Overview

Most commonly affects the cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) spine. It is also called spinal osteoarthritis and may lead to spinal canal narrowing (stenosis).

Causes

• Aging and disc wear-and-tear
• Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle
• Previous spinal injuries
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

• Neck or lower back pain
• Stiffness, especially after rest
• Radiating pain to arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling in extremities
• Headaches (cervical)

Treatment: Modern Medicine

• Diagnosis: X-ray, MRI, CT scan
• Treatment:
  • NSAIDs for pain relief
  • Muscle relaxants, physiotherapy
  • Epidural steroid injections
  • Surgery for severe nerve compression

Treatment: Traditional Medicine

• Ayurveda: Guggulu, Rasna, Dashamoola; Abhyanga and Kati Basti
• Siddha: Thokkanam (massage), pain-relieving oils
• Unani: Roghan-e-Badam, heat therapy
• TCM: Acupuncture, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang
• Homeopathy: Rhus tox, Calcarea fluorica
• Nutraceuticals: Omega-3, Calcium, Vitamin D3, Curcumin

Caution

• Avoid prolonged sitting
• Don’t self-treat chronic pain with over-the-counter painkillers for long

Prevention

• Ergonomic posture
• Daily back and neck stretches
• Regular weight-bearing exercise