Cervical spondylosis/cervical osteoarthritis, is a degenerative condition that affects the cervical spine (the neck region of the spine). It typically affects people over the age of 50, but it can occur at any age. The condition is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage and bones in the cervical spine. Over time, the discs between the vertebrae may become thin and the joints may develop bone spurs, leading to compression of the nerves in the neck. This can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands.
Symptoms of cervical spondylosis may include neck pain, stiffness, and a reduced range of motion in the neck. Sometimes headaches, dizziness, and difficulty with balance. In more severe cases, the compression of nerves can cause weakness or numbness in the arms, hands, and fingers.
Treatment for cervical spondylosis may include pain management through medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight management.
Cervical radiculopathy is a condition that occurs when a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling sensations in the neck, shoulders, arms, and hands. The condition is typically caused by a herniated disc, degenerative changes in the spine, or spinal stenosis.
A herniated disc, also known as a slipped or ruptured disc, is a condition that occurs when the soft, jelly-like material inside a spinal disc bulges or ruptures through a weak area in the disc's outer layer. This can put pressure on nearby nerves or the spinal cord, causing pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) but can also occur in the middle back (thoracic spine). The most common cause of a herniated disc is age-related wear and tear, but it can also be caused by a sudden injury, lifting heavy objects improperly, or twisting or bending awkwardly.
Herniated discs most commonly occur in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine) but can also occur in the middle back (thoracic spine). The most common cause of a herniated disc is age-related wear and tear, but it can also be caused by a sudden injury, lifting heavy objects improperly, or twisting or bending awkwardly.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spaces within the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and/or nerve roots. This pressure can cause pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling in the legs, back, neck, shoulders, or arms. Spinal stenosis can occur in any part of the spine, but it is most common in the lower back (lumbar spine) or neck (cervical spine).
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is age-related wear and tear of the spinal discs, ligaments, and bones. Other causes may include arthritis, injuries, or tumours.
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on the severity of the symptoms and physical activities. Lifestyle modifications, such as regular exercise, weight loss, and good posture, may also help relieve symptoms and prevent further damage to the spine.
Sciatica is a common type of pain that occurs along the sciatic nerve, which is the longest nerve in the body. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back down to the legs and feet. Sciatica is often characterised by a sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back into the buttocks and legs. Other symptoms can include numbness, tingling, and weakness in the affected leg.
Sciatica is usually caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, which is the narrowing of the spinal canal. In some cases, it can also be caused by a muscle spasm or injury.
Treatment for sciatica depends on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. Conservative treatments may include rest, ice and heat therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, and physical therapy exercises.
The loss of muscle tone in some or all of the body is referred to as paralysis. It is brought on by harm to the nervous system, particularly to the brain or spinal cord. Some of the causes of paralysis are traumatic injuries, stroke, spinal cord disorders, neurological disorders, neurotoxicity.
The symptoms of paralysis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the specific nerves or areas of the body affected.
Paralysis is known as “Pakshaghata” in Ayurveda. According to Ayurvedic principles, the Vata dosha, which controls the nervous system and bodily movement, is what primarily contributes to paralysis. Poor diet and lifestyle choices, stress, traumatic events, or the buildup of toxins (ama) in the body, can cause this imbalance. Ayurveda focuses on rejuvenating the affected tissues and nerves while re-establishing the balance of the doshas, particularly Vata along with dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, lifestyle adjustments, therapies, and particular exercises.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects nerve cells in charge of controlling voluntary muscles, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative illness. It primarily occurs due to the loss of dopamine-producing brain cells. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting signals that coordinate movement. It may be due to genetics or any other environmental factors.
Symptoms develop gradually and may include tremors, stiffness, slow movement, and impaired balance and coordination.
Treatment for Parkinson's disease aims to manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Medications to increase dopamine levels in the brain. Other treatments include deep brain stimulation (DBS), physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord. The immune system mistakenly attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibres, leading to inflammation and damage to the myelin and the underlying nerves.
This damage disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses along the nerves. Common symptoms of MS include fatigue, difficulty walking, numbness or weakness in one or more limbs, tremors, problems with coordination and balance, vision problems, bladder and bowel dysfunction.
Treatments follow to help manage symptoms, slow disease progression, and modify the course of the disease. Additionally, rehabilitation therapies, lifestyle modifications, and support services can also play important roles in managing MS and improving quality of life for those affected by the condition.
Migraine is a neurological condition characterised by recurrent, debilitating headaches and other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Ayurveda considers migraine as a disorder primarily related to imbalances in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Pitta, and aims to restore equilibrium for long-term management.
Migraine headaches typically present as intense, throbbing pain, often on one side of the head and in some cases followed by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and sound (phonophobia).The causes of migraines include genetic predisposition, alterations in brain chemistry and function, hormonal fluctuations, environmental triggers, and imbalances in the doshas. Chronic migraine refers to headaches occurring on 15 or more days per month, with at least eight days meeting the criteria for migraine.
The Ayurvedic approach to migraine management emphasises restoring doshic harmony through personalised interventions for lasting relief. Ayurveda migraine management, focusing on restoring doshic equilibrium and minimising triggers.