Dear Shlok Soni,
Cervical pain persisting for 2–3 months, especially when sitting on the bed or floor or after prolonged work, often points towards Vata aggravation with mamsa kandara shotha (muscle-ligament strain) and early degenerative changes in the cervical spine.
The Ayurvedic approach will focus on Vata shamana (pacifying aggravated Vata), Shotha hara (reducing inflammation), and Mamsa-bala vardhana (strengthening neck and shoulder muscles) while improving posture, flexibility, and circulation.
Recommended Investigations
1. Cervical spine X-ray (AP & lateral) or MRI (if symptoms radiate to arms). 2. Vitamin D3 & Calcium levels. 3. ESR & CRP (if inflammatory cause suspected).
Internal Medicine
Phase 1 – Vata Shamana & Shotha Hara (First 7 days)
1.Dashmool kwatha – 15 ml + 30 ml warm water twice daily before food.
2.Yogaraja guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily after food with warm water.
3.Eranda taila – 1 tsp with warm water at bedtime, 2–3 times/week (skip if loose stools).
Phase 2 – Mamsa-bala vardhana & Asthi poshana (Next 30 days)
1.Maharasnadi kwatha – 15 ml + 30 ml warm water twice daily before food.
2.Lakshadi guggulu – 2 tablets twice daily after food with warm water.
3.Ashwagandha churna – 3 g with warm milk at bedtime.
Phase 3 – Rasayana & Long-term Support (7 days)
1.Shallaki extract capsule – 1 capsule twice daily after food.
2.Amalaki rasayana – 5 g in the morning with warm water.
External Therapies
1.Local Abhyanga – Warm sesame oil or Mahanarayan taila gentle massage over neck & shoulders daily or every alternate day.
2.Hot fomentation – Apply warm towel/heating pad for 15–20 min after massage.
3.Physiotherapy – Gentle cervical traction, ultrasound therapy, and neck strengthening if needed.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Avoid: Cold/refrigerated food, sour curd, very dry food, prolonged fasting, long mobile/computer use without break. Include: Warm, freshly cooked meals, moong dal, green vegetables, ghee in moderation, warm turmeric milk at night.
Yoga & Pranayama: Gentle neck rotations, Bhujangasana, Matsyasana, Tadasana, Anulom Vilom, and Bhramari for 5–10 min daily.
Follow-up: Review after 45 days or earlier if pain worsens, numbness in arms appears, or movement becomes restricted.
Please feel free to connect for follow-up or any adjustments in the medicines.
With kind regards, Dr. Sumi
Cervical pain can be quite discomforting and often results from improper posture or prolonged activities that strain the neck and upper back. From an Ayurvedic perspective, this could stem from an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and can cause issues like pain when in excess. It’s important to approach this with a combination of lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and specific treatments.
First, consider lifestyle adjustments: Encourage your mother to adopt a good posture while sitting. She should keep her back straight and feet flat on the floor. Take breaks every hour if she is sitting for long periods. Gentle neck exercises can be very beneficial, like slowly rotating the neck and shrugging the shoulders. Doing these exercises regularly helps relieve tension and improves flexibility.
Diet plays a crucial role too. A diet that’s easy to digest and nourishes the dhatus (tissues) can be supportive. Include warm, cooked, and slightly oily foods such as soups and stews, and ensure she stays hydrated. Adding anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger can help, as they have natural pain-relieving properties.
Ayurvedic treatments such as Abhyanga (oil massage) with warm sesame or Mahanarayan oil on the neck and upper back are extremely effective. It’s best done before a bath, allowing the oil to absorb for about 20-30 mins to nourish tissues and reduce Vata. Herbal formulations like Yogaraj Guggulu or Ashwagandha can also be beneficial, but consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any supplements, to tailor it to her specific prakriti.
Sleeping on a firm mattress with a pillow that supports the natural curve of her neck may help prevent pain during rest. If the pain persists or intensifies, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Cervical pain can can be quite restricting, especially if it affects daily activities like you mentioned. In Siddha-Ayurveda, cervical pain is often related to Vata disorders, where the air and ether elements become imbalanced, affecting muscles and nerves. First, ensure your mother maintains a comfortable posture during her activities; a straight back with support can help alleviate strain. Avoid sudden neck movements or prolonged periods in one position.
For immediate relief, massage the neck and upper back region with warm oil. Mahanarayan oil or sesame oil infused with ginger or garlic can help. Gently massage the affected areas—avoid pressing too hard—once or twice a day, particularly before bed. Applying a warm compress afterwards can aid muscle relaxation.
Diet is another aspect to consider. Encourage a diet that’s warm, nourishing, and easy to digest, which helps pacify Vata. Include foods like cooked grains, warm soups, and fresh vegetables. Avoid cold foods or beverages. Turmeric milk at night can also help reduce inflammation.
Practicing specific gentle yoga asanas, like Tadasana or Bhujangasana, can help improve flexibility and reduce pain, but ensure these are performed ideally under guidance to prevent further discomfort.
Lastly, if the pain persists or worsens, it may be necessary to consult with a healthcare professional or Ayurvedic practitioner who can assess if there’s an underlying condition needing attention. They might suggest additional therapies such as Panchakarma treatments, basti (enema therapy), or internal herbal formulations.
