…By Khurram Alley for TDPel Media.
In this era of modernization, the young generation is facing several problems related to the neck and spine due to the overuse of technology. Cervical Spondylitis is a disease related to ageing, nonetheless, due to the modern lifestyle and dietary habits youngsters are also suffering from this disease.
What is Cervical Spondylitis?
Cervical Spondylitis is also known as cervicalgia or neck pain. It is a pain beneath the head and around the spine. Chronic Cervical Spondylosis brings changes in the joints, discs, and bones, which are connected to the neck. In this article you will learn about how to manage Cervical Symptoms with Home Remedies .
Some other factors are excessive strain on the neck during the exercise session or workout, long work hours, lack of exercise, sleeping in the wrong position, and chronic health conditions that can stop calcium absorption in the body.
In Ayurveda, Cervical spondylitis is known as Greeva Stambha which is a degenerative disorder. It occurs due to a vitiation of Vata Dosha.
Cervical Spondylitis According to Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, the imbalance of Vata Dosha and Kapha Dosha can lead to Cervical Spondylitis.
Ayurveda is a holistic approach and uses wonderful herbal medicines, obtained from nature which are absolutely chemical-free and can result in the improvement of the symptoms of Cervical Spondylosis. Personalized Cervical Spondylosis treatment is given in Ayurveda according to the ‘Prakriti’ of the patient as every individual has different prakriti, so there are some changes in treatment for every individual.
Ayurveda gives emphasis on diet and lifestyle. For promoting the process of healing warm and nourishing foods are advised to balance the Vata Dosha.
Yoga helps in improving flexibility, reduces pain, and manages stress. Practicing gentle yoga poses and meditation can reduce tension in the body and reduce the stiffness and pain of Cervical Spondylosis.
Herbs of Ayurveda have the miraculous power of healing. Herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Guggulu (Commiphora wightii), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus) are mainly used to treat cervical spondylitis, as they have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Risk factors of Cervical Spondylosis
Improper diet and Lifestyle
Due to hectic schedules, there is a lack of time for exercise, and a high intake of sugar, fried, oily, and preserved foods are harmful to health. These days lifestyle and dietary habits make people more prone to a number of diseases, especially grave disease like Cervical Spondylitis.
Ageing
The discs and bones of the neck gradually degenerate in middle-aged and elderly people who become more susceptible to Cervical Spondylosis. Gradually, with the degeneration of cartilages and discs, abnormal bony growths (spurs) called osteophytes might form on the bones in the neck with ageing.
Occupational Factors
Bad postures at work and the constant strain on the neck can result in the chances of developing cervical spondylosis. If the nature of the job is sedentary, significantly, it gets even more severe.
Injuries
Cervical Spondylosis can occur because of injuries due to accidents.Force on the neck, rapid falls, or other trauma can increase the risk of cervical spondylosis.
Bone spurs
The formation of bone spurs at the edges of vertebrae is called osteophyte development and it is among one of the main causes of cervical spondylitis.
Ten Home Remedies for Cervical Spondylitis
There are numerous remedies that can prove advantageous for healing pain, and inflammation, as well as improves the mobility of joints naturally. Some of the excellent home remedies for Cervical Spondylitis are as follows:
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Flax seeds (Alsi)
Alsi or Flaxseeds are a natural and amazing alternative for strengthening muscular health and boosting immunity. It is considered a superfood as it has antioxidant properties. According to Ayurveda, flax seeds are a provider of strength which is termed ‘Balya’. It balances the Vata Dosha and is magnificent in treating its disorders.
It can be consumed in roasted form with water on an empty stomach.
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Asafoetida (Hing)
Asafoetida also known as Hing is an Indian spice that is well known for treating stomach ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-spasmodic properties. Hing helps in managing constipation and improves digestion. So it is a beneficial herb in healing Cervical Spondylitis.
A pinch of hing can be consumed on an empty stomach in the morning with lukewarm water.
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Honey (Madhu)
Honey is a splendid natural healing resource. In Sanskrit, it is known as ‘Madhu’. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties which prevent a human being from various disorders.
It can be consumed with hot milk along with the goodness of turmeric which helps in getting relief from neck pain.
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Sesame seeds (Tila)
Sesame seeds are also known as Tila in Sanskrit. It is a good source of Vitamin K, Vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and manganese. It manages pain and it is nutritious for the musculoskeletal system.
Warm Sesame oil can be applied to the affected area and can give amazing results in pain relief. Application of warm sesame oil to can relieve the pain.
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Garlic (Rasona)
Garlic is a common household herb and it has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It should be included in meals which can ultimately help in reducing swelling (inflammation), and pain.
One or two garlic cloves on an empty stomach in the morning with lukewarm water can be consumed. Apart from it, 2 to 3 garlic cloves can be heated along with some vegetable oil. Once this mixture is cool then it can be applied to the affected area. It can lower inflammation and can relieve pain.
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Cow’s Ghee
Cow ghee is fortified with multivitamins and is a source of energy that helps in healing cervical pain. It is available in almost every home, one of the readily available home remedies for Cervical Spondylitis. It acts best in degenerative diseases and is Vata Shamak.
It is also used in Oleation therapy (Snehana) which helps in the reduction of inflammation and pain of cervical spondylosis. Cow’s ghee basically detoxifies the body, it not only helps ease neck pain but also proves beneficial for other organs of the body.
Diet plays an integral role in the healing and reduction of symptoms of cervical Spondylosis.
Consuming Sattvic (Vegetarian) diet is important in relieving cervical pain.
Cervical Spondylosis home treatment can be done with natural remedies such as carom seeds, ginger, garlic, fennel seeds, and turmeric which can be used in the kitchen on a regular basis for getting good benefits as these have good anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.
Plenty of fresh fruits and green vegetables contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties such as salads, tomatoes, strawberries, cherries, pomegranates, purple cabbage, plums, raisins and figs, carrots, pumpkins, and sweet pepper.
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Yoga Asanas
Yoga is a holistic and natural remedy for reducing the inflammation and pain of cervical spondylosis. Practising Yoga regularly leads to a calm mind, a flexible body, and a positive attitude in life. It can help an individual in getting rid of Stress, anxiety, and depression. Some pain-relieving yoga asanas are as follows:
Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose): Practising Bhujangasana helps in relieving neck pain and strengthens the spine.
Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half-Spinal Twist): This pose stretches and energizes the spine, neck, and shoulders.
Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose): This yoga asana increases the flow of blood to the head, stretches the neck, and gives benefits for neck pain.
Dhanurasana (Bow Pose): This yoga asana stimulates and strengthens the neck.
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Stretching exercises for Cervical Spondylitis
Stretching exercises improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and relieves pain. Remaining in an unchanged position for long durations, such as sitting in front of a computer screen for hours at a job, increases the chances of neck strain.
It is recommended by experts to take frequent breaks and start stretching for a few minutes slowly and gently. Some neck stretching exercises are as follows:
Deep Stretching: Deep Stretching the neck helps to improve mobility and flexibility. Due to the flexibility of the neck, it can be moved freely. This can reduce stiffness and tension in the neck.
Neck Rotation: This is a good and comfortable exercise to do while working hours, especially if an individual keeps their head in a steady position for long periods, as in working at a computer in the office. This exercise will help in preventing neck strain.
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Hot Fomentation (Patra Pinda Sweda)
Ayurvedic treatment for cervical spondylosis involves Hot fomentation. It resembles Patra Pinda Sweda in Ayurveda, Patra means leaves, Pinda means warm medicated herbal potli (bolus), and Sweda is sweat. Overall, it is sweat inducing treatment that is done through a process in which a bolus (Potli) is made of medicated leaves that are sliced and dipped in medicated oils.
Patra Pinda Sweda is used especially for providing relief from inflammation, pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with joints, bones, and musculoskeletal pain. Medicinal plants have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These medicines are tied in potli and this heated bolus is continuously rubbed on the affected area to get relief from pain and it also pacifies the Vata Dosha.
To recapitulate, Ayurveda is the natural way of healing neck pain as it cures the disease from its root cause. Significantly, Ayurveda not only keeps an individual physically fit but also keeps the mind relaxed and calm, free from anxiety and stress. Consequently, adopting Ayurveda for healing Cervical Spondylitis is a good option as these naturally obtained remedies do not have any side effects.