HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF A CASE OF CHRONIC CERVICAL PAIN WITH MOVEMENT-ASSOCIATED VERTIGO USING LACHNANTHES TINCTORIA 30C

Abstract

Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal complaint associated with functional limitation, reduced cervical mobility, and impaired quality of life. Dizziness occurring in association with cervical pain and neck movement is sometimes described as cervicogenic dizziness; however, its diagnosis remains challenging because of the absence of universally accepted diagnostic criteria and the need to exclude vestibular, neurological, and vascular causes. This case report describes the clinical course of a patient with chronic neck pain and movement-associated dizziness managed with Lachnanthes tinctoria 30C within a homoeopathic clinical setting.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male lawyer presented with pain in the nape of the neck for six months. The pain had gradually progressed and extended towards the right shoulder. It was associated with dizziness on sudden turning of the neck. The patient characteristically described a sensation “as if a piece of ice were lying on the back.” Symptoms were aggravated by movement, lying down, cold air, and cold wet weather. Clinical assessment revealed neck pain associated with restricted and painful cervical movement and muscular stiffness, without documented systemic or gross neurological abnormalities. Baseline pain intensity was 8/10 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and the Neck Disability Index (NDI) score was 28/50.

Based on the recorded characteristic symptom totality and consultation with homoeopathic materia medica, Lachnanthes tinctoria 30C was prescribed as a single initial medicinal intervention, followed by placebo. Supportive advice regarding posture, cervical exercises, avoidance of prolonged neck flexion, warm fomentation, and avoidance of cold exposure was also provided.

Outcome

During approximately three months of follow-up, progressive improvement was documented in neck pain, radiation to the right shoulder, cervical stiffness, movement-associated dizziness, and cervical mobility. At the final assessment, the VAS score decreased from 8/10 to 3/10 and the NDI score decreased from 28/50 to 18/50. Vertigo was reported as absent, shoulder radiation had resolved, and only occasional discomfort following strain persisted.

Conclusion

This case documents clinical and functional improvement temporally associated with homoeopathic management using Lachnanthes tinctoria 30C together with conservative supportive measures. The findings from a single case cannot establish treatment efficacy.

Controlled clinical studies and more rigorous diagnostic assessment are required to evaluate the specific contribution of the homoeopathic intervention.