Acupuncture For Neck Pain

By Y.C. Chan, OMD, Dipl Ac

Acupuncture Clinic of Maryland

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Acupuncture For Neck Pain

The most common causes of neck pain are arthritis and pinched nerves, which cloud be caused from a sports injury, automobile accident or improper movement.
Pain in the neck will have a combination of symptoms, such as headaches, stiffness, dizziness, jaw pain, nasal congestion, vision problems as well as memory loss.
It is very important to diagnose the basic cause of neck pain prior to treatment. As long as cancer, broken bones and severe infection are ruled out, then acupuncture treatment can possibly be very effective for neck pain.
Many times the problem causing neck pain in patients is pressure on cervical nerves, which can produce pain and muscle spasms and limit the movement of neck and arms, which in turn can cause discomfort around the face.
Traction only helps a few patients, and must be performed carefully, because cervical collars can keep the neck in a stabilized position, but may increase, rather than relieve, muscle spasms. Surgery of the neck is extremely dangerous and may result in paralysis if the spinal cord is damaged. However, if cancer or a broken bone is involved, then surgery may be necessary. For their own safety, patients should consult with different physicians for a second and third opinion prior to surgery.
Painkillers can relieve neck pain and muscle spasms, but they may have serious side effects. Patients should always follow their physicians directions when taking medications.
Many patients have tried physical therapy for their neck pain. Some, but not all, patients see a benefit. The therapists skill and experience will contribute to the outcome, and most patients need many weeks or months for the healing process.
Acupuncture for neck pain has been shown, either from randomized controlled studies or single case reports, to successfully relieve neck pain in most patients. In fact, many of the patients seeking acupuncture are doing so as a last resort. When standard medications and therapies fail they then try acupuncture, which helps them finally feel better.
Acupuncture is part science and part art. There are different styles of acupuncture. Gentle treatment is recommended for neck pain, if possible, because the neck is one of the most tender and weak areas. Some of the more complicated techniques, such as Swa Sa, Cupping, Tu Na, Moxibustion and Electro-acupuncture, should be carefully performed. In addition, strong stimulation around the neck must be avoided for safety purposes.
Generally speaking, most patients can get some relief of neck pain after 1-3 acupuncture treatments, however long-term treatment may be needed for chronic pain and severe cases.