About Cervical Spondylosis

It is a common age related condition that affects the joints and disc in the neck. It is also known as cervical osteoarthritis or neck arthritis. This condition tends to start sometime after the age of about 30 years. It develops due to the wear and tear of cartilage and bones found in the cervical spine, which is in the neck. The bones and protective cartilage are prone to wear and tear that can lead to cervical spondylosis. Few people never experience this disorder, but in some cases it becomes chronic, the person suffers from stiffness and severe pain. People with low bone density and less calcium diet are prone to this disease.

What can be the causes of the cervical spondylosis?

• Bone spur: The body try to grow the extra bones to make the spine stronger. However, the extra bones press the delicate areas of the spine, such as spinal cord and nerves resulting in pain.
• Dehydrated Spinal Discs: Normally, the spine cords have discs between them. These are thick, pad like cushions that absorb the shock of lifting, twisting and other activities. The gel like material inside it gets dry out over time. This cause bones to rub together more, which can be painful.
• Herniated Discs: The spinal discs develop cracks due to which there is a leakage of the gel like material. The material can press over the spinal cord and nerves, which leads to arm numbness and sciatica.
• Injury: If there is an injury such as car accident or fall, then this can accelerate the aging process.
• Ligament stiffness: The tough cords that connect the spinal bones to each other can become stiffer over time, which ultimately affects the neck movements.
• Overuse: In some occupations or hobbies involve repetitive movements or heavy lifting or construction work. This can put pressure on the spine, resulting in early wear and tear.

What can be the risk factor for the cervical spondylosis?

• Neck injuries.
• Repetitive stress
• Genetic factor
• Overweight and inactive
• Smoking

What can be the symptoms of the cervical spondylosis?

Most common symptom is pain around the shoulder blade. Patient will complain of pain along the arm and in the fingers.

The pain might be increase while:

• Standing
• Sitting
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Tilting your neck backward

What can be the signs of the cervical spondylosis?

• Stiffness in neck
• Headache that mostly occur in the back of the head
• Numbness mainly affect the shoulders and arms, although it can occur in the legs.

How to diagnose the cervical spondylosis?

It involves testing for movement and determining the affected nerves, bones and muscles.

Physical examination:

Doctor will analyse the problem by asking several examinations regarding symptoms.

Typical exams include:

• Test reflexes
• Check muscle weakness
• Range of motion of the neck

Imaging test:

• X-Ray: It is used to check any abnormalities or bone spur.
• CT scan: This scan helps to find out more detailed images of the neck.
• MRI: It helps to locate the pinched nerves.
• EMG: It helps to measure the nerve's electrical activity.
• A nerve conduction study: It is used to check the speed and strength of the signals nerves send.

Ayurvedic outlook

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science that utilize herbs for the treatment of the disease for centuries. The principal of healing the cervical spondylosis is to manage the Pain, which is due to the vitiated Vata dosha in the body. There can be so many reasons for the vitiation of the vata dosha but one main cause is constipation. It leads to increase the vata dosha and formation of gas, which indirectly increase the pain in the neck.

Stress is the aggravating factor in cervical spondilyosis. Due to the stress, bone density decreases which will lead to pain and stiffness in the neck.

Ayurvedic Treatment of Cervical Spondlyosis

Ayurveda is the science which helps to treat the disease with herbs and proper diet. These herbs are very effective if they are taken in a proper manner. Anything in excess or less quantity will harm the body system. So, it is very important to take herbal medicines as prescribed by the ayurvedic doctors. According to the Ayurveda, along with herbal remedies, one should follow the proper diet and healthy lifestyle.