What is Cervical Pain?
Cervical pain, commonly caused by cervical spondylosis, refers to pain, stiffness, and discomfort in the neck due to age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs and joints. It is often linked with poor posture, long sitting hours, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
In Ayurveda, cervical pain is considered a Vata imbalance disorder, where dryness, degeneration, and improper nourishment of bones, muscles, and nerves lead to stiffness, pain, and restricted movement in the neck.
Who is Prone to Cervical Pain?
Cervical issues are common among:
- Office workers with prolonged computer/screen time
- People with poor posture (slouching, looking down at mobiles)
- Older adults (age-related wear and tear of discs)
- People with sedentary lifestyle and weak muscles
- Those lifting heavy weights incorrectly
- Stress-prone individuals (causing muscle tension)
- People with calcium/vitamin D deficiency
Possible Risks of Cervical Pain (If Ignored)
If left untreated, cervical problems may lead to:
- Chronic neck pain and stiffness
- Radiating pain to shoulders and arms
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in arms and fingers
- Frequent headaches or migraines
- Limited neck mobility
- Severe nerve compression leading to disability in advanced cases
Ayurvedic Approach to Cervical Care
Ayurveda focuses on reducing Vata aggravation, nourishing the cervical spine, and improving posture through therapies, herbs, diet, and yoga.
1. Panchakarma Therapy (For Pain Relief & Healing)
- Greeva Basti – retaining warm medicated oil over the cervical region, deeply relieves pain and stiffness
- Abhyanga (oil massage) – improves circulation and relaxes muscles
- Swedana (herbal steam therapy) – reduces stiffness and swelling
- Basti (medicated enema) – balances Vata and supports long-term relief
2. Cervical-Friendly Diet (Pathya Ahar)
- Warm, easily digestible meals (soups, khichdi, porridge)
- Calcium & vitamin D-rich foods (milk, sesame, almonds, leafy greens)
- Anti-inflammatory foods (turmeric, ginger, garlic, fenugreek)
- Herbal teas (tulsi, coriander, cumin)
- Avoid excessive cold, dry, fried, and processed foods
3. Daily Rituals (Dinacharya)
- Regular neck and shoulder oil massage with sesame or Mahanarayan oil
- Maintain correct sitting and sleeping posture
- Avoid sudden jerks or heavy lifting
- Take frequent breaks during long screen use
- Gentle warm compress for stiffness relief
4. Herbs for Cervical Pain Relief
- Ashwagandha – strengthens bones and relieves stress
- Shallaki (Boswellia) – natural anti-inflammatory
- Guggulu – relieves stiffness and supports joint health
- Nirgundi – pain-relieving herb for cervical and joint issues
- Turmeric (Curcumin) – reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
5. Yoga & Pranayama
- Greeva Sanchalan (Neck movements) – gentle stretches to increase flexibility
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose) – strengthens spine and neck muscles
- Matsyasana (Fish Pose) – relieves tightness in cervical region
- Balasana (Child’s Pose) – relaxes neck and shoulders
- Anulom-Vilom & Bhramari – reduce stress and calm the nervous system