Cervical Spondylitis (Neck Pain)

Yoga therapy for Neck Pain (Cervical Spondylitis/ Cervical Spondylosis).

Cervical spondylitis n spondylosis are two different terms but are commonly used in place of each other. They produce similar symptoms and have similar causes.

Cervical spondylosis/spondylitis is a disorder caused by over - use, Mis - use or less use of the structures in the neck (cervical). Due to this the ligaments, bones, cartilages, nerves, discs and muscles of the neck change their shape and strength. Bones become weak, irregular and develop spurs (osteophytes). Discs and muscles loose their flexibility and can pressurise the nerve.

In our daily life there are lot of reasons which can cause or trigger cervical spondylitis. These are:

1. Wrong posture
2. Long drives
3. Using high / hard pillow while sleeping
4. Wearing heavy ornaments
5. Wrong Breastfeeding posture
6. Using computer for over 30 mins at a stretch
7. Over use of mobile phones causes muscular imbalance in the shoulder joint and can lead to cervical spondylitis.
8. Trauma or injury in the neck
9. Frozen shoulder can also cause neck pain
10. Cold temperatures
11. Hyperacidity directly triggers neck pain
12. Stress
13. Heavy breasts
14. Lack of vitamin D and calcium
15. Faulty diet
16. Muscular imbalance ( like using computer on the same side on your desk for many years).

Other than these reasons disc slip / disc bulge / herniation or prolapse, Fibromyalgia and Arthritis of the facet joints can also be the reason of neck pain.

By the age of 60, most men and women show changes of cervical spondylosis in X-rays.

Symptoms

• Neck pain (may radiate to the arms or shoulder)
• Loss of sensation or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms, or legs (not often)
• Weakness and pain in the arms
• Loss of grip
• Stiffness in neck that progressively worsens
• Loss of balance
• Headaches, particularly in the back of the head
• Sensation of vomiting
• Heavyness in eyes
• Drowsiness

Medical Yoga for Neck Pain - A Robust Cure

Here we are giving Medical Yoga therapy sequence which is helpful in reversing these conditions.

Sequence of Asanas

A special sequence of yoga for neck pain is designed at Medical Yoga Centre. It comprises of

• Skandhabandha Asana,
• Horizontal Arm Stretch,
• Skandh pratanak 1, 2 & 3
• Oblique arm stretch
followed by Shavasana with cervical pillow/spinal roll.

Props are appropriately used to make the 'Saadhaka' comfortable and gain from the posture. The asanas are aimed at relieving the pain & strengthening the area to cure the ailment.
Medical Yoga Therapy addresses all cervical spondylitis by

1. Relieving stiffness from the cervical region specially from the back of neck and head.
   This results into the decompression of the nerves and blood vessels supplying blood to the brain. which then results in relief in symptoms such as vomiting, headache, heavyness in eyes, giddiness etc.
2. Horizontal arm stretch restores the position of the shoulder blades which are otherwise stiff and drooping forward.
3. The sequence stretches and strengthens neck and shoulder muscles.

It also helps to release the tension.

As patients suffer from pain and restricted motion, the asanas and therapies are done differently with use of props and belts to ease the poses and provide maximum benefit to the patients.
These therapies should only be performed under an expert guidance to avoid any complications.