Homeopathy Offers Sustained Relief in Cervical Spondylitis

A middle-aged male patient [Patient ID-15107] came to the clinic with the primary complaints of vertigo and unsteadiness, which was a constant feeling that everything around him was moving. This was associated with a persistent sense of imbalance while walking, which interfered with his daily activities, and hence, the patient was facing anxiety. Along with this, he experienced recurrent pain in the neck, especially on the left side, which radiated towards the upper back and occasionally to the shoulder. The pain was often associated with marked stiffness of the cervical spine, making movements such as bending and rotation restricted, particularly towards the left side. The stiffness was more in the mornings on waking, and after long hours of desk work, the patient also complained of intermittent numbness in the left hand, described as tingling or “pins and needles” sensation, sometimes accompanied by mild weakness in grip strength. These complaints had been persisting for several months. He said that his symptoms worsened after physical exertion, travel, and improper posture, whereas they improved with rest, supportive exercises, and physiotherapy sessions. An audiogram was done to rule out ear-related causes of vertigo, which was normal. He had been prescribed Tablet Vertin 8 mg twice daily for vertigo, but he had stopped it about ten days before consultation.

Associated Complaints - The patient also had hypertension for the last four to five years, for which he was taking Tab. Ozar 40 mg once daily and Tab. Metpure twice daily. Later on, he was also diagnosed with piles and benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP), for which the patient was taking homeopathic treatment. There was no significant medical history in the past. 

Family History -Patient''s mother had hypertension and rheumatoid arthritis, while his sister also suffered from rheumatoid arthritis.

Physical Generals- The patient reported having a mixed and average diet with a marked craving for fish. He had no strong aversions to any food and no addictions. His thirst was decreased, perspiration was average, and thermally he was a hot patient. Sleep was often disturbed, particularly during times of pain or anxiety. His bowel and bladder habits were generally regular except for the piles and BEP-related issues. His build was average, and on general examination, his pulse was 70 per minute, his blood pressure was 140/86 mmHg, and his weight was 66 kg.

Mental General- The patient described a happy and well-supported childhood, and even at present, he considered himself generally happy and satisfied in life. He was mild, gentle, and confident, but tended to be anxious in anticipation of events. He said that he often took tension over small matters and continued to think about them for a long time. He was sensitive by nature, fastidious, and a perfectionist, preferring to have things done in an orderly manner. Intellectually, he was intelligent, responsible, and hardworking, with a strong sense of duty towards his family and profession. His spouse was a homemaker, his son and daughter were studying, and both parents were retired.

Physical examination- There was noticeable stiffness of the neck with tenderness over the cervical region and restriction of lateral movements, more on the left side. 

Occasional numbness of the left hand was reported, but no gross neurological deficit was found on clinical testing. Gait was stable in general, though imbalance was reported during acute vertigo episodes.

Based on the symptoms present and totality, Dr. Shah prescribed the medication.

Follow-ups- 

28/2/2017: 80% relief in neck pain and vertigo.

11/5/2017 – 2018: 85–90% better; symptoms well-controlled with occasional mild giddiness on exertion.

In 2019: On and off pain in the lateral scapula and both shoulders, aggravated during exertion. Overall improvement continued, about 85–90%.

In 2020 (Lockdown phase): Further betterment as the patient was not traveling. Neck pain and stiffness largely subsided.

2021: Stable condition with minimal complaints. At times, mild pain and dizziness occur when overstrained at work or due to improper sleeping posture.

2022: Majority of the year without complaints; mild occasional neck pain and giddiness occasionally present.

2023: Complaints of frozen shoulder-like pain, stiffness, and restricted movement in the left arm. Improved markedly with 10–15 physiotherapy sessions. Tingling has reduced, and neck pain is much better.

2024: Largely stable with occasional episodes of pain after travel or posture strain. Radiating pain towards fingers was reported in April–May 2024, but subsided later. By June–August 2024, no major complaints, overall stable.

Jan–April 2025: Stable with occasional pain during travel, stiffness well-controlled.

June 2025: Patient reported feeling “very well in control” with no major complaints.

July 2025: Mild shoulder pain with weather changes, occasional stiffness. Radiating pain towards fingers is much better, no tingling, no regular medication.

In a recent follow-up on 28/8/2025, the patient was 70–80% better overall. Pain over the shoulder improved, radiating pain towards the fingers reduced, and tingling was absent. Patient is not taking any medicines at present and is managing well.

This case highlights how a long-standing cervical spondylitis, aggravated by posture and occupational strain, showed sustained improvement over eight years with regular follow-up and supportive management. The patient continues to maintain stability and quality of life without dependence on any conventional medication.

• Case study written by Dr.Shreya Hedaoo, an associate doctor to Dr.Rajesh Shah, MD [Homo]