Ailments &
Remedies
Cervical Spondylosis
A specific form of arthritis,
which attacks vertebrae and connecting bony, and ligament
structures, is known as Spondylosis. Frequently it occurs in the
cervical vertebrae. The spines of majority of people above the age
of 50 have certain degree of osteo arthritic changes. But they
seldom cause acute symptoms. Certain precipitating factors like
trauma, incorrect posture of the body, pressure while sleeping and
excessive intake of sour food usually precipitate these attacks.
In ayurveda this condition is known as Griva Sandhigata Vata
Pain in the back of neck, shoulder and arms,
stiffness of the neck and even paraplegia occur due to this
condition. The movement of the spine generally aggravates the pain
of the neck. It is often associated with loss of memory and
sleeplessness.
Treatment:
Any external massage is not
of much use. Violent massage with deep pressure is very harmful
for the patient. Only gentle massage over the muscles of the neck
and shoulder joints should be applied and for this purpose
Mahanarayan taila is best suited. This gentle massage can be
given 2-3 times a day .In winter season; this medicated oil should
be gently warmed before application.
Guggulu, gum resin extracted
from the plant is the best medicine for the treatment of this
condition. Ayurvedic physicians for the treatment of this
condition popularly use a compound preparation named as simhanada
guggulu. It is given in a dose of 2-4 tablets, 4 times a day.
Usually hot water or hot milk id given to the patient after the
administration of this medicines. This medicine has slightly
laxative effects. For the patient to recover from this ailment, it
is necessary that this bowel should move clearly and regularly.
This medicine is very much helpful for this purpose. For patients
having clear motions, this medicines should be given in a dose of
2 tablets and constipated patients the dose should be 4 tablets.
If the constipation is not relieved even by taking 4 tablets the
dose can be further increased to 6 tablets.
At night some medicines
should be given to the patients, which will act as a purgative.
Triphala powder is the best medicine for this purpose. One
teaspoonful of triphala should be given to the patient, mixed with
a cup of warm milk and one spoon of sugar. In the motions become
regular by the intake of simbanada guggulu, then triphala powder
should be given only twice a week otherwise it can be given every
day.
Hot fomentation on the
vertebrae of the neck is very useful for this condition. In a big
handkerchief about 500gms of salt should be kept over a frying pan
till it becomes tolerably hot. Then this should be applied over
the neck. Care should be taken to see that it not too hot. In that
case, it may cause burns. Sometime patients suffering from
cervical Spondylosis develop some anesthetic patches in the back,
neck, shoulders and arms because of the pressure from nervous
systems .the patient is therefore not able to feel the quantum of
heat applied during fomentation. It should therefore be the
responsibility of the attendant to examine the heat of the bolus
before applying it it on the affected parts .This fomentation
should be continued about ½ an hour every day .After fomentation
the affected part should not be exposed to cold wind. In winter
season therefore immediately after fomentation, the affected part
should be covered with some woolen garment. In other seasons also
the affected part should be kept covered with some cotton garments
after fomentation. It is very convenient to take the fomentation
before bedtime. After the fomentation the patient should go to
sleep so that he does not run the risk of exposure.
Healing Options
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Ayurvedic Supplements
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Diet
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Sour things particularly curd, are
strictly prohibited. Fried things, pulses and various
preparations of pulses are also contra- indicated in this
condition. Bitter vegetables like bitter variety of
drumstick, neem flowers and bitter gourd are very useful.
Wheat is better than rice for the patient. He should
however, avoid taking refined wheat which is known as maida
(flour) and suji (semolina). To some extent they are
constipated and do not help the patient in the recovery.
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Lifestyle
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Exposure to cold ,cold bath and any
violent exercise of the neck muscles, including pressure,
are very bad for the patients. Under the impression that
this pain is being caused by some defects in the muscles,
people undertake different types of neck exercises .While
reading and writing ,one should maintain a comfortable
posture. Morning walk gives some relief to the patient, but
if it is cold outside the patient should always use a woolen
scarf around his neck while going out of the house
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