Neck Pain is a common medical condition. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders and diseases of any tissues in the neck, such as degenerative disc disease, neck strain, whiplash, a herniated disc, or a pinched nerve. Neck pain is also referred to as Cervical Pain. 

The symptoms include pain in the neck and is commonly associated with dull aching. Sometimes pain in the neck is worsened with movement of the neck. Other symptoms associated with some forms of neck pain include numbness, tingling, tenderness, sharp shooting pain, fullness, difficulty swallowing, pulsations, swishing sounds in the head, dizziness or lightheadedness etc.

In diagnosing the cause of neck pain, it is important to review the history of the symptoms. In doing so, the doctor will note the location, intensity, duration, and radiation of the pain. Any past injury to the neck is noted. Aggravating and/or relieving positions or motions are also recorded. Further testing of undiagnosed neck pain can include X-ray evaluation, bone scan, MRI scan. 

Ayurveda suggests the following choice of treatment for all Neck Pains:

Ayurveda & Keraliya Panchakarma Therapies, Researched Internal Medicines, Diet management, Intensive muscle training, Yoga, Pranayama & other stress releaving exercises

 

Ayurveda & Keraliya Panchakarma Therapies for a period of 7/14/21/28 days according to the severity of the disease which includes Shiro dhara (pouring continuous stream of medicated oil on the fore head and doing a gentle & soothing head massage), Shiro vasti (A special technique of bathing the head in medicated oils using a special cap like apparatus), Abhyangam ( A whole body massage with specific herbal oils, achieves deepest healing effects by naturally harmonizing Body, Mind, Soul and the Senses), Nadi Swedam (medicated steam bath),Nasyam (administration of medicated oil through the nose, cleanses accumulated Kapha toxins from the head and neck region), Elakizhi (herbal leaf bundle massage),Shastika Sali Pinda Swedam/ Navarakizhi (A highly effective rejuvenation technique using a special type of rice that is cooked, tied into boluses and dipped into an herbal decoction and warm milk, then skillfully massaged all over the body), Pizhichil (medicated oil bath), Greeva Vasthi(a treatment done on to the neck to decrease cervical spinal compression). etc. 

Medicines used in this treatment includes Thailams, Churnams, Asavams, Aristams, Ghrithams, Lehyams etc prepared from ayurvedic herbs like Rasna, Nirgundi, Dasamoola, Aswagandha etc based on severity, stage of the disease, age, prakruthi of the patient. Vata hara, Brumhana Oushada Ahara Vihara are also advised to these patients. 

People with weak neck muscles are more prone to neck problems and in such cases, an exercise programme to strengthen the neck is a good idea. Pranayama and other neck exercises releaves the stress in the neck.