What is Cervical Dystonia?- Causes, Symptoms and Ayurvedic Treatment
Abstract
Cervical Dystonia is a rare condition that can occur at any age. It can affect the quality of life and hinder daily workings. Incidence is more in middle-aged people between 40 to 60 years of age. Women are found to be affected more in number than males. The severity of the disease can vary from person to person but it is a painful condition that needs to be resolved soon. In this article, we will talk about the causes and symptoms of Cervical Dystonia along with its ayurvedic management.
Introduction
Cervical Dystonia is also known as Spasmodic Torticollis is a painful condition in which neck muscles contract without any voluntary action, causing the head to twist. These contractions can cause loss of control of the head and it can tilt to any side. In some cases, these involuntary contractions may be continuous. This neurological condition originates in the brain. The head posture can vary accordingly which will be discussed later. Cervical Dystonia is a neurological disorder but can be caused by various non-neurological causes. Torticollis involves rotation of splenius capitis, trapezius, and levator scapulae muscles to one side and sternocleidomastoid muscle to the other side. In other conditions a person may have difficulty speaking, and swallowing and may also develop vision problems. It may also affect children however the cause may be different and is ruled. This condition requires specialized treatments to control pain, tremors, and other uncontrollable movements.
Ayurvedic Aspect
Vata dosha is responsible for the occurrence of Cervical Dystonia. People with Vata dominance prakriti when developing aggravation of Vata dosha, they are affected with serious disorders. The Vata aggravates due to our own careless and improper lifestyles. You neglect basic rules to live life healthily and thus have to face certain consequences. Well, ayurvedic herbs are potent enough to manage Cervical Dystonia without any side effects. Cervical Dystonia is treated with Rasayana (Rejuvenating herbs) and tridosha balancing remedies in Ayurveda. Massage with hot medicated oils is also helpful in relieving symptoms. Medications prescribed for the proper treatment of Cervical Dystonia are described further in the article.
Causes
The causes usually are associated with the head, neck, and shoulders. In most cases, the cause is declared Idiopathic (unknown cause). Other causes involved are as follows –
- Genetic susceptibility
- Environmental factors
- Head, neck, and shoulder injury
- Degenerative brain disorders
- Side effects of certain medications (toxic effects)
- Infections
Symptoms
Symptoms may begin slowly and involve head, neck, and shoulder muscles –
- The main symptom is tilting of the head. The head can tilt in any direction-
- Chin towards shoulder and head sideways (a most common condition called torticollis)
- Chin straight upwards
- Ear towards shoulder
- Chin straight down
- Tremors of hands
- Cervical spine arthritis
- Compression of nerve roots
- Cervical stenosis
Diagnosis
A physical examination is enough to make the diagnosis. An imaging test may be recommended by the doctor –
- MRI
- EMG (electromyography)
Treatment
There are mainly three treatment options in modern pathy. Not all three treatment options are required in all people with Cervical Dystonia. These treatment options do not have a high success rate. The three options are
- Oral medications –
- Therapies – Botulinum toxin injections
- Surgery – Deep brain stimulation surgery
- Cutting nerves surgery
- Side effects of medications and after surgery are not uncommon.
Ayurvedic treatment by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda is a US-FDA-registered ayurvedic company which prepares natural medicines by using authentic ways. The herbal medicines prepared by the company are prescribed worldwide for many health conditions. These medicines are 100% pure and are completely herbal with no side effects. Also while formulating these remedies, our MD experts take care of adding any sort of resin, color, or chemical. The preparation of medicines is purely based on ayurvedic principles and strictly follows government guidelines. Many herbal medicines of Planet Ayurveda are used in the treatment of Cervical Dystonia, which have wonderful results and are doing great in managing the condition –
Product Description
1. Ashwagandha Capsule
These capsules are manufactured with the standard extracts of the herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb increases body strength and enhances immunity to fight against the disease. Ashwagandha is a very potent herb and has remarkable results in various diseases. It effectively maintains painful conditions like cervical dystonia. These capsules will balance tridoshas in the body and relieve symptoms of pain and irritation and improve the overall condition of the patients.
Dosage – Eat 1 capsule twice a day
2. Brahmi capsule
Standard extracts of Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) are used to prepare these capsules. Brahmi has been primarily used in various mental conditions to enhance memory, learning skills, and cognitive behavior of the person. Brahmi is considered as rognashni (destroys diseases), dirghayu (provides long life), and has also proved its effectiveness in cervical dystonia. It is a brain tonic (nervine tonic) and enhances nerve impulse transmission in the brain.
Dosage – Have 1 capsule two times a day with water.
3. Boswellia Curcumin
These wonderful capsules are prepared with a combination of two herbs Curcumin (Curcuma longa) and Shallaki (Boswellia serrata). These herbs increase immunity and act as an antioxidant. Its anti-inflammatory herbs help to reduce swelling. These capsules are helpful in various bone conditions like- osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, polymyalgia rheumatica, etc. These capsules will improve blood circulation in the neck region, and allow its movement.
Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice daily.
4. Yograj Guggul
This polyherbal preparation is made with Guggul (Comniphora guggul), Ajwain (Carum copticum), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), etc. It soothes nerves and intestines, thus improving blood circulation. These herbs reduce Vata dosha aggravation and ease symptoms like pain, numbness, and muscle twitching and thus very effectively improve conditions of Cervical dystonia patients.
Dosage – Take 2 capsules twice daily with water.
5. Aamvatantak Churna
This polyherbal preparation is composed of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum graecum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), etc. It works to pacify Vata dosha mainly and thus works in relieving pain and stiffness. Aamvatantak as the name suggests will eliminate aam (toxins) from the body along with balancing Vata dosha disturbance. This will ultimately reduce symptoms and improve the condition.
Dosage – Take 1 tsp twice with warm water daily.
6. Giloy Capsule
The capsules are from pure extracts of Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). Giloy has been used as an immunomodulator for ages. It soothes the inflamed membranes in various areas of the body. It can fight against any infection in the body starting from urinary tract infections, stomach infections, liver infections, lung diseases, etc. there is no side effect of these capsules and very effectively manage the condition of cervical dystonia patients.
Dosage – Have 1 capsule twice daily with water.
Conclusion
Cervical dystonia is a very painful condition that involves the neck, spine, and brain of the person. Safe treatment is needed for its better recovery and it is possible with Ayurveda. Our doctors are treating many patients successfully. For a side effect-free natural treatment contact us at www.planetayurveda.com