Neck pain refers to any pain in the neck region, including the muscles, nerves, bones, and disks between the bones.

Although neck pain is felt in the neck, it can be caused by a variety of different issues, such as muscular tightness in the neck and upper back, nerve pinching, and disturbed joints in the neck and upper back.

Acute neck pain is common, and it normally goes away within a few days. If your neck pain lasts longer than three months, it could be considered chronic.

This might be cervical spondylosis or spondylitis too.

Clinical conditions may range from

• Intervertebral Disc prolapse or Disc herniation
• Cervical Spondylosis
• Spinal Stenosis
• Osteoporosis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis

• Cervical spondylosis has several causes, all of which are related to degenerative changes in the intervertebral disc, vertebrae, and ligaments of the neck.

• As we become older, the intervertebral discs, which act as cushions between the vertebrae, begin to dry out and dehydrate, causing friction between the vertebrae and irritation of the emerging nerves.

• There can also be cracks appearing on the external surface of the disc because of bulging and cause herniation of the gel-like substance from inside the disc. This may impinge on the nerve root arising from the spinal column resulting in severe pain.

• Vertebral alterations can include the formation of bone spurs in an attempt to strengthen the spine, which can lead to degeneration and pressure on the spinal nerve roots. Ligamental degeneration causes stiffness and soreness in the neck.

In Ayurveda, neck pain is described as Manyastambha, which is one of the vatavyadhi (Vata dosha related conditions) caused due to aggravation of Vata dosha. 

When the aggravated Vata invades the neck muscles, it causes muscle rigidity, immobility of the neck, and pain in the neck muscles.

CAUSES

Several factors like sedentary lifestyle, wrong posture, excessive use of computers,

The increased incidence can be attributed to a variety of factors, including improper TV viewing, reading while sleeping, and a general lack of physical activity.

TREATMENT

Neck Ayurveda Treatment Pain is determined by the cause of the problem, and if it is recent, it responds swiftly to conservative treatment methods such as rest, pain relievers, and so on.

Disc prolapse and arthritis of the cervical spine are common causes of persistent neck pain, which can progress to further issues such as Cervical Radiculopathy.

Ayurvedic treatment for neck pain is dependent on the origin of the discomfort, which is frequently muscular spasms caused by stress-induced strain due to poor posture.

This response well to Ayurvedic treatments, as well as local massages in severe cases. Ayurveda provides a real-world alternative to surgery and other intrusive procedures such as epidural injections.

Podikkizhi (Choorna pinda sweda), Elakkizhi (Patrapotala Sweda), Abhyanga (medicated oil massage), Nasya (instillation of medicated liquids through the nasal cavity), and other Ayurvedic therapies in combination with herbal medicines are very effective in providing tangible benefits in all of these cases, rendering the patient symptom-free.

External and internal body oleation measures (SNEHANA), fomentation procedures (SWEDANA), oil retention techniques (GREEVA BASTI), medicated enemas (BASTI), and errhines (NASYA) are all tailored to your individual needs using a variety of herbal and mineral combinations.

Mridu Shodhana – This procedure is also known as mild purgation. In this procedure, a mixture is made with milk or the fruit pulp of Cassia fistula and castor oil.

Greeva Basti – A black gram paste is applied to the back of the neck and this will aid in retaining the medicaments in that region. Several medicated oils like Ksheerbala oil are heated and then the compound helps in retaining this oil within it for a time.

The reason for this is that when the heated oil is applied to that area, it helps in giving relief from disc herniation. The disc cartilage nourishment is improved and thus, the degeneration process of the tissues is reversed.

Quick tips to ease your neck pain at home.

• Practise neck and shoulder rotations This can be done by bending forwards, stretching backward, and by clockwise-anticlockwise rotations. Neck nodding (side-wise) is also beneficial.

 2) Posture correction is important especially if you are working on a computer for long periods of time.

Take a 10-minute break every hour so as to retard the pain as well as relax your joints. This will also help you to focus on your work and improve its quality.

3) Adopt proper posture while sleeping or sitting. Change the bedding or seating to meet your comfort.

4)Avoid lifting heavy weights and doing strenuous workouts.

5) Apply warm *sesame* or *ksheerabala* oil on your neck giving a gentle or no pressure massage. Take care that you don’t give a vigorous pressure massage as this can aggravate the pain. Massage in circular motion rubbing vertically from above downwards.

This will help you relieve stiffness and pain. This can be practiced on an everyday basis followed by a hot water bath.

6) Dietary changes like including milk, ghee, and leafy vegetables will help you tame Vata – the culprit of pain according to Ayurveda.

7) Yogasanas which will involve neck movements like bhujangasana, matsyasana, Ardha matsyendrasana, and setu bandhasana help you in relieving the pain. Meditation and Pranayam can also add to the benefits.

There are many ayurvedic treatment methods that not only help in getting relief from neck and shoulder pain but also give you a substantial reduction in the pain of cervical spondylosis.

So why not just consult with an Ayurveda expert and get the right treatment for the right kind of help.