Ayurvedic management of cervical spondylosis: a case report

Abstract

Cervical spondylosis is an important health issue considering its associated disability and impact on quality of life. Previously, it was considered a disease of old age due to degenerative changes occurring in the cervical spine. However, it is now increasingly observed among the younger population, possibly due to the current lifestyle. This is a case of a 41-year-old male patient who presented with neck pain and was admitted to the Kayachikitsa IPD of Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College Hospital on 24/02/2025. He was diagnosed with cervical spondylosis based on the radiological findings, clinical presentation, and physical examination. The patient underwent treatment based on the principles of Vatavyadhi Chikitsa. The treatment included both internal and external Ayurvedic treatment modalities. Internally, Rasnasaptaka Kashaya, Dhanwantara Arishta and Vatayog tablets were administered, while externally, Churna Pinda Sweda, Yogavasti, Jambira Pinda Sweda, Marsha Nasya and steam bath were administered. A considerable improvement was observed in both the Oswestry Disability Index for neck pain and the Visual Analogue Scale following the Ayurvedic treatment modalities, indicating their potential effectiveness in the management of cervical spondylosis.

The present case suggests that Ayurvedic Vatavyadhi Chikitsa may be a useful approach in the management of cervical spondylosis and provides a basis for further clinical evaluation.