Osteoarthritis of the spine is known as spondylosis and involves degenerative changes in the intervertebral discs as well as bone outgrowths known as osteophytes. Though the entire spine may be affected, more pronounced symptoms are seen with spondylosis of the neck and lower back regions. Spondylosis is entirely different from spondylitis, which involves inflammation; spondylolysis, which involves a defect or crack in the bony structure; and spondylolisthesis, which involves physical dislocation of the affected vertebra.
Ageing, genetics and trauma can cause or
aggravate spondylosis. Chronic pain is the commonest symptom; accompanied by
numbness and tingling if the disease process involves or puts pressure on
nerves. This condition is managed conventionally with the use of medications,
exercise, physiotherapy and lifestyle modifications; medications include
non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, which reduce pain and swelling. When these
measures do not suffice in controlling symptoms, additional procedures like
chiropractic, acupuncture, and minimally invasive procedures like injections
and surgery may be required. All these
procedures bring about limited and temporary improvement; prolonged use can give
rise to serious adverse effects, and none can significantly alter the long term
course of the disease.
Spondylosis is said to be associated with age
related degeneration and it is generally believed that no particular medicine
or procedure can influence the long term prognosis of this condition, since
modern medicines only reduce swelling, inflammation and pain. However,
Ayurvedic herbal medicines have a special role to play in the long term
management and treatment of spondylosis, and can reverse the ageing process in
the spine to a significant degree.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can reduce the damage
to the spine; strengthen vertebral bones, intervertebral discs and attached
muscles and tendons; and reduce swelling due to osteoporosis. This helps to
reduce and eliminate chronic pain, and also removes pressure on sensitive
nerves, thereby treating related symptoms like pain, numbness, and impending
paralysis. It is pertinent to mention that herbal medicines can be safely used
for this treatment for prolonged periods and in high doses without any
significant adverse effects.
A combination protocol of oral Ayurvedic herbs,
local application of Ayurvedic medicated oils, hot fomentation, and regular
exercise, can help most people suffering from spondylosis recover completely
even from very chronic and severe affectations. In order to get the maximum
possible benefit from Ayurvedic treatment, it is always advisable to get
examined, investigated, diagnosed, and treated at the earliest possible
When standard oral herbal therapy does not
suffice, additional treatment with one or several courses of medicated enemas
can help bring about a quick remission in pain and other symptoms. This
procedure, combined with local fomentation therapy with medicated steam, may
also help minimize the chances for recurrence as well as reduce the required
dosage of oral medicines. Patients who
achieve a complete remission of symptoms can maintain themselves with regular
exercise, a healthy diet, and the occasional use of low dose herbal medication.
