If the normal method of shoulder stand is practised by the patient, injury can occur to the cervical spine. A rolled blanket may help the neck if stiffness is excessive. In halasana, the cervical column is elongated and given strength and alignment. The dorsal spine is strengthened and made supple. In back bends like urdhva dhanurasana and viparita dandasana, maximum freedom is given to the anterior surfaces of the cervical column and the dorsal spine.
Nerve compression is released.
For a patient with cervical spondylitis these poses are modified. A simple exercise is to suspend the neck on the rope, This helps even aged persons get relief. This single position provides relief from the symptom of vertebro-basilar insufficiency as the spine is made to fall into the anatomical line and blood courses normally into the back of the brain. Belts are used to make the shoulder and cervical muscles supple in a passive manner. This relieves nerve root compression in certain areas.