All World
Gayatri Pariwar

  Readers and parijans are well acquainted with the theoretical background of yoga therapy. Everyone is convinced with the utility and efficacy of yoga therapy. Now the discussions should proceed on the diseases and their cure through yoga. This should be the focus of our narration and analysis. Accordingly it is proposed to begin with the ailments of skeletal system, which gives form and shape to our body. It will not be an exaggeration to say that our very existence is based on a strong and healthy skeletal system. Though many diseases and pains crop up in the skeletal system, the most common one is cervical spondylitis.

What is cervical spondylitis? With ageing and several other reasons, changes take place in the bones of the neck region. Then, the intervertebral space gets reduced and the patient feels pain in the neck. This situation results due to continued stiffness in the cervical bones for a long duration, causing gradual degeneration in them.

Generally this symptom is observed in the individuals above 40 years of age. In x-rays, clear deformity is seen generally between 4th, 5th and 6th cervical vertebrae. In some cases no deformity or degeneration is noticed. Doctors believe that in the deformities of vertebral column, the disc between two vertebrae contracts and starts to degenerate and in this space a thick end of bone is seen, which is called osteophytes. The bone tube in this region, which is called foramina, also gets reduced. Through foramina blood supply reaches not only to the vertebral column but also to the hind brain. The contraction in these bones exerts pressure on the blood vessels and nerves in that region and the patient feels discomfort.

The symptoms of Spondylitis

In the beginning there is intermittent pain in the neck, which gradually increases. Tension in the neck region, stiffness of muscle, problem in turning the neck, heaviness and pain in shoulders, which later spreads from shoulders to hands, are the symptoms. Numbness or shivering in hands, vertigo and headache are the other symptoms.  Many other symptoms are found depending on the particular nerve which is getting compressed and affected in that spot.

Causes of Spondylitis

According to doctors, cervical sprain, rheumatoid arthritis, cervical disc prolepses, bone tuberculosis and the changes taking place in the bones are the causes for spondylitis. This is seen more often in the individuals who work with the head bend forward or use thick pillows while sleeping. According to a report published in Times of India newspaper of 23-4-2006, even children have been found to be victims of this ailment. Pediatricians feel that the heavy school bags could be the culprits, though it is not widely accepted.

The facts about Cervical Spondylitis

Doctors are of the opinion that this can be diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, but X–rays, C. T. scans and M.R.I. confirm the diagnosis. Through these diagnostic tools the reduction of intervertebral space, the contraction of disc, expansion of edges etc can be clearly noticed.

Available cure for cervical spondylitis is pain killers. Corticoid steroid injection is given in the vertebral column but some times it increases the problems of the patient. Physiotherapy gives some relief to the patient. Physiotherapists use massage, traction and cervical belt.

Yogic cure for Spondylitis

Yoga therapy has been very effective as a cure for spondylitis. In the initial stages, when the deformity in the cervical vertebrae is diagnosed through X- Ray, then some special back bending asanas correct the deformed nerves and muscles and improve the state of neck and prevent the degeneration of bones.

For this, patient must practice makarasan, skandachakra, sarpasan, bhujangasan, dhanurasan, etc., along with nadi shodhan   and bhramari pranayama, under the guidance of an expert yoga trainer.

How these yogasanas should be practiced?

Even though simple procedures for all the above mentioned asanas are being given here, one should take advice of a yoga specialist before practicing these asanas, or else, the advice of experts from the Department of Yoga of Deva Sanskriti Vishwavidhyalaya can be obtained.

The procedure of Makarasana :

Lie down on the abdomen, raise the head and shoulders, place the elbows on the ground and rest the chin on both the palms. The gap between the elbows should be same as the gap between shoulders. Feel the pressure in the neck region, stay in that position for a while and slowly come back to normal position. This asana relieves the pressure on nerves of vertebral column.

The procedure of Skandachakra

Sit in sukhassana. Spread the hands sideways, fold the hands at elbows and touch the shoulders with fingers. Now relax the shoulders and make circular movements from front to back for 10 times. Repeat the same process in reverse direction. Rest for a while.

The procedure of Sarpasana

Lie down on the abdomen. Place the elbows near the shoulders and place the palms on the ground. Now raise head, neck and shoulders slowly, stay in this position for a while and slowly come back to normal position and rest.

The procedure of Bhujangasan

Lie down on the abdomen; place the hands near shoulders, raise the portion of the body above navel, while inhaling slowly. Relax backbone and muscles. Stay in this position as long as you can and then come back to the normal position. Repeat the process 5 to 10 times. This asana is prohibited for the patients of hernia, peptic ulcer and hyper thyroid.

The procedure of Dhanurasan

Lie down on the abdomen. Bend the legs at the knees and fold to place them on the hips and hold both the ankles with the hands. Inhaling, raise the front portion of the body, as high as possible. After staying in the asana as long as you can, come back to the normal position and rest in shavasana. This asana is prohibited for heart patients and persons of high blood pressure, hernia, peptic or duodenal ulcers and colitis.

Pranayama:

Procedure of Nadi Shodhan Pranayama:

Sit in sukhasana or any other meditative posture. Inhale and exhale through left nostril, repeat the process thrice. Then inhale through both the nostrils and exhale slowly through mouth. This is one cycle of nadi shodhan pranayama. In the beginning repeat the process without retaining air inside or keeping it outside. Later practice retaining air externally as well as internally, as long as possible. Visualize that every incoming breath brings in purifying divine prana and every outgoing breath expels the toxins along with it. Initially practice 3-4 cycles and gradually increase the number.

The procedure of Bhramari pranayama:

Sit in sukhasan or any other meditative posture. Keep neck and spine erect and eyes closed. Close gently the ears with index or little finger. Lips should be shut and jaws slightly open. Take a deep breath through both the nostrils, retain it for a while and exhale slowly while making a sound like the bee. Feel the sound vibrations in your brain. This pranayama enhances the rejuvenating process of the body and helps in normalizing blood pressure and relieving tension and pain.

Some other beneficial practices

1    Place both the palms on forehead, bend the head forward but prevent the movement with the palms and feel the tension.

2    Place the palms at the back of the head and try to bend the head backward, simultaneously resist the movement with the palms and feel the tension.

3    Place the right palm on the right ear. Bend the head in right direction and simultaneously prevent the movement with the palm.

4    Repeat the same process with the left palm at the left ear. Exert pressure for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat the process 10-20 times.

Some other suggestions

1.    Do not work for long hours, while bending the neck forward.
2.    Do not use thick, fat pillow.
3.    Avoid loose cot, uneven or heavily cushioned bed.
4.    Avoid lifting heavy weights.
5.    Use of a collar for sometime is beneficial.

Follow the sequence of yoga therapy correctly. Adopt the right techniques. Take proper precautions and get well soon.