Acupuncture for Neck Pain

 

Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Treatment for neck pain

Most causes of neck pain are not life-threatening and resolve with time and conservative medical treatment. Determining a treatment for neck pain depends mainly on identifying the location and cause of the pain.

 

The most common treatments for neck pain include:

Medications:

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications may help in the treatment of neck pain, reduce inflammation, and decrease muscle spasms and sleep disturbance. The first line of treatment when it comes to neck pain medication is typically non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some NSAIDs can be applied topically to the skin, such as Voltaren Gel and Aspercreme; other topical treatments include Icy-Hot, lidocaine-based patches, and CBD creams/ointments.

Home remedies for neck pain and stiffness

Neck pain relief products:

Neck pain relief products such as muscle relaxers and nerve pain are sometimes considered. This neck pain relief product is used more often for acute pain rather than chronic pain.

However, if you’re using pain relief for neck and shoulder, remember to take all medications as prescribed by your doctor and report any side effects. Some pain relief for neck and shoulder medications such as opioids are highly addictive and should be used only as prescribed.

The neck contains muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. These work together to support the head and allow it to move in many directions. The neck may become stiff or painful when overused or injured.

Mechanism of neck pain.

Neck pain is pain that starts in the neck and can be associated with radiating pain down one or both of the arms. Neck pain can come from a number of disorders or diseases that involve any of the tissues in the neck, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, or muscles.

A stiff neck often occurs when one of the muscles becomes strained or tense. Stiffness can also develop if one or more of the vertebrae is injured. A stiff neck may become painful when a person tries to move their neck or head.

Usually, a stiff neck results from a minor injury or incident. People can often relieve the stiffness at home. In rare cases, however, it can be a sign of a serious illness that requires medical treatment.

Causes of neck pain

There are many possible causes of neck pain, including:

Muscle strain

  • Straining the neck muscles is one of the main causes of neck pain. This soreness might present as an aching or throbbing pain. It can also cause sharp pain, especially when moving the head.

Cervical spondylosis

  • Cervical spondylosis, or cervical disk degeneration, refers to when the disks between the neck’s vertebrae wear down. This increases friction between the vertebrae and can cause pain and stiffness in the neck as a result.

Cervical radiculopathy

  • Cervical radiculopathy involves a pinched nerve. This occurs when a nerve root from the spinal cord in the neck becomes irritated or compressed. This gives rise to radiating pain from the neck to the shoulder and upper extremity. It can also cause muscle weakness, numbness, and a tingling sensation through the arms or hands.

Neck pain causes

Other causes of neck pain include:

  • Poor posture
  • Repetitive motion
  • Bad sleep habits
  • Gritting your teeth
  • Carrying a heavy shoulder bag or purse
  • Pinched nerves
  • Sports or other injuries
  • Car accidents involving whiplash
  • Arthritis
  • Infection
  • Tumors
  • A fractured or collapsed vertebra, which can be related to osteoporosis
  • A slipped (herniated) disk
  • Fibromyalgia

Symptoms of neck pain

Listed below are some of the symptoms of neck pain

  • Pain that gets worse when you hold your head a certain way while working on a computer, driving, or doing other tasks
  • Muscle tightness or spasms
  • Trouble moving your neck or head
  • Headache

Neck-Pa n Symptoms

Home remedies for neck pain

Home remedies for neck pain is another type of treatment for neck pain that has been proven to be effective in relieving the symptoms of neck pain. Listed below are Home remedies for neck pain you can easily try at home.

Neck pain home remedies

  • Placing warm or cold packs on the neck to reduce pain symptoms: Apply ice for 20 minutes a few times a day to help relieve neck inflammation, this is a stiff neck remedy and also helps relieve neck pain. You can also alternate between applying ice and heat. Taking a warm bath or shower or using a heating pad may also help.
  • Avoiding contact sports and heavy lifting
  • Doing gentle neck stretches: This is an effective home remedy for neck pain and stiff neck remedy. Stretching can help relieve the pain and stiffness, and prevent it in the future. It’s important to stretch gently and slowly. Sudden movements can cause more inflammation, pain, and a more serious injury. Apply a heating pad or take a warm shower before stretching.
  • Keeping good posture
  • Using supportive neck pillows for sleep

Massage – most common natural treatment for neck pain

Massage for neck pain is another treatment for neck pain that is effective. Whether your neck pain is caused by stress, injury, or misuse, massage for neck pain can help release muscle tension and reduce pain and inflammation. Regular massages may also be an effective neck pain prevention measure.

Massage therapy

Listed below are tips on how to self-massage for neck pain:

  • Lower your shoulders away from your ears. Straighten your neck and back.
  • Locate the painful areas on your neck. Press firmly with your fingers.
  • Gently move your fingers in circular motions. Repeat in the opposite direction.
  • Continue for 3 to 5 minutes.

Yoga – traditional Indian natural treatment for neck pain

Yoga for neck pain can increase your core strength, improve balance and posture and reduce stress — all fantastic ways to help you prevent and/or reduce neck pain. If your pain is caused by tense muscles or weak core muscles, yoga for neck pain can be particularly helpful.

neck pain yoga

Listed below are yoga for neck pain poses that can help relieve the symptoms of neck pain:

Ear to Shoulder/Neck Rolls

  • Probably the most popular and well-known yoga for neck pain, the yoga equivalent takes it a little bit further. First, make sure you’re in a comfortable seat with your hands resting on your knees. Sit upright and relax your shoulders, and push your chin against your chest to straighten your spine. Next, gently roll your head to the right or left until your ear touches your shoulder – use one hand to push your head, and the other to slowly push your opposite shoulder in the other direction. Slowly roll your head back to the center and then repeat on the opposite side. You’ll immediately start to feel the muscles in your neck being stretched, which will feel quite nice if you’re stiff.

Cat/cow stretch

  • This pose directly targets and stretches both your neck and shoulder muscles. This pose also stimulates and strengthens the abdominal organs, opens the chest, and helps you achieve slow and deep breaths.

Myofascial Release On Block

  • Place a block at medium height and rest your head on the edge of the block (where the base of your skull and your neck meet). Hold here for 8 slow breaths, then turn your head as far to right as possible. Then, move your head back toward your center line about halfway (until you feel a small mass of muscle), and hold there for 8 slow breaths. Finally, take your head back about a quarter way toward your centerline (keeping your head tilted slightly to the right). Again, you’ll locate another small mass of muscle. Pause and breathe here for 8 slow breaths before returning your head to the center and repeating on the other side. This type of yoga is the ideal treatment for Stiff neck and treatment for neck pain.

Trapezius and neck release

  • This yoga pose is one of the treatments for Stiff neck. From a comfortable seat, bring your left hand behind your body, resting your left hand on your right thigh. If you are unable to reach your thigh, rest your hand on the floor behind you. Drop your head to the right and hold for 10 slow breaths, then repeat the stretch on the opposite side.

Cupping – highly effective treatment for neck pain

Cupping for neck pain is another treatment for neck pain that has been used for thousands of years to ease back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other problems. Cupping therapy involves creating a suction force to pull blood into the skin.

Cupping therapy for neck and shoulder stiffness and pain

Cupping for neck pain help to ease pain and reduce the symptoms of neck pain. A provider places cups on your back, stomach, arms, legs, or other parts of your body. Inside the cup, a vacuum or suction force pulls the skin upward.

Herbal remedies for neck pain and stiffness

Herbal remedies such as capsaicin cream are another treatment for a stiff neck that can temporarily reduce pain when applied to the skin. Devil’s claw and/or white willow bark are both commonly used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Physical therapy – one of the most popular natural treatments for neck pain

Most physical therapy treatments for neck stiffness involve an exercise for neck pain that will strengthen and stretch the neck to reduce pain and stiffness. Research shows that physical therapy is often a better treatment for neck pain than surgery or pain medication. Your physical therapist will work with you on exercises and treatments you can do at home to help you return to your normal activities and lifestyle.

Listed below are exercise for neck pain:

Forward and Backward Tilt

This exercise for neck pain can be done while you’re seated or on your feet. Keep your moves slow and smooth.

  • Start with your head squarely over your shoulders and your back straight.
  • Lower your chin toward your chest and hold for 15-30 seconds. Relax, and slowly lift your head back up.
  • Tilt your chin up toward the ceiling and bring the base of your skull toward your back. Hold for 10 seconds, then return to the start position.
  • Repeat the set several times. Do it every day.

neck pain exercises

Side Tilt

Side tilt can be achieved while standing, with your feet hip-width apart and arms down by your sides.

  • Gently tilt your head toward your right shoulder and try to touch it with your ear. Stop when you feel the stretch. Don’t raise your shoulder.
  • Hold the stretch for 5-10 seconds, then return to the start position.
  • Repeat on your left side. You can do several sets and work your way up to 10 repetitions.
  • For extra stretch, but the hand on the same side of your tilted head on top of your head, and press lightly with your fingertips.

Side Rotation

  • This exercise for neck pain can be done while seated or standing.
  • Keep your head squarely over your shoulders and your back straight.
  • Slowly turn your head to the right until you feel a stretch in the side of your neck and shoulder.
  • Hold the stretch for 15-30 seconds, and then slowly turn your head forward again.
  • Repeat on your left side. Do up to 10 sets.

Prevention of stiff neck and neck pain

  • Use an earpiece to talk on the phone. Avoid holding the phone between the shoulder and ear.
  • Try not to look down at a cell phone or tablet for long periods. Hold the device at eye level whenever possible and take frequent breaks.
  • Use proper ergonomics at work. This may include keeping the screen at eye level, keeping the feet flat on the floor, and making sure the arms are supported. Also, focus on keeping the head directly above the neck without craning it forward.
  • Be mindful when carrying bags. Carrying a heavy purse or briefcase can put pressure on the shoulder and strain the muscles in the neck. Use rolling bags or backpacks whenever possible.
  • Take breaks. Sitting or driving for long periods can strain the neck. Get up, walk, and stretch at least once per hour.
  • Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillow that provide the correct amount of support.
  • Regularly engage in stress-relieving activities. Some examples include listening to relaxing music, taking baths, practicing meditation or deep breathing, and enjoying a class or favorite activity.
  • See a healthcare provider as recommended. Talk with them about pain, stress levels, sleep quality, and overall well-being.
  • Exercise regularly. Moving the body can help alleviate muscle tension and stiffness. Exercise is also a natural stress reliever. Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, biking, or yoga may be helpful.

Acupuncture for neck pain

Acupuncture is a treatment for neck stiffness that restores a healthy flow of your “qi” — your body’s energy force. Some people find relief after one acupuncture treatment, though others require a few sessions to feel less neck pain. Acupuncture for neck pain became popular among patients and physicians because of its effectiveness and simplicity. Today so many people suffer from neck pain and they are constantly looking for the best way to get rid of this problem. The biggest issue that they face is that they seem to get no comfort without taking a painkiller and no amount of massaging or patches seems to be making them feel any better at all. There is no question that neck pain can be extremely annoying and it can make it hard for anyone to be able to handle their daily activities without feeling abstracted by the pain.

Acupuncture for neck pain

 In this article, we will be talking about the process of using Neck Pain Acupuncture and how this can be an extremely powerful way to get rid of the problem. To get no comfort without taking a painkiller and no amount of massaging or patches seem to be making them feel any better at all. In this article, we are talking about the process of using acupuncture for neck pain and how this can be an extremely powerful way to get rid of the problem.

Acupuncture for neck pain is an extremely common treatment

People from all walks of life and with all kinds of professions suffer from neck pain. Those who sit in front of a computer all day long are just as likely to start suffering from neck pains and those who have a job that requires performing more physical activities. The point is that neck pain is something that a large number of people experience all the time and it could get worse if they don’t do something to get rid of the accumulated tension.

The longer you wait to get rid of the pain, the more chances you have of experiencing higher levels of discomfort and it will also be harder to get rid of the problem.

 Acupuncture for neck pain can be the answer

If you suffer from tension and pain in your neck and you don’t seem to be able to find any comfort from the use of painkillers and massage, you might want to try Neck Pain Acupuncture and this could be the way for you to finally get rid of the problem and get a prolonged relief.

Keep in mind that even if your Acupuncture for neck pain sessions get rid of the pain, you may eventually accumulate more tension again due to the activities that caused the problem the first time and you are going to need to get a new session to get rid of the pain once again. However, the beauty of Neck Pain Acupuncture is that this method not only relieves the pain but also cures it if the degenerative changes aren’t completely developed.

Acupuncture for cervical spine

The good news is that Acupuncture for neck pain is extremely safe and also painless. Another great advantage of Neck Pain Acupuncture is that it can be a very affordable way to treat neck pain and also other conditions that you might be suffering from. There are many people who have gone into Acupuncture for neck pain treatment for stress or for neck and back pain and they have found out that they can also use this to get rid of other conditions. Discovering acupuncture as a great way to treat your neck pain can also open a world of possibilities.

Find the best practitioner to treat you with Neck Pain Acupuncture

The art of the acupuncture system is extremely broad and there are many conditions that can be fixed with it. The important thing to remember at all times is that it takes time to learn how to perform these sessions depending on the condition that you are looking to treat. This is the main reason why you need to look for a professional that has plenty of experience with Neck Pain Acupuncture and this is going to ensure that you get the best results.

Conclusion:

Experiencing neck pain can be extremely distracting and it can also end up making you lose sleep at night due to the stiffness of the neck and the accumulated tension. This can also lead to more stress and to irritability during the day, which are both things that can make things, even more, difficult for you.

You will find that the relief with Neck Pain Acupuncture is also going to make you feel much better in general and your energy levels will be higher too. Acupuncture for pain in neck is meant to stimulate areas of your neck and distribute energy in order for tension to be easily released.

At Philadelphia Acupuncture Clinic Victor Tsan, MD and his associates successfully treat neck pain and many patients were able to avoid spinal surgery after Acupuncture for neck pain treatment at the center. Contact our clinic to schedule an appointment for the initial evaluation and treatment with our licensed acupuncturists or use the button below

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