Introduction

Wry neck known as Manyasthambha in Ayurveda is becoming increasingly common, especially among people in the UK. Several factors contribute to this condition, including cold weather, prolonged use of mobile phones, long hours working at computers, and binge-watching screens.

Cold exposure particularly affects the nerves and muscles of the neck, leading to stiffness and discomfort. Since the neck is a central hub for nerves, stiffness here can impact other areas of the body, causing headaches, jaw stiffness, earaches, and even eye pain. The hallmark symptom of wry neck is the twisted or tilted posture, which can be painful and restrictive.

Given its growing prevalence, it’s important to explore how Ayurveda can help alleviate these symptoms and restore mobility, flexibility, and overall neck health. In this guide, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and effective Ayurvedic approaches to manage Manyasthambha and relieve wry neck naturally.

Ayurvedic Perspective of Manyasthambha

Manyasthambha is a Sanskrit term where “Manyā” refers to the muscles and vessels of the neck and “Sthambha” means stiffness, rigidity, or numbness. In essence, it is a condition characterized by severe stiffness and pain in the neck region, often restricting movement. In the Manya Samshrita Nadi, the accumulation of aggravated Vata leads to stiffness and pain, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life and daily activities. This condition is more common in men as they age and is chronic, with progressive degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

Manyasthambha closely correlates with several conditions:

• Cervical Spondylosis: Degeneration of the cervical spine discs and joints.
• Text Neck Syndrome: A modern term for repetitive stress injury from looking down at devices.
• Torticollis: A twisted and tilted neck, often of sudden onset.
• Cervical Muscle Strain: Simple overstretching or tearing of neck muscles.

Causes:

• Vata aggravating factors: Cold and damp weather, too much physical activity, poor posture, or any injury to neck and a sedentary lifestyle.
• Degenerative changes: As we get old, the cervical vertebrae, facet joints, and longitudinal ligaments in our spine can wear out. This can cause the spinal bones to grow over time, narrowing the spinal canal and pressing on the nerves. If left untreated, this can make the symptoms worse.
• Lifestyle triggers: Sitting at a desk for long hours, using mobile devices for extended periods, and stress can all contribute to Manyasthambha.

Pathogenesis 

Ayurveda attributes it to the aggravation of Vata Dosha, causing dryness and tissue depletion, and Kapha Dosha, leading to heaviness and congestion. These vitiated doshas affect muscles, ligaments, vessels, and bones, causing stiffness and pain. 

Symptoms:

• Twisted or tilted neck – head rotates and tilts at an odd angle, often with the top of the head tilted to one side and the chin to the opposite side
• Neck stiffness and restricted movement
• Pain in the neck and shoulder region
• Spasm of neck muscles
• Swelling of neck muscles
• Pain along the spine
• Headache and migraine
• Jaw stiffness and TMJ discomfort
• Earache and toothache
• Eye strain or pressure behind the eyes
• Chin tilted to one side / awkward position of the chin
• One shoulder higher than the other
• Mass formation in the neck region
• Thickening or tightness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle
• Cervical spine tenderness
• Tremor in the head
• Decreased ability to move or turn the head normally
• Holding the head twisted to one side

Management of Wry Neck or Neck Stiffness

Treatment can vary depends on severity of the diseases. General line of treatment can be classified in three divisions.

• Medcines
• Panchakrama
• Exercise, Yoga & Physiotherapy

Medicines (Aushadhi)

Ayurvedic herbal formulations help reduce inflammation, pacify Vata, and strengthen muscles and nerves:

• Yogaraja Guggulu – Supports bone and muscle health, relieves Vata-related pain.
• Maharasnadi Kwath – Decoction for neuromuscular pain relief.
• Balarishtam – Strengthes the muscles and nerves
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – Rejuvenates muscles and nerves.
• Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) – Anti-inflammatory and detoxifying effects.

External oils:

Ksheerbala Thailam – Nourishes muscles and nerves, reduces stiffness

Karpooradi Thailam – Relieves pain and inflammation

Prasarini Thailam – For deep muscle relaxation

Kottamchukadhi Thailam – Clears the Kapha accumulation and heaviness

Dhanvanthara Thailam – Promotes circulation and eases stiffness

Note: Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before using any internal or external medicine.

Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapies)

My Personal advice, Most of the Vata related disorders or pain related conditions first choice for immediate recovery will be Panchakarma as it does miracles.

Abhyanga (Oil Massage) – Full-body or local neck massage with warm Medicated oils.

Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy) – Local neck steaming to loosen muscles and improve circulation

Greeva Basti – Warm herbal oil pool on the neck to nourish cervical muscles and vertebrae

Basti (Medicated Enema) – Pacifies Vata at its root in the colon

Nasya (Nasal Therapy) – Medicated oils or herbal drops through the nose to clear head and neck channels, relieve stiffness, and reduce nerve tension

Even for ordinary neck pain please take Panchakarma from renowned Ayurvedic centres when you visit India it acts as protection for your Spine in cold climate.

Yoga & Postures

Focus on gentle, correct movements avoid forceful or jerky motions.

• Neck rotations (Greeva Sanchalana) – slow, controlled circles and turns of the head
• Marjariasana (Cat‑Cow Pose)
• Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
• Makarasana (Crocodile Pose)
• Ustrasana (Camel Pose)
• Suryanamaskar (Sun Salutation)

Physiotherapy & General Exercises

In my practise I always prescribe these exercise have noticed visible results from patients.

Chin tucks (gently draw the chin inwards, lengthening the back of the neck)

Deep neck flexor strengthening (e.g pressing the back of head gently into a pillow or wall)

Shoulder shrugs and scapular retractions (lifting and relaxing shoulders, pulling shoulder blades together)

Upper trapezius and levator scapulae stretches (tilting head laterally, gently, holding stretch)

Posture correction: sitting/standing upright, avoiding forward head posture, aligning ears over shoulders, shoulders over hips

Light resistance band exercises for neck and upper back (with supervision)

Please refer the YouTube pages for quick relief:

https://www.youtube.com/@motivationaldoc/shorts

https://www.youtube.com/@DrRowe

Home Remedies for Wry Neck

Anti-Inflammatory Drinks: Garlic milk, turmeric milk, or ginger decotion, herbal teas with clove, cinnamon, Asafoetidita or jira water for pain relief.

Wholesome Foods & Nutrients: Nuts and seeds, vitamin D and calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, fortified plant milks, leafy greens, prunes; iron- and vitamin-rich foods such as red meat, fish, and leafy vegetables. Maintain a balanced diet with proteins, healthy fats, and fiber, and correct deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, or other nutrients.

Heat & Oil Therapy: Always massage with oils like Karpooradhi or Mahanaryana thailam befor bath. Hot packs for 15 minutes to relax muscles, cold packs only in acute pain.

Gentle Exercises: Chin tucks to counteract forward-head posture and shoulder rolls during work or long sitting to release tension.

Conclusion:

The chilly weather and long hours at our desks and phones have made neck and shoulder pain a common problem. To keep your neck healthy, always cover it when you’re outside especially in winter and try to stay warm. Ayurvedic wisdom suggests simple daily rituals like massaging warm oil on your neck and shoulders before bath or bed. You can also do some gentle neck and shoulder exercises for 10 minutes each day. These small, consistent practices can help keep your neck strong and flexible, even in this cold climate far from home.