-Based Treatment Process

Nadi Pariksha

Starting with Nadi Pariksha, Nature Care Ayurveda's certified Ayurvedic doctors use this traditional pulse diagnosis to detect imbalances and assess organ health, which is crucial for diagnosing Cervical Spondylitis accurately.

Prakriti Analysis

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.

Samprapti Ghatak (Pathogenesis)

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.

Chikitsa Sutra - Personalised Treatment Plan

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 Monitoring & Amendments

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 Nature Care Ayurveda's ongoing support.