Relief from Cervical Spondylitis

Every second person you meet is found complaining about cervical spondylitis. And, with computers becoming an integral unit of our day-to-day life, this ailment has gained even more prominence. Though the ailment has become common, but it doesn't mean that we can ignore its impact on our bodies. Let's look at the causes, symptoms and some cures to deal with the trouble of neck-pain.

CAUSES

The primary cause of cervical spondylitis is:  wear and tear i.e. degeneration of the cervical spine, including the cushions between the bones of the cervical spine. In other world, the discs become dehydrated and lose the ability to act as cushions between spinal bones. It is essentially due to less of elasticity in the spinal and cervical disks. The ligaments connecting neck bones and muscles become stiffened. With time, these changes can compress or press down one or more never roots.

SYMPTOMS

The symptoms of this ailment depend on the nerves that are affected, which can range from a tingling sensation in shoulders and arms to deadness in the legs. The symptoms can be listed as under: 

·      Stiff and painful neck; it worsens with the movement of the neck.

·      Pain in shoulder, arm and/or chest

·      Tingling and pinprick sensation in the arms, hands, legs and/or feet

·      Weakness in the arms, hands, legs or feet

·      Frequent headaches, often starting at the back of the head just above the neck and travelling over the top to the forehead.

BENEFICIAL EXERCISES 

Yoga and exercise are very essential to regain flexibility and maintain good posture in case of spondylitis. Practicing yoga helps to relax the muscles and relieve stress in stiffened areas. Asanas like Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)and Salabhasana (Locust Post), wherein the weight of the head is lifted against gravity, provide strengthening benefits for the back of the neck muscles. But, make sure that you do not compress the back of your neck.

HALF-CIRCLES:

Half circles in the front can be done. Follow these steps: 1. Drop your chin to your chest. 2. Move chin towards the right shoulder. 3. Bring your chin back to your chest. 4. Move your chin towards the left shoulder. 5. Bring your chin back to your chest. 6. Repeat this movement three to five times.

          Pranayam should be practical regularly. It serves as a natural treatment for cervical spondylitis. Various breathing exercises, in which the breath is held for longer duration of time, provide strength to the back and the shoulders.

 HOME REMEDIES

·      Use Cow's ghee while cooking food. It is considered as the best natural "Vata" reliever, which gives nourishment to the nerves and other body parts.

·      Avoid exposure to cold, violent neck muscle exercise, improper posture while reading, writing or working, etc.

·      Try to consume wheat instead of rice in your regular diet.

·      Gentle massage using herbal oils on the affected part twice or thrice a day can be helpful. Violent massage should be strictly avoided as it applies deep pressure and may do more harm than good. In winters, you may heat the oil before application.

·      One of the effective treatments for cervical spondylitis is to consume milk, once every day, with I tabespoonful of turmeric added after boiling it in milk for half an hour.

·      Constipation needs to be avoided at all costs as it tends to increase pain in cervical spondylitis.

·      Avoid spicy and fried foods, sour curd, excess sweets, tea, coffee, and alcohol.

·      Bitter vegetables are useful like bitter variety of drumstick, neem flowers, bitter gourd etc.

·      Sedentary workers should take frequent breaks. Very soft-cushioned seats should be avoided.

·      Sleeping posture: In one of the CBS News website reports, it is mentioned that the worst sleeping position is on one's stomach. It is because, when we sleep in this manner, our neck remains twisted at an awkward angle throughout the night. This causes strain in the neck and misalignment of the joints. It is recommended to sleep on one's back without a pillow as it helps the natural curves along the spine to align properly. It's also advised to sleep on one side with a pillow of the size of the gap between the shoulder and head, to release the strain on the neck.