More than 85% of people over age 60 suffer from cervical spondylosis. This means that approximately 5 million Australians could be currently suffering from neck and back pain right now.
If you suffer from this pain, you know how much it can disrupt your day-to-day life. But finding neck and back pain treatment that works for you isn’t easy.
There are negative consequences from the long-term use of common pain medications. And these medications only mask the symptoms, sometimes with minimal effect.
Ayurveda, a natural wellness solution, could be the right cervical spondylosis treatment for you.
Cervical spondylosis is a generic term for the natural wear and tear that occurs to the cartilage and bones in your cervical spine, or neck.
People with cervical spondylosis may experience include stiff ligaments in their neck.
Another common change is dehydrated disks. These disks that provide cushion between bones shrink with age. Without the cushion from the disks, bones rub together, causing discomfort and pain.
For some patients, there are no symptoms associated with their cervical spondylosis.
But many experience symptoms alongside the physiological changes in their neck. The symptoms can range from bothersome to severely disruptive. Some of the most common symptoms include:
Although it is normal to experience cervical spondylosis as you age, there are some factors that may increase your risk. These include:
For the most part, cervical spondylosis is treated by managing pain and discomfort. But in some cases, the nerves in your neck can be severely compressed, causing permanent damage.
When the nerves are severely compressed, patients may experience trouble walking, numbness and weakness in their limbs, or loss of bladder control.
Because cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition, there is no long-term treatment. It is a natural part of aging.
For this reason, most treatments focus on pain and symptom management. Doctors recommend using heat and ice to manage pain. You can also take medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Unfortunately, long-term use of NSAIDs can increase your risk for stroke by up to 86%. Additionally, one study found that NSAIDs have no effect on patients with back pain.
For more serious cases, a doctor may provide steroid injections in the next to reduce some of the inflammation. Physical therapy is another common treatment to help to relieve symptoms of cervical spondylosis.
Occasionally, doctor’s may even recommend spine surgery for the most severe cases. Spine surgery has a long and complex recovery which brings additional challenges.
Ayurveda is a natural and holistic approach to wellness. It originated in India 5,000 years ago and is known as one of the world’s oldest medical practices. Ayurveda translates to “knowledge of life” in Sanskrit.
A basic principle of Ayurveda is interconnectedness. Health is dependent on a balance between mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda principles say that everything in the universe, including you, is made up of five elements.
These five elements combine in three doshas, the forces that create the physical body. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
In a healthy body, the three doshas operate in harmony. When there is an imbalance in the flow of these energies, a person will experience disease. Ayurvedic treatment seeks to restore balance and prevent any future imbalances.
Because Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health, common treatments include changes to diet and lifestyle. Other common treatments include herbal medicines, massage, yoga, and breathing exercises.
Considering the many challenges of traditional treatments for cervical spondylosis, Ayurvedic treatment is a wonderful alternative.
Ayurveda focuses on restoring health and balance, rather than simply masking the symptoms.
Because Ayurveda is a holistic approach to health and wellness, it benefits your whole body rather than just targeting a specific area of the body where you are experiencing pain.
Additionally, there are mental health benefits as well as the physical health benefits. Many of the principles of Ayurveda, including Ayurvedic massage helps to relieve stress and promote sleep.
Ayurveda can even improve your skin. Seeking out natural back pain treatment, you receive benefits in all aspects of your life, in addition to relieving your physical discomfort.
Ayurveda can be a natural cervical spondylosis treatment. These are some of the treatments that can be used for someone with cervical spondylosis.
In Ayurveda massage, herbs and oil blends are heated and then used in a massage that targets the area where you are experiencing pain. The massage promotes relaxation and well-being.
In addition to being part of comprehensive cervical spondylosis treatment, Ayurveda massage also helps with sleep, improves blood circulation, and removes toxins from the body.
In the practice of Vasti, containers of medicated oils are placed on the neck (Greeva) or back (Kati). These oils cleanse the blood. Additionally, this practice strengthens the muscles and lubricates the joints.
Combined with the Ayurveda massage, Vasti can help to relieve pain for individuals with cervical spondylosis.
Diet, exercise, and sleep are fundamental in Ayurveda treatment. People with cervical spondylosis should be sure to eat a healthy and balanced diet, stay active, and get proper rest.
These changes in diet and lifestyle will help to amplify the benefits of Ayurveda massage and Vasti treatment.
If you are someone suffering from cervical spondylosis, Ayurveda can help you find balance once more while restoring your holistic well-being.
No longer do you have to suffer from back pain. Ayurveda is a natural back pain treatment that can not only relieve your symptoms, but also contribute to your overall wellness.
Book a free consultation today to jumpstart your cervical spondylosis treatment with Ayurveda.