CERVICAL PROBLEM & HOMEOPATHY

As the modern civilisation advances, it finds itself in the grip of new stress-related diseases. Stress, whether physical or mental, has its toll on our body.

Long working hours, miles of driving and working excessively on computers are some of the factors causing a rise in stress-related cervical problems.

The most common problem of this nature is cervical spondylosis (cervical osteoarthritis). Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine, including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and the joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or “spurs” on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).

These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.

Progressive neck pain is a key indication of cervical spondylosis. It may be the only symptom in many cases.

An examination often shows limited ability to flex the head toward the side (bend the head toward the shoulders) and limited ability to rotate the head. Weakness or sensation losses indicate damage to specific nerve roots or to the spinal cord.

Homeopathic treatment is effective in both situations whether it is a mild cervical strain or cervical spondylosis. There is no single specific medicine for this problem; the treatment is purely symptomatic. In milder cases where no damage has been done to the vertebras and only the muscles are involved, medicines such as guaicum, lachnanthes and cimicfuga are of great help. They are usually indicated when the patients complain of stiffness about the cervical muscles and also when there are no signs of nerve involvement. When there are signs of nerve involvement (numbness, loss of sensation, etc) as in advance cases, kalmia latifolia, paris quadrifolia and colocynth are often the most effective homoeopathic medicines. In advanced cases of degeneration, acidic phosphoric is of great value. Calc phos works very effectively for bony overgrowths. Medicines mentioned above are only for the purpose of self-assessment. Consult your homoeopathic physician for an appropriate dosage. Avoid self-medication.

Some good habits

Take frequent breaks: Don’t sit in one place for a long time, such as your car or at your desk. Arrange some of the items in your office in a manner so that you are forced to get up, stretch yourself or walk around After some time.

Maintain good neck posture:

Adjust the seat of your computer or desk chair so that your hips are slightly higher than your knees – your head and neck will naturally follow in the correct position.

Travelling in a car, airplane or train? Place a small pillow or rolled towel between your neck and a headrest to keep the normal curve in your neck.

How are you sleeping? Avoid sleeping with too many pillows.

When on the phone: Use a speakerphone or headsets – do not cradle the phone in your neck.

Exercise: Treat your body to a consistent regimen of stretching and strengthening to balance your muscle groups. This protects your neck as well as helps your whole body. Walking at any pace is an excellent exercise for your neck. The rotation of the spine provides a great natural workout for the neck muscles.

Eat smart and drink water: Good nutrition and staying well-hydrated are not only important to stay healthy, but also vital for the healing process