Spondylosis
Spondylosis is an age-related condition that affects the vertebral column. The pain is caused as a result of compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots. Spondylosis mainly affects high mobility regions of the vertebral column, such as the lumbar region (lumbar spondylosis) or the cervical area (cervical spondylosis).
Spondylosis Symptoms
- Tingling or numbness of the limbs
- Difficulty in walking or moving arms
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Anxiety
- Muscle spams
- As the disease progresses, bladder and bowel control problems may also happen.
Spondylosis Causes
Ayurveda recognizes spondylosis as arising due to an imbalance of vatha. Vatha is associated with cold and dryness if not balanced properly. In spondylosis the cushioning fluid and the connective tissue between vertebral joints dries out leading to compression of nerves and finally, pain. There can be several reasons for spondylosis including:
- Age
- Genetic reasons
- Injury or vertebral strain
- Herniated disks—the inner layer of the inter-vertebral disk protrudes out through the outer fibrous layer causing a bulge.
- Other factors can include poor posture, excessive intake of sour foods, etc.
Spondylosis Treatments
In Ayurveda, cervical spondylosis is known as Griva Sandhigata Vatha, and lumbar spondylosis has the symptoms of Kati vatha. Treatments in Ayurveda focus on harmonising the vatha element of the body. Treatments include:
- Rejuvenation therapy
- Abhyanga
- Sarvangadara
- Vasti
- Njavarakizhi
- Kati Vasti
- Nasyam
Average time for treatment is be between 4-6 weeks.
Special note: Though the treatment programme for spondylosis includes massage therapy, constant pressure massages can be detrimental. The massage should be done only by a highly trained practitioner as it requires very careful application of pressure.