Cervical Spondylitis is an inflammation of the cervical vertebra. It is the general term for age-related wear and tear affecting the spinal discs in your neck. When the space between two adjacent vertebrae gets narrows, the nerve root emerge from the spinal cord which causes Radiculopathy (sensory and motor disturbance, such as pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, back or accompanied by muscle weakness). Cervical Spondylitis usually affects the middle-aged and older people. Mainly after 50 or 60’s the discs of the cervical spine gradually break down, lose fluids and become stiffer.
What are the Causes of Cervical Spondylitis?
Possible cause of the condition includes –
- Bone spurs
- Dehydrated spinal discs
- Herniated discs
- Injury
- Stiffness of Ligament
What are the Risk factors of Cervical Spondylitis?
- Aging is the major factor for developing Cervical Spondylitis
- Heavy lifting work that put a strain on your back
- Genetic factors
- Smoking
- Being overweight and inactive
- Holding your neck in an appropriate position for a longer time.
What are the Symptoms of Cervical Spondylitis?
- Muscle weakness or muscle spasm
- Headache, a sensation of pins and needles
- Pain in the back, shoulder, neck, legs, thighs, and buttocks that worsens with standing
- Tingling sensation occurs and weakness in your arms, hands, legs or feet
- Lack of coordination and difficulty in walking
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- The pain might increases when – sneezing, coughing, and tilting your neck backward.
What is an Ayurvedic View on Cervical Spondylitis?
In Ayurveda, Cervical Spondylitis is known as Grivasandhigatvata. It is caused by mainly the VATA DOSHA. Vata aggravation is caused by the intake of dry, excessive cool, light, stale and gas forming foods, increased gaps between the meals, having more of sour, bitter and astringent foods, late night work schedule, smoking, and a lifestyle involving overindulgence in physical, mental and sexual activities.
‘Cervical relief kit’ includes some of the natural herbs which can do direct work on the nerves and makes them strong by which you can get rid of the pain. Ingredients used in this kit are mainly balancing the vata dosha which ultimately helps in the prevention of cervical spondylitis.
Healthy Tips and Diet for Cervical Spondylitis
- Avoid physical and mental exertion.
- Avoid rice, kidney beans, refined flour and that food which causes flatulence.
- Regular intake of fish, nuts, and oil seeds are very beneficial as they are rich sources of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin E.
- Avoid red meat, white potato, and coffee as it increases acid load in the body.
- Increase intake of purified butter, vegetable soaps, milk, almonds.
- Get good sleep of 8 hours at least.
- Have regular, gentle body massage with lukewarm sesame oil.
- Yoga postures like Bhujangasana (Cobra pose), Matsyasana (Fish pose), Dhanurasan (Bow pose) and Ujjai Pranayam are highly recommended for cervical pain.
- Exercises such as Chin Tucks and side to side rotations can help to strengthen the neck muscles.
- Neck Stretch exercise is also very beneficial. Keep your body straight, push your chin forward in a way that stretches the throat, softly tense the neck muscles and hold it for 5 seconds. Return your head to its center position, push your head back with the chin held high and hold for 5 seconds.
- Sleep on a firm mattress that keeps your head level. The pillows should not bend the back more than 15 degrees.