Cervical Spondylitis

Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degeneration ('wear and tear') of the bones (vertebrae) and discs in the neck. To an extent, we all develop some degeneration in the vertebrae and discs as we become older. It tends to start sometime after the age of about 30.

One feature of the degeneration is that the edges of the vertebrae often develop small, rough areas of bone called osteophytes. Also, over many years, the discs become thinner. This degeneration is a normal ageing process which can be likened to having 'wrinkles in the spine'. In many people, the degeneration does not cause any symptoms.

If symptoms develop, they can range from mild to severe. Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the neck
• This may spread to the shoulders and base of the skull. Movement of the neck may make the pain worse.
• The pain sometimes spreads down an arm to a hand or fingers. This is caused by irritation of a nerve which goes to the arm from the spinal cord in the neck.
• Some neck stiffness, particularly after a night's rest.

Headaches may occur. The headaches often start at the back of the head just above the neck and travel over the top to the forehead.

You may develop 'pins and needles' in part of an arm or hand. This symptom is caused by irritation of a spinal nerve as it leaves the bony (vertebral) area.

In Ayurveda, it can be considered as Viswachi vata- one type of vata vyadhi.

The therapies in Bodhi Wellness Centre like Nasya karma, Elakizhi, Griva vasti etc., regulates vata(which is a root cause) aimed at restoring the equilibrium through correction of the underlying functional in-equilibrium.