10 Best Homeopathic Medicines For Neck Pain and Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis, also known as osteoarthritis of the cervical spine, is the degeneration of parts of the the cervical spine (back of the neck) like joints, vertebrae, ligaments, tendons, spinal intervertebral disc and muscles forming it. The vertebrae are the bones that are stacked one above the other in the backbone. The cervical spine has seven vertebrae immediately below the skull. The spinal intervertebral discs lie between these vertebrae that act as shock-absorbing cushions. Ligaments are bands connecting one bone to another, while tendons are the tissue bands that connect bone with the muscle.

Homeopathy has excellent remedies to treat cervical spondylosis. They provide relief where cervical spondylosis presents symptoms like tingling in arms and hands along with neck pain, stiffness and numbness. If a proper course of homeopathic medicines is taken, there is reduction in the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. One can reduce dependency on painkillers greatly with these remedies. However, homeopathy cannot reverse the degenerative changes that have already occurred, but can help reduce further progression of these changes in the structures of the cervical spine.

Why choose Homoeopathy?

1) Natural treatment

Homeopathy is a gentle way of healing because the ingredients of its medicines are procured from natural non-toxic substances. Therefore, they are very safe ensuring natural healing with no side effects, even after a prolonged use.

2) Individualized treatment

Homeopathy has a wide range of medicines to treat cervical spondylosis, but the treatment is not generalized, but personalised. This means that the medicine varies from person to person according to the different symptoms. As the symptoms vary from case to case, individualized homeopathic prescription is preferred. The medicines are selected as per the characteristic symptoms in each case. For example, neck pain with stiffness might need Rhus Tox whereas in cases having radiating pain along with tingling, numbness in hands, Kalmia would be a preferred medicine.

3) Stimulates inbuilt healing system

Homeopathy believes that every person has an inbuilt healing mechanism that can overcome health issues naturally. It just needs a right stimulus to initiate healing. Homeopathy uses diluted natural ingredients that activate the healing mechanism to self-heal, thus providing relief. 

10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Cervical Spondylosis and Neck Pain

The top ten homeopathic medicines for cervical spondylosis are Rhus Tox, Bryonia Alba, Guaiacum Officinale, Paris Quadrifolia, Kalmia Latifolia, Lachnanthes, Conium,  Hypericum Perforatum, Cimicifuga Racemosa and Ruta Graveolens.

1. Rhus Toxicondendron – Best Remedy For Pain, Stiffness In Neck 

Rhus Tox is the main medicine for managing cervical spondylosis which is marked by pain and stiffness in the neck. It gives the best results for neck pain which is caused by overstraining or overuse of the neck due to long working hours on the computer or lifting heavy weights. Warm application and massage on the neck bring relief. Rhus Tox also helps when there is pain in the neck due to an injury.

When to use Rhus Tox?

Best for neck pain and stiffness due to overstraining of the neck.

How to use Rhus Tox?

Rhus Tox can be administered in 30C potency two to three times a day. Higher potencies like 200C,
1M should be taken omly after consulting a homeopathic doctor.

2. Bryonia Alba – For Neck Pain that Aggravates With Movement 

Bryonia Alba is administered for neck pain that intensifies from any form of movement. Stiffness in
the neck is an accompanying factor. Proper rest brings relief. It is also helpful when stiffness and
pain in the neck arises due to overuse of neck muscles like excessive use of mobile phone or
computers without a break.

When to use Bryonia?

Bryonia should be administered when the neck pain worsens due to movement and gets better
while resting.

How to use Bryonia?

Its use is preferred in 30C potency that can be taken twice a day.

3. Guaiacum Officinale – For Pain In Neck, Shoulder and Back of Head 

Guaiacum Officinale is a medicine which provides relief particularly if the pain radiates over the entire neck, shoulders and the back of head. The neck gets stiff, shoulder feels sore and sensitive to touch. In some cases, stiffness from the neck may radiate down the back on one side. The pain gets worse when one makes movements.

When to use Guaiacum Officinale?

It is a recommended if there is pain that radiates over the entire neck, back of head and shoulders.Also, one is sensitive to touch.

How to use Guaiacum Officinale?

It gives wonderful results in 30C potency. Guaiacum Officinale can be used two times daily for best results.

4. Paris Quadrifolia – For Pain And Numbness In Arms, Hands Or Fingers  

Paris Quadrifolia is a natural homoeopathic medicine prepared from plant one berry. This medicine is beneficial if a patient has pain in the neck along with numbness in fingers, hands and arms. The neck pain radiates down to the fingers is another key feature. Pain worsens from exertion and is accompanied by the sensation of heaviness around the shoulders and neck. Swelling and stiffness may be an accompanying factor.

When to use Paris Quadrifolia?

This medicine is very effective when pain radiates from neck to fingers. An accompanying factor is numbness in arms, hands and fingers.

How to use Paris Quadrifolia?

It gives great results in 30C potency. It can be used twice or thrice daily depending on the intensity of the symptom.

5. Kalmia Latifolia – For Neck Pain That Goes Down The Arms, With Tingling And Numbness 

Kalmia Latifolia is a natural medicine prepared from leaves of plant ‘mountain laurel’. This medicine is administered in cases of cervical spondylosis where pain from neck goes down the arms. The pain is associated tingling, numbness or pricking sensation in hands. In some such cases, upper limbs may feel weak.

When to use Kalmia Latifolia?

It is administered for brachialgia, a condition where a pinched nerve in the neck is a cause for pain in the arm. Pain in the neck goes to the arms along with feeling of tingling and numbness in hands or arms.

How to use Kalmia Latifolia?

It can be administered twice daily in 30C potency.

6. Lachnanthes – When Neck Is Drawn To One Side Due To Extreme Pain And Stiffness 

Lachnanthes is a great remedy for cases of cervical spondylosis when neck gets drawn to one side from intense stiffness and pain. There is an inability to move the neck to the other side. The medicine helps relax neck muscles and improves pain and stiffness in the neck. In some cases, pain radiates to the head.

When to use Lachnanthes?

This medicine works wonderfully when the neck gets twisted to one side due to extreme pain and stiffness.  There is complete inability to rotate the neck to the other side.

How to use Lachnanthes?

Preferred dose to use this medicine is 30C potency, two times a day. Potency and dose can be enhanced after consulting a qualified homoeopath.

7. Conium Maculatum – For Managing Vertigo With Neck Pain 

Conium is a great medicine for episodes of vertigo associated with neck stiffness and pain. Usually, vertigo aggravates from the movement of the neck.

When to use Conium?

This medicine is administered to manage vertigo episodes, especially due to neck movement accompanied by pain.

How to use Conium?

It is mostly recommended in 30C potency that can be taken one to two times a day. Its higher potencies can also be used but only after consulting a homeopathic.

8. Hypericum Perforatum – For Neck Pain From Injury 

Hypericum Perforatum is a wonderful medicine for neck pain especially that happens due to an injury.  The main symptoms are neck pain that may extend to the shoulders and spine and is extremely sensitive to touch. Tingling, or burning sensation and numbness in hands may also accompany.

When to use Hypericum Perforatum?

It is used in cases of neck pain due to injury. Also, due to pain the spine becomes extremely sensitive.

How to use Hypericum Perforatum?

It can be administered in different potencies. To begin with, it is good to start with 30C potency two times daily. Higher potencies can be used but only after consulting a homeopath physician.

9. Cimicifuga Racemosa – For Cervical Pain With Noticeable Stiffness 

It is a very beneficial medicine administered for muscular pains in the back and neck with stiffness that can be easily noticed. Neuralgic or rheumatic drawing pains described as shooting, darting that get worse due to movement are well managed by this medicine. The spine becomes hypersensitive and contracts. It also works well for a stiff neck caused by exposure to cold wind.

When to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

Those who need this medicine complain about aching, drawing, or cramping pains at the nape of the neck, with noticeable stiffness — especially when caused due to the exposure to cold weather or air.

How to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

This medicine is administered in 30C potency two times daily for best results.

10. Ruta Graveolens – For Neck Pain From Strain  

Ruta Graveolens, a natural homoeopathic treatment course is prepared from plant garden rue, and is a highly effective medicine for patients suffering from cervical spondylosis with neck pain especially from strain or injuries. The spine feels weak and there is tension and pressure in the nape of neck. Vertebrae slip out of place easily causing a sore, lame sensation in the whole spine.

When to use Ruta?

It is well indicated medicine in cases of neck pain from straining along with weak spine and tension in the muscles of neck and shoulders.

How to use Ruta?

It can be taken once or twice a day in 30C potency, one can consider a higher potency like 200, 1M after consulting a homoeopathic physician.

Causes Of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis mainly results from wear and tear of the cervical spine which is mainly due to age-related degenerative changes. In some cases, injury to the cervical spine may lead to early spondylosis changes in the cervical spine. The following degenerative changes may occur in the spine:

1. Herniation and dehydration  of intervertebral disc

Intervertebral discs are the fibro-cartilaginous cushions present between the vertebrae that act as shock absorber when the spine is loaded like while twisting or weighting lifting. The discs have an outer thick layer and gel-like soft centre.

Dehydration of these discs means drying of the inner gel-like matter that leads to rubbing together of vertebral bones that causes pain.

Herniation or a slip disc means leakage of the inner jelly material due to a crack in the outer layer of the disc. At times, this may press the spinal cord and nerves causing discomfort.

2. Bone spurs in spine

Bone spurs refers to additional bony growths that may form in and around the spine to make it stronger when discs break down. These bone spurs pinch spinal cord and the nerves leading to pain and other such symptoms.

3. Ligament Stiffness

Ligament is a band of tissues that connects one bone to another. With age, these ligaments become stiff, thus restricting the movements of the neck causing stiffness.

Risk Factors Involved In Cervical Spondylosis

The major factors that enhance the risk of developing cervical spondylosis are the following:

1. Age – Since it is a degenerative disorder, it is directly related to age. Symptoms of cervical spondylosis usually begin at 40 years and by the age of 60, more than 85 per cent of the people get affected. However, its susceptibility starts increasing as one reaches 40 years of age.

2. Straining more than is required or overuse of neck muscles – It is commonly seen in people with occupations which involves repetitive motion or bending/twisting of the neck like painters; sporting activity like playing badminton and heavy weightlifting.

3. Holding neck in improper position for a long time like a bent neck for an extended period of time, or while working on computers placed too high or low, using mobile phones while sitting in an uncomfortable position puts extra stress on the neck and may cause pain.

4. Neck injuries –Injuries or trauma to neck may hasten the degenerative changes

5. Arthritis (joint inflammation) –  Any existing swelling or inflammation of the joints could lead to increased risk of cervical vertebrae involvement.

6. Family history of cervical spondylosis

7. Smoking

Symptoms Of Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis may cause various symptoms from mild to severe intensity, depending upon the progression of the degenerative changes in the spine. Some of the common symptoms are:

1. Stiffness and Neck Pain: The key symptom of cervical spondylosis includes constant stiffness and neck pain. The pain may be localised to the neck or may go down the arm, hands and fingers. In chronic cases, the stiffness and pain may curb the movement of the neck making it difficult to carry out routine activities.

2. Tingling, numbness and weakness in upper limbs: If spinal cord/nerve roots in the cervical part of the spine are compressed, it can lead to tingling, numbness and weakness in the upper limb affecting the grip and strength of the arms. Additionally, this can lead to lack of coordination and trouble while walking.

3. Dizziness or vertigo: Another key symptom among patients suffering from cervical spondylosis is vertigo episodes and dizziness. It can make one feel lightheaded, can cause imbalance especially while moving the neck.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is cervical spondylosis connected to too much of mobile phone use or computer related work?

Yes, prolonged forward head posture increases strain on cervical spine and can aggravate degeneration.

2. How is cervical spondylosis diagnosed?

Diagnosis can be done on the basis of clinical symptoms, a detailed medical history and sometimes imaging tests such as MRIs and X-rays that can be helpful in assessing the extent of the symptoms.

3. When should I consult a doctor?

If you experience constant or worsening neck pain accompanied by stiffness, weakness or numbness in arms, loss of balance and difficulty in walking seek immediate medical help.

4. How much time does it take to treat cervical spondylosis with homoeopathy?

Time taken to cure the disease directly depends on the progression of disease, how intense the symptoms are and individual’s response to treatment. While milder cases may show signs of improvement in a few weeks, chronic cases may take a couple of months.

5. Is exercise safe for cervical spondylosis?

Yes, neck strengthening exercises and stretching may help. However, only exercises guided by experts are recommended. Avoid heavy lifting and sudden movements, and high-impact activities.

6. What lifestyle changes help to manage cervical spondylosis?

Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a good posture, avoiding long hours on phones and laptop, stretching every 30–40 minutes, using ergonomic chairs, sleeping on a thin pillow can help in managing the cases of cervical spondylosis.

7. Can cervical spondylosis be cured by homeopathy?

Since it is a chronic degenerative condition, it cannot be fully reversed. But symptoms can be effectively managed well and curbed with proper treatment and exercises.

8. Can cervical spondylosis lead to paralysis?

Though very rare, if there is severe spinal cord compression, it can lead to complications such as paralysis but early diagnosis and proper treatment can prevent any such complications.