Abstract
Cervical spondylosis refers to age-related degenerative changes in the cervical spine, including intervertebral disc degeneration and osteophyte formation. It commonly presents with neck pain, stiffness, and in some cases, neurological symptoms due to nerve compression. Homeopathy offers effective individualized treatment by addressing both the physical and mental aspects of the patient. Kent’s repertory helps to identify the correct remedy by matching characteristic symptoms through various rubrics.
By categorizing symptoms into relevant rubrics in the ‘Extremities’, ‘Neck’, ‘Back’, and ‘Mind’ chapters of Kent’s repertory, suitable remedies can be selected to support relief and long-term management.
Keywords
Homeopathy, Kent’s Repertory, Cervical Spondylosis, Neck pain
Introduction
• Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative condition affecting the cervical spine, intervertebral discs, ligaments, and facet joints.
• It is most commonly seen in individuals above 40 years of age.
• Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, vertigo, occipital headaches, and radiation of pain to shoulders or arms.
• In advanced stages, it may lead to compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Etiology
• Age-related degeneration of intervertebral discs and vertebrae. • Repetitive neck strain (desk job, improper posture).
• Previous injury or trauma to the neck.
• Genetic predisposition.
• Sedentary lifestyle or lack of neck exercises.
Pathophysiology
• Degenerative changes begin with disc dehydration and loss of disc height. • Osteophyte (bone spur) formation and thickening of ligaments reduce spinal flexibility.
• Compression of nerve roots or spinal cord leads to neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in upper limbs.
Symptoms
• Neck pain and stiffness, worse on movement or in the morning.
• Headache, typically occipital.
• Vertigo, often triggered by neck movement.
• Paresthesia or numbness in arms/hands.
• Muscle weakness in the upper extremities.
• In severe cases, gait disturbances and bladder/bowel involvement due to cord compression.
Management
Allopathic Management:
▪ NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
▪ Cervical collar or traction
▪ Physiotherapy
▪ Surgery in severe cases
Lifestyle Management:
▪ Posture correction
▪ Neck strengthening exercises
▪ Ergonomic adjustments
Homeopathic Management:
Homeopathy aims to reduce inflammation, relieve nerve compression symptoms, and improve mobility based on individualized totality of symptoms.
Common Homeopathic Remedies
1. Rhus toxicodendron
For stiffness and pain better by motion, worse after rest.
Useful in cold, damp weather aggravations.
2. Bryonia alba
Pain worse from slightest motion, better by rest and pressure.
Irritable temperament, dryness of mucous membranes.
3. Kalmia latifolia
For cervical pain with numbness and tingling extending down the arms. Sudden onset, shooting pains, associated with heart symptoms.
4. Cimicifuga racemosa
For neck stiffness, pain radiating to the shoulders, and emotional disturbances. Especially useful in women.
5.Gelsemium
For dull neck pain, heaviness of head, and vertigo.
Accompanied by drowsiness and muscle weakness.
KENT’S REPERTORY
Useful chapters and rubrics for Cervical Spondylosis:
Neck – Pain – Cervical Region – pg 1002
Neck – Stiffness – pg 1003
Back – Pain – Cervical Region – Extending to shoulders – pg 1040
Extremities – Numbness – Upper limbs – pg 1080
Vertigo – Turning head – pg 906
Mind – Irritability – With pain – pg 57
Extremities – Weakness – Hands – pg 1092
Back – Pain – Motion, on – pg 1037
Extremities – Pain – Radiating – Arms – pg 1084
Conclusion
Cervical spondylosis, though a degenerative condition, can be effectively managed through individualized homeopathic remedies that address both physical and mental symptoms. Kent’s repertory plays a vital role in selecting the similimum by guiding through accurate rubrics for each patient’s unique symptom picture.
References
1. Dutta D.C., Textbook of Obstetrics and Gynecology – Jaypee Brothers, 8th Ed.
2. Kent J.T., Repertory of the Homeopathic Materia Medica – B. Jain Publishers, 14th Impression, 2019.
3. Boericke W., Pocket Manual of Homeopathic Materia Medica – B. Jain Publishers. 4. Allen H.C., Keynotes and Characteristics with Comparisons – B. Jain Publishers.
5. Clarke J.H., A Dictionary of Practical Materia Medica – B. Jain Publishers.
Dr. Khushi J Nagrecha and Dr. Parthiv Y dodiya
B.H.M.S ; L. R. Shah Homeopathy College, Aanandpar, Rajkot. Guide by Dr. Pintu Srivastava
[B.H.M.S (M.D)PhD Scholar, Assistant professor, Department of Anatomy] Email : [email protected]
