Description

Cervical and lumbar spondylosis are both conditions that involve abnormal wear and tear on the spine, and can cause pain and other symptoms: 

• Cervical spondylosis

This condition affects the neck and can cause chronic neck pain, pain that spreads to the shoulder, arm, or fingers, and neck stiffness. It can also cause numbness or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms, or legs. 

• Lumbar spondylosis

This condition affects the lower back and can cause low back pain, which can be localized or more generalized. The pain can be positional and affected by sitting, standing, walking, and lying. 

	Symptoms
Cervical spondylosis	Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, or fingers, neck stiffness, numbness or abnormal sensations in the shoulders, arms, or legs, headaches
Lumbar spondylosis	Low back pain, which can be localized or more generalized, and can be associated with sciatica

Spondylosis can be caused by a disc injury or by the drying out of the “jelly” in the discs as people age. It can also develop slowly over time, or it can start or get worse suddenly.

can yoga & meditation help manage cervical and lumbar spondylosis?

Yoga and meditation can help manage cervical and lumbar spondylosis: 

• Yoga

Yoga can help with spondylosis by: 

• Relieving pain: Yoga can stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. 

• Improving flexibility: Yoga can improve flexibility and range of motion, which can reduce the risk of further injury. 

• Reducing stress: Yoga can help release stress. 

• Improving self-awareness: Yoga can help you become more aware of areas of tension and imbalance in your body. 

• Meditation

Meditation can help with chronic pain. One study found that 65% of patients felt less pain after practicing mindfulness meditation for 10 weeks. 

Yoga is a mind-body practice that includes physical postures, breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and meditation.