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Article tells you about the different types of neck pains and solutions from a Yog and Ayurvedic perspective.
We are in the digital era where a lot of work is done on computers and smartphones. Besides work we use them to shop online, listen to music, news updates and what’s app. There is no doubt that we are enjoying it, everything is only a click away. The change is nothing short of revolutionary.
But on the flip side, it
has been observed that lifestyle has become sedentary and cutting across age
barriers we have become addicted to the screen. The number of cases of neck
pain & stiffness, stress & cervical spondylosis have increased.
The incidence of cervical spondylosis on young
people is increasing every year as is brought out in this report.
The cause of neck pain
include sedentary lifestyle, wrong posture, smoking, old age, other metabolic
disorders, accidental trauma, surgery etc.
This article provides a comprehensive
understanding of neck pain and solutions.
Neck
is a delicate part of the body, having wide range of motion, which connects
your entire body with the head. It bears 4-5kg weight of the human head. Many
vital blood vessels and nerves pass through the spinal cord and connect the brain
stem. The base of the brain is called brain stem. It controls important physiological functions like breathing, heart rate, and reflexes. The vagus nerve travels through the spinal column and communicates vital information from the brain to the heart and intestines.
The neck region is supported by the musculoskeletal system of the
upper back & neck region, mainly pairs of sternocleidomastoid and the trapezius. They
are responsible for the wide range of movements of neck and head. The neck
muscles movements are under control of cranial nerves namely the facial and
accessory nerve (movements of head & neck). These muscles adjust themselves, according to the posture of
the head, throughout our daily activities. The sensory organs of the head use the
cranial nerves for signal transmission like smell, taste etc.
Therefore, injury to any
part of the neck and spinal cord may cause a loss of sensation and motor
function or sometimes even result in death. Stress is also one of the important causes of neck
pain. Therefore, it is important not to take neck movement for granted.
Types
of Neck Pain
The good news is that every neck pain is not cervical
spondylosis or a severe one. Neck pain is divided into the following categories
depending on signs and symptoms, age, duration & response to treatment.
Acute
& mild - Muscle
soreness, stiffness, spasm, last for 1-2 days without pathological cause, no
nerve compression. Typically happens during young age.
Simple cold & hot water fomentation or oil/liniment
application can resolve this kind of pain.
Moderate - Recurrent neck pain and stiffness. Neck pain associated
cervical disc budge or nerve compression, it radiates towards shoulder, hands
& is accompanied with tingling or numbness sensations. It may last for more
than 3 days. Typically happens during middle age.
Chronic
& severe - Severe
neck pain due to involvement of pathological & structural damage,
restricted neck movement associated with arm, shoulder and jaw pain. It may
last for more than 10 days.
Neck
pain treatments
Rest is the most
important first line of treatment. Forward
bend of neck movement is prohibited in neck pain i.e. why modern science
advises cervical collar as external support to the neck.
Please approach your local doctor instead of searching
symptoms & solutions online. Medical experts can analyse cause correctly
and recommend treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment helps avoid further
complications.
Ayurveda
therapy for strengthening neck
Apply Nirgundi, Mahanarayan oil at the neck region or Ayurveda
therapy Manyabasti (allowing
medicated herbal oil absorption on cervical region) is useful for mild to
moderate neck pain. It is recommended to do once a week even if you have no
neck problems.
Neck pain & Yoga
To prevent neck pain maintain a healthy diet, do exercise and
yoga. Do not force yourself to do things beyond
your capacity.
Self-awareness is an integral part of Yoga, which is very important for the health of neck and spine. It is hoped that more and more people will embrace yoga, avail of its holistic benefits by practicing it during working & non-working hours. At the same time one should also be aware of one’s limitations and of yogic practices. One should take care of neck at all times be it while using computer, mobile and travelling, sleeping, exercise, weight lifting etc.
Before practicing Yogic asanas like
Sarvangasana, Shirshasana, Bakasana, Matsyasana first train your neck muscles properly
with loosening practices or neck movements.
Tadasana. Courtesy author.
Five Best Asana for a healthy neck
Brahmamudra (neck movements).
Tadasana.
Marjarasana.
Trikonasana.
Vakrasana.
Breathing Techniques & Pranayama help
oxygen consumption in the cell & blood circulation.
Meditation – Stabilizes sympathetic nervous system.
Pranayama. Courtesy author.
Yogic
Diet
Eat healthy &
yogic diet (fresh fruits, vegetables) to maintain immunity.
Protein diet -
beans, nuts, soybean have antioxidant properties.
Drink milk, have
yoghurt.
Include unsaturated
fats present in flax-seed, almonds, walnuts, and fish (omega 3 fatty acids).
Avoid processed & packed food.
Drink 9-10 glasses of water daily.
It is important that yoga is practiced with right understanding of its principles & methods. Yoga definitely helps to overcome stress induced neck pain. However, sometimes pathological inflammation needs rest & anti-inflammatory back up.
Lastly, it is important to identify
specific causes of neck pain. Sometimes, it is a result of overuse and not
because of computer usage. Centuries ago, Sage Patanjali said the cause of
health problems is human ignorance.
Neck pain is the result of
ignorance and overuse use of computers and smartphones. Therefore, one needs to
be aware & treat the cause to get rid of neck pain.
Author is
an Associate Professor, Graduate in Ayurveda from Mumbai University, Master in
Yogashastra. She has been practicing & teaching Ayurved and Yog at
Kaivalyadhama, Mumbai for many years.
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