CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

Cervical spondylosis, also known as cervical osteoarthritis and neck arthritis, is a very common age-related condition that affects the joints in the neck. It occurs because of wear and tear of the cartilage, tissues and bones of the cervical spine. These changes may include dehydrated discs, herniated discs, bone spurs and stiff ligaments.

Apart from age, other risk factors for cervical spondylosis include occupations that may cause more stress on your neck, certain neck injuries, incorrect posture while sitting or walking, smoking, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle and genetic factors.

What happens in cervical spondylosis?
The cervical spine is the name given to the seven small vertebrae that form the neck. They start at the base of the skull. In cervical spondylosis, the edges of the vertebrae often develop bone spurs called osteophytes. In time, the discs get thinner, and their function as a shock absorber is lost. This increases the risk of symptoms. Swollen neck joints, called facet joints, can press or pinch nearby nerves roots or the spinal cord itself. This can cause tingling or sensation of "pins and needles" in the extremities, and sometimes even pain in the limbs. In some cases, there may be a loss of feeling and coordination. Some patients may find walking difficult.

What are the symptoms of cervical spondylosis?
The symptoms of cervical spondylosis include:

• Neck stiffness and pain
• Headache that may originate in the neck
• Pain in the shoulder, arms or chest
• Grinding noise or sensation when the neck is turned
• Symptoms of cervical spondylosis tend to improve with rest. Symptoms are most severe in the morning and again at the end of the day.

Causes of cervical spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is caused by age-related wear that affects the spine.
The spine is made up of:

• vertebrae – ridge-shaped sections of bone that make up the structure of the spine (spinal column) and protect the nerves
• discs – discs of tissue that have a tough, flexible outer shell and a softer inside that is the consistency of toothpaste. They lie in between the vertebrae, cushioning and supporting them
• spinal cord – the main bundle of nerves carrying messages up and down your spine, between the brain and the rest of the body
• nerve roots – the beginning sections of the nerves that come out of the spinal cord, exiting through "key holes" all the way down the spine

As you get older, the discs tend to dry out and become susceptible to damage. Your body will also try to compensate for the wearing of the joints by producing small lumps of extra bone to better support your neck and stiffen the spine. These lumps of extra bone are known as bone spurs or osteophytes. Osteophytes can cause the spine to become too rigid, leading to stiffness and neck pain. The changes in bone structure can also squash nearby nerves and the spinal cord. This tends to be more common in older people.

Other risk factors
Apart from age, there are several other risk factors that may increase the chance of developing cervical spondylitis. These include:

• lack of exercise and obesity
• previous neck or spinal injuries
• previous neck or spinal surgery
• severe arthritis
• a slipped disc
• repeatedly carrying heavy weights

Slipped disc
A slipped disc, also known as a prolapsed or herniated disc, is when one of the discs that sit between the bones of the spine (the verterbrae) is damaged and presses on the nerves that come out from the spine. If this soft material presses against a nerve in the neck, it can cause severe pain radiating to the arm (cervical radiculopathy), and can occasionally result in compression of the spinal cord (cervical myelopathy). Slipped discs are generally seen in younger people and are not as common as the process of osteophyte formation described above.

Occupational risk
There is some evidence that people who spend a lot of time carrying heavy weights on their head have an increased risk of developing cervical spondylosis.

AYURVEDIC VIEW OF CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS

In Ayurveda, a condition is known as Greeva graham. Greeva means neck and Graha refers to stiffness. It is explained as a Vata condition. Aggravated Vata Dosha (Ayurvedic humor representing Air) leads to depletion of body tissues. (For example, with ageing, Vata increases and body tissues start degenerating.) The dryness and degeneration caused by Vata leads to decrease of Kapha Dosha. Sleshaka Kapha is responsible for movement in between bone joints. Hence disc degeneration sets in leading to spondylosis.

The focus of Ayurvedic treatment in cases of Cervical Spondylosis is on pacification of the aggravated Vata by improving digestion and enhancing the digestive fire. This treatment is followed by administration of herbal medicines that foster rejuvenation of body tissues. Panchakarma massage or general massage with medicated oils has also shown positive results in treating cases of Cervical Spondylosis.

DIET AND LIFESTYLE

1. Regular Exercise
One of the major causes of cervical spondylosis is lack of regular exercise. Therefore, you can reduce pain and stiffness around your neck and shoulders by incorporating regular physical exercise into your lifestyle.

• Rotate your head in both clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and nod the neck side to side from one shoulder to the other. Do this for 10 minutes 2 or 3 times daily. This will help the pain in your neck from getting severe.
• You can even rotate your arms in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, and fold and unfold your fists at regular intervals to control pain.

Note: If the pain becomes severe while doing any kind of exercise, stop doing it and consult your doctor.

2. Hot Compresses
Another easy way to deal with neck pain due to cervical spondylosis is hot compresses on the affected area. Hot compresses will improve blood circulation and relax sore muscles, which will reduce swelling and inflammation.

• To make the hot compress, wrap a hot water bag in a thin towel.
• Place the hot compress on the affected area for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Remove it and repeat the process for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Follow this simple remedy a few times daily until you get relief.

Note: Do not apply hot compresses if the affected area is red and irritated

3. Garlic
Garlic gives good results when it comes to cervical spondylosis symptoms. Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help treat pain, swelling and inflammation in the neck and surrounding areas

• Eat a couple of raw garlic buds on an empty stomach each morning with water.
• Another option is to heat 2 to 3 crushed garlic cloves in a pan with some mustard oil. Allow it to cool, then use it to massage the painful area for 5 to 10 minutes. Follow this with a hot compress. Do this 2 times daily.

4. Turmeric
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is another popular remedy for cervical spondylosis. In addition, turmeric increases blood circulation, which helps reduce muscle stiffness and pain.

Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of milk. Heat it on low heat for 5 minutes. Allow it to cool, then add a little honey. Drink it 2 times daily.

5. Sesame Seeds
One popular Ayurvedic remedy to deal with cervical spondylosis is sesame seeds. They are rich in calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, zinc, phosphorus and vitamins K and D, which are good for your bones and overall health. Sesame oil is also effective in reducing neck pain.

• Apply some warm sesame oil on the affected area and massage for 10 minutes. Then apply a hot compress on the area. Do this 3 or 4 times daily.
• You can also chew 1 tablespoon of roasted white sesame seeds once daily in the morning, or mix 1 teaspoon of roasted and ground sesame seeds in a glass of warm milk and drink it 2 times daily. Also, include sesame seeds in your cooking.