LIFESTYLE & CERVICAL SPONDYLOSIS:

(Osteoarthritis of the cervical spine; cervical spondylarthritis; Cervical spondylarthrosis)

 

Degenerative changes are common in the cervical spine.

 

Symptoms:

·    Painful (and/or) stiff neck,

·    Restriction of neck movements,

·    Pain in the shoulder or the arm,

·    Vertigo (giddiness), tingling, numbness,

·    Weakness (loss of strength), or a loss of sensation in either of the arms.

This pain is often mistaken for pain arising from the heart especially when the pain radiates down the left arm.

On Examination: The condition can be easily diagnosed by feeling the edges of the vertebrae about 4 cms from the centre of the spine. Tenderness on any of these vertebrae indicates a problem in the neck which needs treatment. Very occasionally X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans may be required to confirm the diagnosis.

There are three stages in the treatment.

·    To relieve pain with acute Homoeopathic treatment.

·    Physiotherapy or exercise.

·    Finally to strengthen the spine, with constitutional Homoeopathic treatment.

Depending on your condition this process may take a few days to a few weeks.

 

This process needs to be continued till the spine has remained in good alignment for at least 6-9 months. Problems in the neck are generally associated with problems in the lower back that are also treated simultaneously. When the treatment is followed through to this stage and my advice is followed a recurrence of the problem is unlikely.

The spine can be thrown out of alignment by an accident, a fall or any accident causing a jerk to an unprepared spine. If you have an accident or a fall you should schedule a follow up visit at the earliest so I can check if the balance of the spine has been affected. If any problem has occurred in the balance of the spine, this can be corrected before any symptoms appear and so prevent any recurrence of the problem.

You will be advised certain exercises derived from Yogic asanas, to help strengthen the muscles which lie on either side of the spine and serve to hold the spine in place. A complete course of treatment for most spinal problems may require over 2-3 years. If the patient continues the advised exercises to strengthen the para spinal muscles and is adequately treated a recurrence of the problem is rare.

Yogic asanas & Exercise:

	Bhujangasana Benefits: compresses and opens spine, strengthens lower, mid and upper spine, creates more elasticity in entire spine, increases tone of muscle fibers, accelerates circulation of synovial fluid, holds vertebrae in position, relieves cervical spondylosis.
	Salabhasana Benefits: compresses and opens spine, strengthens lower, mid and upper spine, creates more elasticity in whole spine, increases tone of muscle fibres, accelerates circulation of synovial fluid, holds vertebrae in position, relieves cervical spondylosis.
	Poona-Salabhasana Benefits: compresses and opens spine, strengthens lower, mid and upper spine, creates more elasticity in whole spine, increases tone of muscle fibres, accelerates circulation of synovial fluid, holds vertebrae in position, relieves cervical spondylosis.
	Dhanurasana Benefits: compresses and opens spine, strengthens lower, mid and upper spine, creates more elasticity in whole spine, increases tone of muscle fibres, accelerates circulation of synovial fluid, holds vertebrae in position, relieves cervical spondylosis.
	Ustrasana Benefits: compresses spine, helps cure back problems, opens rib cage, improves flexibility of neck.

 

A nutritional diet is low in animal fat, salt, sugar, high in fibre, and includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. Weight reduction and regular exercise can slim and condition the entire back, reducing stress and strain on the person and his back.