Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine caused by age-related changes in the intervertebral discs and facet joints, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and sometimes radiation of pain to the arms. In Ayurveda, it is best correlated with Greeva Sandhigata Vata, a condition where aggravated Vata dosha localizes in the cervical joints. It is commonly seen in people with sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, and stress.
Patient Name: Mrs. DP
Age/ Sex: 52 yrs/ Female
Presenting complaints:
Ø Pain and stiffness in the neck since 2 years
Ø Radiating pain and numbness in right arm
H/O Presenting complaints:
A 52-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with complaints of chronic neck pain and stiffness for the past 2 years, along with radiating pain to the right shoulder and arm. Symptoms worsened with long hours of sitting and exposure to cold. She had previously taken analgesics and muscle relaxants with temporary relief. There was associated numbness and tingling sensations in the right hand.
Vital Parameters:
BP: 130/80 mm Hg Pulse: 82/min
Height: 158 cm Weight: 66 Kg
Ahara: Mixed diet
Vihara: Working in front of computer for long hours, minimal physical activity
Appetite: Vishamagni
Micturition: Normal
Bowel: Regular
Sleep: Disturbed due to pain
General Systemic Examination:
Gait: Normal GC: Normal CVS: S1S2 heard
CNS: Oriented to time and place
RS: NVBS heard PA: Soft, no organomegaly
Clinical Examination:
Tenderness over cervical spine, reduced range of neck movement, especially extension and lateral rotation. Spurling’s test positive on right side.
Dasavidha Pariksha:
Prakruthi: Vata Kapha
Vikrutha Dosha: Vata
Dushya: Asthi, Majja
Sara: Majjasara
Samhanana: Madhyama
Satva: Madhyama
Aharasakthi:
- Abhyavaharanasakthi – Madhyama
- Jaranasakthi – Mandya
Vyayamasakthi: Avara
Vaya: Vriddha
Pramana: Madhyama
Ashtavidha Pariksha:
Nadi: Vataja
Mala: Sadharana
Mutra: Sadharana
Jihwa: Saam
Sabda: Sadharana
Sparsha: Ruksha
Drik: Sadharana
Akruthi: Madhyama
Nidana Panchaka:
Nidana:
- Ahara – Dry, cold, and insufficient food intake; irregular meal timing
- Vihara – Long screen time, improper neck posture, lack of exercise, excessive stress
Purvarupa: Mild neck stiffness and fatigue
Rupa: Neck pain and stiffness, radiating pain to the right arm, tingling and numbness in fingers, restricted movement
Upasaya: Warm fomentation and rest
Anupasaya: Cold exposure, prolonged sitting, sudden jerky neck movements
Samprapthi Gataka:
Dosha: Vata
Dushya: Asthi, Majja
Agni: Mandagni
Ama: Saama
Srotas: Asthivaha
Srotodushtiprakara: Sanga, Margavarodha
Sadhyasadhyata: Yapya
Nidana Panchaka:
Nidana:
- Ahara – Dry, cold, and insufficient food intake; irregular meal timing
- Vihara – Long screen time, improper neck posture, lack of exercise, excessive stress
Purvarupa: Mild neck stiffness and fatigue
Rupa: Neck pain and stiffness, radiating pain to the right arm, tingling and numbness in fingers, restricted movement
Upasaya: Warm fomentation and rest
Anupasaya: Cold exposure, prolonged sitting, sudden jerky neck movements
Samprapthi Gataka:
Dosha: Vata
Dushya: Asthi, Majja
Agni: Mandagni
Ama: Saama
Srotas: Asthivaha
Srotodushtiprakara: Sanga, Margavarodha
Sadhyasadhyata: Yapya
Samprapthi Flow Chart:
Mithyaharavihara
↓
Vata vriddhi
↓
Agnimandya → Ama
↓
Asthivaha srotodushti
↓
Sandhigata Vata in Greeva sthana
↓
Shoola, Stambha, Greevastambha, Bahuvedana
Diagnosis: Cervical Spondylosis (Greeva Sandhigata Vata)
Treatments given:
Patient was treated as an inpatient for 15 days. Internal medications, Panchakarma therapy and external treatments were administered.
- Shodhana – Niruha and Anuvasana Basti
- Nasya – With Ksheerabala taila
- Abhyanga – Cervical massage with Mahamasha taila
- Swedana – Nadi Sweda
- Shamanaushadhi – Internal medicines for Vata pacification and Asthi dhatu nourishment
Neck strengthening exercises taught and advised for regular practice
Outcome scales after 15 days of treatment:
Symptoms | Before treatment | After treatment |
Neck pain | 8 (VAS) | 2 |
Stiffness | High | Mild |
Radiating pain | Frequent | Rare |
Tingling/Numbness | Present | Absent |
Neck mobility | Restricted | Improved |
After 15 days of treatment, the patient experienced significant relief from pain and stiffness. Radiating pain and numbness were almost absent. Advised continuation of prescribed medications and neck mobility exercises for further progress and prevention of recurrence.
