Comprehensive Treatment and Prevention of Cervical Spondylosis: Ayurvedic Approaches and Modern Solutions

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis, is a condition that affects the aging spine, causing pain and discomfort. It is a common ailment, with over 85% of people over 60 years old experiencing it. What is the best treatment for cervical spondylosis? Let's explore the options, including both modern medical approaches and traditional Ayurvedic remedies.

Understanding Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is characterized by age-related wear and tear, leading to degenerative changes in the vertebral joints. These changes include the formation of osteophytes, or bony spurs, and the degeneration of intervertebral discs. As the discs dehydrate and shrink, signs of osteoarthritis develop, causing pain and discomfort in the neck region.

Common Misconceptions About Cervical Spondylosis

Many aches and pains are often incorrectly attributed to cervical spondylosis. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, poor extensor muscle tone in the neck, and poor posture can be mistaken for it. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, these conditions can often be managed or even cured.

Non-Surgical Multi-Disciplinary Treatment

Non-surgical treatment is the most effective approach for managing cervical spondylosis. This includes a combination of prescribed drugs, manual therapy, physiotherapy, ergonomic adjustments, and injection therapies.

Prescribed Drugs

Muscle Relaxants: These medications act as a depressant of the central nervous system and increase mobility of tense muscles, thereby relieving pain from tight muscles. NSAIDS (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs): These anti-inflammatory drugs alleviate pain caused by swollen nerves or muscles. Acetaminophen works by interfering with pain signals sent to the brain. Applying diclofenac gel at the painful muscle site also provides relief.

Manual Therapy Treatment

Pain Management: Modalities like IFT, TENS, US application in case of muscle tenderness, spasms, adhesions or inflammation help with pain reduction. Ice/ Hot Packs: Applying an ice pack helps in the healing of soft tissues and reduces painful triggers, tenderness, spasms, and inflammation. Hot packs are beneficial in chronic pain to help relax tight muscles and improve flexibility and mobility of the neck. Massage: Also known as myofascial trigger release, it increases blood flow to the muscle, further accelerating healing by supplying nutrients and oxygen to damaged muscles, which also relieves pain. Manual Therapy: Cervical or cervico-thoracic manipulation or mobilizations combined with stretches for the shoulder girdle and neck musculature, strengthening and endurance exercises, and sustained manual cervical traction. Stretching: Stretching of the neck muscles, scapular shoulder girdle, and pectoral muscles. Strengthening: Exercises for the neck, scapula, shoulder girdle, trunk, and endurance training, aerobic conditioning, core neck, and midback strengthening.

Ergonomic Consultation and Prevention

The AVOID list includes excessive sitting, poor slouched posture, bending forward, spine flexion, lifting weights/heavy loads improperly from the floor, sleeping without proper cervical support, sofa sitting, sustained neck bending postures, and any other activities that may exacerbate the condition.

Injection Therapies

Steroid Injection: Injected locally into the muscle or nerve can help reduce inflammation. Radiofrequency Ablation: Thermal denervation of sensory nerves carrying pain signals from facet joints leads to a reduction in symptoms.

Ayurvedic Approaches to Cervical Spondylosis

For those looking for more holistic and traditional methods, Ayurveda offers several remedies. One of the primary medicines is Manya Stambh Nasak Yog Swanubhoot, an Ayurvedic treatment that focuses on strengthening the neck and reducing pain.

Choosing the Right Treatment

Depending on the severity of your condition, a combination of modern and Ayurvedic treatments may be most effective. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help you determine the best course of action for your specific case.

Conclusion

Cervical spondylosis can be a debilitating condition, but with the right treatment and management strategies, you can find relief and prevent further deterioration of your spinal health. Whether you opt for a modern medical approach or Ayurvedic remedies, the key is to be proactive and take steps to maintain your spinal health.