Alternative Treatment For Cervical Spondylosis With Herbal Remedies
ABSTRACT
The spine is the central support structure of the body. It is made up of small bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are thirty three in number. These are placed one upon another that forms the natural curvature of the back. The spine spreads the weight of the trunk or torso to the hips, pelvis and legs. It helps in sitting, standing, bending, etc. It is very important to maintain the spine in a healthy condition. The most flexible part of the spine is the cervical part. There can be various difficulties or abnormalities related to the cervical spine. One such disorder is the cervical spondylosis which will be described in detail in the following article.
INTRODUCTION
Cervical spondylosis is the term used for the age related wear and tear of the cervical spine. The cervical spine is seven in number and starts from the base of the skull. The Osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae is known as the cervical spondylosis. There is gradual wearing out of the cartilage, disc loose volume and dryness increases over time. The formation of bone spurs or osteophytes are also seen. Osteophytes are the bony spurs or the bony overgrowth over the or around the spine or joints. The bones may rub against each other where the cartilage is not present. There could be various causes that can lead to the condition of cervical spondylosis which will be described as follows.
CAUSES
The condition of cervical spondylosis can occur due to a variety of causes such as degenerative changes, herniation or bulging out of the disc, bone spurs, etc. The cervical spondylosis is caused due to the general wear and tear mechanism and is common after the age of 50 years. There could be various other risk factors related to the condition such as occupation, neck injuries, genetic composition, etc. The occupation involving repetitive neck movement or a lot of pressure on the head makes the person more prone to this condition. Smoking also makes the person more prone to the condition of cervical spondylosis and aggravating the pain in the neck.
SYMPTOMS
There could be various symptoms of cervical spondylitis. The most common symptoms are pain in the region of the neck, sensory loss, weakness, impairment of reflexes, etc. The pain in the cervical spondylosis radiates to the back of the head, shoulders or the arms. The patient may also feel numbness or tingling sensation in the arms, hands, legs or feet. He/ she may face difficulty in walking and may experience lack of coordination.
DIAGNOSIS
The diagnosis of cervical spondylosis will include both the clinical as well as laboratory diagnosis. The clinical examination will include the examination of neck stiffness, reflexes, gait, strength of the muscles of hands, neck and arms, etc. Some imaging reports may also be required to confirm the diagnosis such as X- rays , CT scans (computed tomography), MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) , etc.
TREATMENT
The management of cervical spondylosis will depend on the symptoms of the patient. The general treatment will include physical therapy, oral medicines, soft collar, injection therapy, etc. The oral medicines will include administration of various medicines according to the condition such as NSAIDs (Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, etc. If the medicinal treatment fails to manage the condition, surgical interventions may also be required.
AYURVEDIC ASPECT
The cervical spondylosis can be considered to be a result of vitiated vata levels of the body. It can also be correlated to greeva greha. To manage this condition properly, efforts are made to bring the vitiated levels of vata back in normal condition. There are various herbs that help in managing the condition of cervical spondylitis such as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), and Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. The Ayurvedic management of cervical spondylosis will include various Ayurvedic procedures and therapies described as follows. The first step of management is deepana and pachana i.e. increase the power of the digestive fire which will increase the digestion of the ama dosha (undigested components). Then, rooksha swedana followed by rooksha snighdha swedana (to induce sweat). The greeva vasti is performed followed by nasya karma. The greeva vasti is an Ayurvedic procedure that consists of pouring or pooling of medicated oils on the region of the neck within a compartment made of flour of black gram. Nasya karma is the administration of medicated oil through the nose. This will help to manage the condition of cervical spondylosis effectively.
HERBAL REMEDIES BY PLANET AYURVEDA FOR CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS
Planet Ayurveda prepares various medicinal products that contain natural herbs beneficial for the health of the body. There are various preparations of natural herbs such as Joint Aid Plus, Yograj Guggul, Hakam Churna, Boswellia-Curcumin, Orthovita Oil, Triphala Guggul etc. which are prepared using authentic ways and provide great results in improving the condition of cervical spondylosis. All the herbal products manufactured here are free from chemicals, preservatives, starch, additives, colors and fillers. These products are hundred percent natural and are formulated by MD Ayurvedic doctors with deep knowledge of Ayurveda and many years of experience. The formulations are prepared strictly according to the procedures described in the samhitas (classical texts) and therefore are very effective in promoting the health of the patient and managing the diseased state effectively.
The Planet ayurveda has created a pack specially for managing the condition of cervical spondylosis as follows-
CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS CARE PACK
- Joint Aid Plus
- Yograj Guggul
- Hakam Churna
- Boswellia-Curcumin
- Orthovita Oil
- Triphala Guggul
1. Joint Aid Plus
Joint Aid Plus capsules are prepared by combining various natural herbs such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc. These herbs help in balancing the levels of vata in the body. It helps in relieving pain in the bones, joints etc. Thus, it will improve the condition of cervical spondylosis.
Dose: The dose of Joint aid plus capsules is given as one to two Capsules two times a day, with plain water and after meals.
2. Yograj Guggul
It contains Commiphora mukul (Gum Guggul), Cyperus rotundus (mustak), Plumbago zeylanica (Chitraka), Emblica officinalis (amla), Terminalia bellirica (Bhibhitaki), Terminalia chebula (haritaki), Piper longum (Pippali), Carum copticum (Ajwain), Embelia ribes (Vidanga), Tribulus terrestris (gokshura), Cuminum cyminum (Jeerak), Elettaria cardamomum (Ela), Rock salt, Zingiber officinale (sonth),etc. which are very beneficial and helpful in reducing the inflammation and pain. It helps in the effective management of cervical spondylosis.
Dose – 2 tablets two times a day with warm water, after meals.
3. Hakam Churna
Hakam churna contains herbal combination of the following herbs Chandershoor (Lepidium sativum), Kalonji (Nigella sativa), Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) and Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi). It helps in eliminating the vata dosha from the body. It helps in improving digestion. It helps in the pacification of vata dosha from the body.
Dose – Hakam churna can be given 1/2 teaspoon, two times a day with warm water, before meals.
4. Boswellia+Curcumin
Boswellia + curcumin capsules are prepared by Planet Ayurveda by combining the following medicinal herbs i.e. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (curcuma longa). These help to get relief from the severe pain of cervical spondylosis. It promotes the overall health of the body which helps in managing the pain impulses.
Dose: The dose of Boswellia + curcumin capsules is 1 capsule two times a day with plain water and after meals.
5. Orthovita Oil
The orthovita oil contains Shul Gajendra Oil, Gandhapura oil, Turpentine Oil, Saindhavadi Tail, Prasarini oil, and Camphor. It helps in reducing inflammation and also helps in reducing the pain. It is used externally for massage.
Application – Apply warm oil over the affected area and gently once or twice daily.
6. Triphala Guggul
Triphala Guggul contains Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). It helps in rejuvenation of the body cells. It helps in management of stiffness and pain in the neck in the condition of cervical spondylosis.
Dose – Triphala Guggul can be given one tablet two times a day with warm water. It is taken after meals.
CONCLUSION
The condition of cervical spondylosis can be very problematic in some patients. It can reduce the quality of life. Hence, appropriate management is very essential. This condition can be managed effectively through the Ayurvedic line of treatment as detailed in the above article. This will help to improve the quality of life of the patient. For more details about our product, you can check our website www.planetayurveda.com and for any queries, you can send your queries to our email id herbalremedies123@yahoo.com.
