Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis

Abstract

Background: Studies have shown that conventional treatment for common neck pain may be inadequate. Yoga techniques also have been found to be better and beneficial complimentary therapy in cervical spondylosis and also reduce the stress levels. Objective: The aim of the study Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled study, 100 among them 50 participants in the case group were asked to attend 30 minutes yoga with medications for a period of 3 months. The control group 50 subjects did not receive any yoga intervention only medications and were asked to complete questionnaires. Each group was evaluated Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measur Results: The present interventional study selected as cases those underwent yoga session with medicines. 50 controls with mean 41.84±11.129 were selected as control group underwent only medication. During the first visit, case group results showed mean VAS score 3.46 versus 3.86 with p group results showed mean VAS score 1.82 versus 3.06 with p value 0.000. Whereas at f VAS score of cases recorded 0.38 versus control 2.12 with p value less than 0.000. The cases who done yoga shown a very high significant change of VAS score completing the last visit i.e. at third visit.

Full text

Vungarala Satyanand, T.
Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya
Sarala. Effects of y
ogasanas on cervical
Original Research Article
Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis
Vungarala Satyanand
Panneerselvam
3
, Shaik Mahaboobvali
Vanka Sarala
6
1
Professor, D
epartment of Philosophy of Nature Cure and Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy
Medica
l College and Hospital, Nellore, India
2
Associate Professor, D
epartment of
India
3
Assistant Professor, Departme
nt of Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and
Hospital, Nellore, India
4
Scientist,
Advanced Research Center, Narayana Medical College, Nellore
5
Statistician, Narayana Medical College, Nellore
6
BNYS student, Narayana Yoga and N
*
Corresponding author email:
research.nmch@rediffmail.com
International Archives of Inte
Received on:
Source of support:
Abstract
Background:
Studies have shown that conventional treatment for common neck pain may be
inadequate. Yoga techniques also have been found to be better and beneficial complimentary therapy
in cervical spondylosis and also reduce the stress levels.
Objective: The aim of the study
Materials and Methods:
In this randomized controlled study, 100
among them 50 participants in the case group were asked to attend 30 minutes yoga
with medications for a period of 3 months. The control group 50 subjects did not receive any yoga
intervention only medications and were asked to complete questionnaires. Each group was evaluated
Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measur
Results:
The present interventional study
selected as cases those underwent yoga session with medicines. 50 controls with mean
41.84±11.129 were selected
as control group underwent only medication. During the first visit, case
group results showed
mean VAS score 3.46 versus 3.86 with p
group results showed mean
VAS score 1.82 versus 3.06 with p value 0.000. Whereas at f
VAS score of cases recorded 0.38 versus control 2.12 with p value less than 0.000. The cases who
done yoga shown a very high significant change of VAS score completing the last visit i.e. at third
visit.
Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya
Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
ogasanas on cervical
spondylosis. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 6-10.
Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis
Vungarala Satyanand
1*
, T. Gopalakrishnaiah
2
, Elakkiya
, Shaik Mahaboobvali
4
, Shaik Ahammad Basha
epartment of Philosophy of Nature Cure and Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy
l College and Hospital, Nellore, India
epartment of
Orthopedic, Narayana Medica
l College and Hospital, Nellore,
nt of Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and
Advanced Research Center, Narayana Medical College, Nellore
, India
Statistician, Narayana Medical College, Nellore
, India
BNYS student, Narayana Yoga and N
aturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Nellore
research.nmch@rediffmail.com
International Archives of Inte
grated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 7, July
Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved.
Available online at
http://iaimjournal.com/
ISSN: 2394-0026 (P) ISSN: 2394-
0034 (O)
Received on:
09-06-2015
Accepted on:
18
Source of support:
Nil Conflict of
interest:
Studies have shown that conventional treatment for common neck pain may be
inadequate. Yoga techniques also have been found to be better and beneficial complimentary therapy
in cervical spondylosis and also reduce the stress levels.
was to examine the effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis.
In this randomized controlled study, 100
patients were selected as subjects,
among them 50 participants in the case group were asked to attend 30 minutes yoga
with medications for a period of 3 months. The control group 50 subjects did not receive any yoga
intervention only medications and were asked to complete questionnaires. Each group was evaluated
Visual analog scale (VAS) was used to measur
e the pain severity for both the groups.
The present interventional study
showed that 50 cases with mean±S
D as 37.52±11.666 were
selected as cases those underwent yoga session with medicines. 50 controls with mean
as control group underwent only medication. During the first visit, case
mean VAS score 3.46 versus 3.86 with p
-
value 0.56. During second visit, case
VAS score 1.82 versus 3.06 with p value 0.000. Whereas at f
VAS score of cases recorded 0.38 versus control 2.12 with p value less than 0.000. The cases who
done yoga shown a very high significant change of VAS score completing the last visit i.e. at third
Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
Page 6
Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis
, Elakkiya
, Shaik Ahammad Basha
5
,
epartment of Philosophy of Nature Cure and Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy
l College and Hospital, Nellore,
nt of Yoga, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy Medical College and
aturopathy Medical College and Hospital, Nellore
, India
grated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 7, July
, 2015.
Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved.
http://iaimjournal.com/
0034 (O)
18
-06-2015
interest:
None declared.
Studies have shown that conventional treatment for common neck pain may be
inadequate. Yoga techniques also have been found to be better and beneficial complimentary therapy
was to examine the effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis.
patients were selected as subjects,
among them 50 participants in the case group were asked to attend 30 minutes yoga
class every day
with medications for a period of 3 months. The control group 50 subjects did not receive any yoga
intervention only medications and were asked to complete questionnaires. Each group was evaluated
e the pain severity for both the groups.
D as 37.52±11.666 were
selected as cases those underwent yoga session with medicines. 50 controls with mean
±SD as
as control group underwent only medication. During the first visit, case
value 0.56. During second visit, case
VAS score 1.82 versus 3.06 with p value 0.000. Whereas at f
inal visit,
VAS score of cases recorded 0.38 versus control 2.12 with p value less than 0.000. The cases who
done yoga shown a very high significant change of VAS score completing the last visit i.e. at third

Vungarala Satyanand, T. Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
Sarala. Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 6-10.
Page 7
Conclusion: The results of this study showed that yoga and relaxation techniques are a better and
beneficial therapy in the treatment of pain and stiffness of the neck region. These techniques may be
used as supportive along with conventional medications.
Key words
Yogasanas, Pain and stiffness of the neck, Cervical spondylosis.
Introduction
Cervical Spondylosis is a degenerative condition
involving the vertebrae and discs of the neck. It
occurs in both males and females usually after
the age of 40 years and result from one area
frequently associated with chronic pain and
stiffness in the neck due to disc aging and
degenerative changes in the cervical spine [1, 2].
Cervical spondylosis may be caused by faulty
sleeping habits, sudden jerks to neck, severe
stress and anxiety, and related to occupational
hazards as in computer professionals or call
center workers, additional load on the neck are
some of the etiological factors [3].
Common neck pain (CNP) which is not due to
any organic lesion accounts for more than 80%
of neck pains [4]. Depression and anxiety are
well-known undesirable side effects of chronic
neck pain [5]. In order for the spine to function
mechanically, it affects and is affected by
skeletal alignment, flexibility, and strength of
various parts of the body. The edges of the
vertebrae often develop small, rough areas of
bone called osteophytes. Over many years, the
disc becomes thinner. This degeneration is a
normal aging process likened to having 'wrinkles
in the spine [6].
In many people, the degeneration does not cause
any symptoms. Most patients with cervical
spondylosis are asymptomatic. Symptoms may
develop acutely or insidiously and manifest by
the fifth and sixth decade of life [7]. Upon
examination, the patient may have difficulty
rotating the head and moving it toward the
shoulder [8]. Headache usually occipital,
constant, and no throbbing, may be less common
and arise as a secondary phenomenon due to
muscle spasm in the neck [9]. Yoga offers us a
path of light and hope to lead us from the state of
degeneration towards one of integration, health
and harmony by harnessing our inherent healing
potential to the fullest.
Yoga therapy is a multifunctional exercise
modality with numerous benefits [10]. Since the
underlying pathology of neck disorders remains
unclear, the treatments are aimed at relief of pain
and stiffness [11]. Yoga has also been found to
be an effective tool in reducing the stress levels.
Yoga relaxation techniques is one of the
important role in the treatment of cervical
spondylosis, that can be practiced in supine or
sitting posture for achieving the goal of positive
health, will power, concentration, and relieving
pain and stiffness of the neck [12, 13].
The present study was planned to assess the
effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis.
Material and methods
This randomized study with 100 subjects was
conducted at Narayana medical college and
hospital, Narayana Yoga and Naturopathy
Medical College and Hospital, Nellore, Andhra
Pradesh, India. The study protocol was approved
by the Institutional Ethical Committee. Informed
consent was obtained from study participants.
The subjects were familiar with the aims and
objectives of the study. The study was conducted
for 3 months (90 days) of periods.
Yoga intervention
The following yoga poses were done by the
study groups are practicing 30 minutes daily. 100
subjects were randomized 50 cases and 50
controls. Cases were taught Yoga session neck
exercises and shoulder stretching 6 minutes,
Tadasana 2 minutes, Parvatasana 2 minutes,

Vungarala Satyanand, T. Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
Sarala. Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 6-10.
Page 8
Ardha Matsyendrasana 2 minutes, Bhujangasana
2 minutes, Shalabhasana 2 minutes,
Pawanamukthasna 2 minutes, Naukasana 2
minutes, surya namaskar 5 minutes, 5 minutes of
relaxative asana is followed between intervals of
asanas, for about 30 minutes daily for a period of
3 months.
Study protocol
The 100 cervical spondylosis patients were
selected as subjects. Among them 50 participants
in the case group were asked to attend 30
minutes yoga class every day with Anti-
inflammatory and Analgesics for a period of 3
months. All classes were free of charge to the
participants. The control group 50 subjects did
not receive any yoga intervention only
medications and were asked to complete
questionnaires. Each group was evaluated after 3
months. Visual analog scale (VAS) was
administered on both the groups at the end of 3
months.
Assessment
The collected data was statistically analyzed by
the student’s t test.
Results
The present interventional study showed that 50
cases with means’s±SD of 37.52±11.666 were
selected as cases those underwent yoga session
with medicines. 50 controls with mean±SD of
41.84±11.129 were selected as control group
underwent only medication. During the first visit,
case group result shows mean VAS score 3.46
versus 3.86 with p-value 0.56. During second
visit, case group result shows mean VAS score
1.82 versus 3.06 with p value 0.000. Whereas at
final visit, VAS score of cases recorded 0.38
versus control 2.12 with p value less than 0.000.
The cases who done yoga showed a very high
significant change of VAS score completing the
last visit i.e. at third visit (Table - 1, Figure – 1).
This current study proved that practice of regular
yoga in the given manner that is neck exercises
and shoulder stretching 6 minutes, Tadasana 2
minutes, Parvatasana 2 minutes, Ardha
Matsyendrasana 2 minutes, Bhujangasana 2
minutes, Shalabhasana 2 minutes,
Pawanamukthasna 2 minutes, Naukasana 2
minutes, surya namaskar 5 minutes, 5 minutes of
relaxative asana was followed between intervals
of asana, for about 30 minutes daily for a period
of 3 months.
Table - 1: Comparison of mean values of cases and controls for visit 1, visit 2 and visit 3.
Paining Scale Visit Cases Controls t-value p-value
Mean ± S.D. Mean ± S.D.
1 3.46 ± 1.01 3.86 ± 1.05 -1.937 0.056
2 1.82 ± 0.80 3.06 ± 1.27 -5.847 < 0.0001*
3 0.38 ± 0.64 2.12 ± 1.37 -8.172 < 0.0001*
* p < 0.0001 – Very High Significant.
Discussion
The results suggest that there was a very high
significant improvement in case group. Cervical
spondylosis is a general term for age related wear
and tear affecting joints in the neck region. In
this condition usually appears in men and women
older than 40 and progresses the age. The
development of this condition is more likely
when other factors are present, including obesity
and sedentary lifestyle, occupation requiring
heavy lifting and frequent bending and twisting,
previous neck injury, severe arthritis,
osteoporotic fractures, and genetic factors. The
severity of signs and symptoms directs approach
for cervical spondylosis with the following goals
like relieving pain and stiffness of the neck

Vungarala Satyanand, T.
Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya
Sarala. Effects of y
ogasanas on cervical
region.
Figure - 1: Mean v
alues of cases and controls for
As quoted in one study, tension that is associated
with stress is stored mainly in the neck muscle,
diaphragm and the nervous system. It has also
been suggested that the presence of depressive
symptoms predicts future musculoskeletal
disorders. Stress can
cause spasms by interfering
with co-
ordination of different muscle groups
involved in the functioning of the neck. If these
areas are relaxed, stress gets reduced. We need to
take consideration, the gender, the physical
condition as well as the condition o
when we are applying yogasana therapy. A step
by step approach involving aspects of diet,
involving aspects of lifestyle modification,
involving aspects of the way we think, and also
involving yogic counseling.
Yoga is fast advancing as an
effective therapeutic
tool in physical, psychological and
psychosomatic disorders. Stress, anxiety,
depression, tension, lack of concentration, mood
changes during pain, emotions are the
psychological risk factors in neck pain indicated
3.46
3.86
0
0.5
1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
VISIT
-
1
p
a
i
n
s
c
a
l
e
Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya
Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
ogasanas on cervical
spondylosis. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 6-10.
alues of cases and controls for
each visit.
As quoted in one study, tension that is associated
with stress is stored mainly in the neck muscle,
diaphragm and the nervous system. It has also
been suggested that the presence of depressive
symptoms predicts future musculoskeletal
cause spasms by interfering
ordination of different muscle groups
involved in the functioning of the neck. If these
areas are relaxed, stress gets reduced. We need to
take consideration, the gender, the physical
condition as well as the condition o
f the disorder
when we are applying yogasana therapy. A step
-
by step approach involving aspects of diet,
involving aspects of lifestyle modification,
involving aspects of the way we think, and also
effective therapeutic
tool in physical, psychological and
psychosomatic disorders. Stress, anxiety,
depression, tension, lack of concentration, mood
changes during pain, emotions are the
psychological risk factors in neck pain indicated
a clear link betwe
en psychological variables with
neck pain. In a study by Vempati, et al. on
healthy adults, the yoga -
based guided relaxation
was shown to reduce the sympathetic activity as
measured by autonomic parameters, oxygen
consumption and breathe volume [13]. The
subjects who practiced yogasanas they felt that
they have experienced and learnt a skill in the
form of yogasanas, pranayamas, loosening
exercises. They felt very happy and self
confident, fully satisfied with the treatments.
Conclusion
The results of this study
showed that yoga and
relaxation
techniques are a better and beneficial
therapy in the treatment of pain and stiffness of
the neck region. These techniques may be used
as supportive along with conventional
medications.
References
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Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, et al.
Lost productive time and cost due to
1.82
0.38
3.86
3.06
VISIT
-
2
VISIT
CASES
CONTROLS
Follow up
Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
Page 9
en psychological variables with
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based guided relaxation
was shown to reduce the sympathetic activity as
measured by autonomic parameters, oxygen
consumption and breathe volume [13]. The
subjects who practiced yogasanas they felt that
they have experienced and learnt a skill in the
form of yogasanas, pranayamas, loosening
exercises. They felt very happy and self
confident, fully satisfied with the treatments.
showed that yoga and
techniques are a better and beneficial
therapy in the treatment of pain and stiffness of
the neck region. These techniques may be used
as supportive along with conventional
Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, et al.
Lost productive time and cost due to
0.38
2.21
VISIT
-
3
CASES
CONTROLS

Vungarala Satyanand, T. Gopalakrishnaiah, Elakkiya Panneerselvam, Shaik Mahaboobvali, Shaik Ahammad Basha, Vanka
Sarala. Effects of yogasanas on cervical spondylosis. IAIM, 2015; 2(7): 6-10.
Page 10
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