A Review on, Cervical Spondylosis, and Its Management with, Hijama bil Shurt (Wet Cupping)

Abstract

Abstract: Cervical spondylosis is a chronic degenerative disorder of the cervical spine that predominantly affects adults over the age of 40. Conventional treatments—including analgesics, physiotherapy, and surgical interventions—may offer symptomatic relief but are often associated with limitationsand adverse effects. Unani medicine, a classical healing system, describes a similar condition under the term Waja ‘-ul-Unuq (neck pain), commonly linked to an imbalance of Akhlat (humors), particularly Balgham (phlegm). Among the principal Ilaj bil Tadbeer (regimenal therapies employed in Unani practice is Hijama bil Shurt (wet cupping), which is recognized for its detoxifying, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties. This review aims to provide an integrated understanding of cervical spondylosis from both modern and Unani medical perspectives and to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Hijama bil Shurt based on classical literature and contemporary clinical evidence.