For authentic & scientific

Spondylosis is a condition mainly caused due to the wear and tear of the neck and lower back spinal structures like vertebra and facet joints. Subsequent progressive degeneration results in the change in the normal structure like formation of spurs and/or reduction of the space for the nerves to pass. In both the conditions, due to reduced space, the nerves will get compressed and inflamed. This will result in symptoms like pain, stiffness,numbness,burning sensation and weakness.In milder cases the symptoms will remain localised while in moderate to severe cases, it will affect the whole corresponding limb.

According to Ayurveda, the degeneration of any structure in the body is due to increase of Vata. Improper diet, late and disturbed sleep,wrong postures, wrong movements, continuous physical stress and strain are the common reason for increase of Vata. When this stress and strain happens in the neck or lower back, Vata will get increased there. Vata is responsible for all movement and its predominant properties are dry, rough and light. So it creates dryness and roughness in and around the affected area leading to degenerative changes in both soft and hard tissues like vertebral body and the intra vertebral soft disc. When the symptoms in the initial stages are neglected, the condition being progressive, ends up in Greevagraha (cervical spondylosis) or Kateegraha (Lumbarspondylosis) and in severe conditions can lead to Grudhrasi (Sciatica / Radiculopathy).

Ayurveda manages this condition by handling the increased Vata at the neck or lower back area. The line of treatment is to firsthandle the inflammation, then help repair the wear and tear, and lastly reinforcement of the core muscles and ligaments supporting the vertebral column.This whole plan of treatment, when executed, will help in the management of the existing complaints and also prevent further deterioration of the condition.

The treatments are both internal medications and external therapies, integrated with physiotherapy. Manipulations are not usually done in Ayurvedic treatments. Massage of the whole body with selected medicated oils, massage with herbal powder bag (podi kizhi)heated in the appropriate warm medicated oil, massage with herbal leaf bag (ela kizhi) dipped in warm medicated oil, pouring medicated oil all over the body , cooked medicated rice bag massage (njavara kizhi), keeping medicated oil pool on the affected area (kati vasti), application of the herbal paste on low back, bandage of the low back with medicated oil, enema with herbal decoction and/or medicated oil are the procedures usually performed in the management of these condition. There could be changes in procedures from the standard protocol according depending upon the individual’s condition.

Conservative management of this condition with pain killers is not a good choice. If the person is not able to perceivepain,he may indulge innormal or strenuous activities leading to more wear and tear leading to a more complicated condition. When the patient undergoes Ayurvedic treatment, not only the affected area is handled, but also all other parts of the spine like neck and joints in the body get benefitted. This helps in preventing or delaying the already developed wear and tear and degenerative changes the joints in the body.

Nagarjuna Ayurvedic Centre has treated thousands of patients with cervical and lumbar spondylosis successfully. We have exclusive products developed in our R&D specially recommended for the management of lumbar spondylosis. Integrated approach of consulting and taking expert opinion from Orthopaedic doctors, surgeons, Physiotherapy, Yoga are practised successfully at Nagarjuna. We also rely on advanced diagnostic methods like X-ray, MRI etc for precise diagnosis and effective planning of treatments.

The cause, development and progression in both lumbar and cervical spondylosisare almost the same. The basic line of management is also the same. But based on area and severity, internaland external medicines, applications and therapies might differ. Nasal administration of medicated oil is animportant procedure practised specifically in the management of cervical spondylosis along with other therapies explained above.