According to Harvard University around 80% of people will deal with neck pain at some point in their lives and 20%-50% of individuals will deal with chronic neck pain on an annual basis. Neck pain and stiffness can interfere with daily activities such as driving, working and enjoying free time. In some cases neck dysfunction can also cause headaches of varying severity.
What causes neck pain? From a western medicine perspective, much like pain in any other part of the body, neck pain can be caused by several conditions:
Poor posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture, such as slouching, can put strain on the muscles and joints in the neck.Muscle strains and sprains:
Overuse or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the neck can cause pain and stiffness. Arthritis: Arthritis in the neck, such as cervical spondylosis, can cause pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Pinched nerve: A pinched nerve in the neck can cause pain, numbness, and tingling that may radiate down the arm.
Herniated disc: A herniated disc in the neck can cause pain, weakness, and numbness that may radiate down the arm.
Whiplash: A sudden forceful movement of the neck, such as in a car accident, can cause whiplash, which can result in pain, stiffness, and headaches. Stress: Emotional and psychological stress can cause tension in the muscles of the neck and shoulders, leading to pain and discomfort.
From a Chinese medicine perspective any pain is due to a stagnation (lack of proper flow) of Qi and/ or blood in the meridians of the body. What is Qi you may ask?Qi (pronounced "chee") is a concept in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to the body's vital energy or life force.
According to Chinese medical theory, Qi flows through the body along pathways calledmeridians, which are connected to the body's organs and systems. In traditional Chinese medicine, the free flow of Qi is considered essential for good health and well-being. When Qi is blocked or disrupted, it can result in pain, illness, or other health problems.
Acupuncture alleviates neck pain by stimulating the body's natural healing response and promoting the flow of qi through the body's meridians or pathways. When acupuncture needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points on the body, it stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers that can help reduce the sensation of pain. Acupuncture also helps reduce inflammation, which can contribute to pain and discomfort.
In addition, acupuncture improves blood flow to the affected area, which can help promote healing and reduce muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. By promoting the body's natural healing response and improving blood flow and energy flow, acupuncture can alleviates neck pain and improve overall health and well-being.
Additional techniques such as electric stimulation or e-stim, massage and gua sha can be added to enhance treatment. Electric-stimulation, when used in addition to needle insertion, helps to increase both circulation and the amount of endorphins that are released by the body. This addition to the treatment can also help to relax the affected muscles even more than simple needle application. To learn more about gua sha and how it can help with pain treatment please read my blog entry specifically about this modality. If you or someone you know is experiencing either chronic or acute neck pain please contact me today to schedule an appointment or to have a free consultation so we can determine if acupuncture is right for you.
