Ayurvedic Name: Manyastambh
Description:
Manyastambha is a condition resembling cervical spondylitis or neck stiffness, where aggravated Vata and Kapha lead to rigidity, pain, and restricted movement in the neck. It commonly occurs due to poor posture, prolonged screen time, excessive stress, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Symptoms include neck pain, muscle stiffness, headaches, and sometimes radiating pain to the arms. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on therapies like Greeva Basti (oil pooling on the neck), Abhyanga, Swedana, herbal decoctions like Rasna and Guggulu, and lifestyle modifications to maintain spinal health.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Grivashoola (Neck Stiffness): Pain and discomfort in the neck, often worsening with movement or after long periods of sitting.
- Stambha (Stiffness): Inability to fully turn or tilt the head, leading to reduced mobility.
- Vishama Agni (Irregular Digestion): Poor digestion, sometimes linked to posture-related tension.
- Rukshata (Dryness): Tension in the neck muscles, leading to dry, tight sensations in the area.
- Shwasa (Breathlessness): Difficulty in taking deep breaths due to tightness in the neck and chest.
- Dourbalya (Weakness): Weakness or fatigue in the neck muscles after prolonged use or tension.
Diagnosis:
X-ray or MRI Cervical Spine
Risk Factors:
- Dietary Factors
Low Calcium Intake: Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake can affect bone health and contribute to the development of cervical spondylitis.
Pro-inflammatory Foods: Diets rich in processed foods, sugar, and fried foods can increase inflammation in the cervical spine, leading to spondylitis. - Lifestyle Factors
Aging: As individuals age, wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to cervical spondylitis.
Poor Posture and Ergonomics: Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching or sitting with the neck in unnatural positions, can stress the cervical spine and lead to degeneration. - Medical Conditions
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis in the cervical spine can lead to the breakdown of cartilage and the formation of bone spurs, causing pain and stiffness.
Spinal Injuries: Past spinal injuries, particularly those affecting the neck, can lead to long-term degeneration and spondylitis.
Complications:
- Restricted Range of Motion (Chalana Avikriti): Reduced neck mobility can lead to difficulty turning the head, affecting driving, work, and other activities.
- Chronic Pain (Griva Shoola): Persistent stiffness can cause ongoing neck and upper back pain, which may radiate to the shoulders.
- Tension Headaches (Shira Shoola): Neck stiffness often leads to muscle tension, causing headaches or migraines.
- Muscle Weakness (Mamsa Dourbalya): Prolonged stiffness can result in muscle atrophy, making it difficult to support the head and neck.
- Nerve Compression (Nadi Kshaya): Severe stiffness or degeneration can lead to nerve compression, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or hands.
Epidemeology:
More common in adults aged 30-60, particularly those who experience chronic poor posture or work in sedentary environments.
Affects approximately 15-20% of the population at some point in their lives, with higher rates in individuals who spend long hours sitting or using computers.
Women are more likely to report neck stiffness, especially during pregnancy and menopause, due to hormonal fluctuations and muscle changes.