Study of Manyasharira w.s.r. to anatomical changes in Greevakasheruka in Manyastambha (Cervical Spondylosis)

Abstract

Manya is Chala i.e. locomotor part of the body. In Amarkosha ‘Manya’ is described as ‘Greevapaschat Sira’. Cervical spine due to its position, complex structure and great mobility is vulnerable to injuries. In present era human being is prone to numerous degenerative diseases, because of stressful and fast lifestyles. ‘Manyastambha’ is one of such lifestyle disorder which is originated from excessive use of vehicle, excessive travelling, continuous sitting and working for hours, jobs that requires heavy lifting or a lot of bending and twisting, lack of exercise, unhealthy food habits and suppression of natural urges. Manyastambha is Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. The main symptoms of Manyastambha are Ruk (pain) and Stambha (stiffness and restricted movements). It can be clinically co-related with cervical spondylosis. Manyastambha is a degenerative disorder as well as it may be due to occupational hazard. Loss of curvature, Reduction of disc space, Osteophytes formation are main anatomical changes associated with Manyastambha in the present sample study of patients. We have found that, the most common disc space reduced at the level of C5-C6 and C6-C7. In the present observational study, housewives are more prone to develop Manyastambha (cervical spondylosis), followed by clerk, tailor, farmer. We have found that most of patients had sedentary work and Diwaaswapa, lack of exercise, causing Tridosha Prakopa dominanatly Kapha Prakopa, thereby leading to Agnimandya and Aama. Margavrodhjanaya Vaata Prakopa is the result of such Samprapti.