Diagnosis and management of neck pain: A qualitative study of perceptions of Ayurvedic practitioners in South Africa

Abstract

The South African health care system is growing exponentially and providing patients with various treatment options. Recently, Ayurveda has become popular because of its nature-based and spitirual approaches to the management of ailments. Neck pain has been researched to a great extent in allopathic medicine, but not in the context of Ayurvedic medicine. A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was conducted using standardised and structured open-ended questions. Eight out of thirteen registered Ayurvedic practitioners in South Africa participated in the study. Four main themes emerged from the data, which revealed that Ayurveda is a holistic system of tradional medicine that addresses all aspects of the mind, body and spirit. The foundation of Ayurveda is the “three dosha principle” which is applied to holistic patient management. The study revealed that the Ayurvedic system of medicine is unique and complex, but is highly beneficial in the treatment and management of neck pain, primarily by restoring a homeostatic balance in the body.