Neck Pain

Neck Pain

Neck pain is another common reason why patients seek support from a health professional. It’s easy to take an over-the-counter painkiller, but the underlying issues won’t be resolved, and the problem may worsen. 

For effective chronic neck pain treatment, detailed health history and examination are required. Chinese medicine requires that your practitioner determines whether body constitution, emotions, diet, excess work, physical trauma, and hormones are contributing factors in your individual case. Together with the timing of occurrence, location, triggers, and other factors, this information is used to construct a treatment plan that works with you and your body’s unique needs.  

Neck pain treatment often involves the clearing of energy blockages. A network of energy (Qi) flows throughout your body, and a blockage, deficiency, or even excess can cause a wide range of health complaints, including neck pain. 

Chinese medicine uses a number of therapies in chronic neck pain treatment, including acupuncture. Research shows that a course of acupuncture treatment can effectively relieve pain and disability, presumably by clearing Qi blockages in the neck and other organs. 

As neck pain involves the muscles and connective tissue, you could also benefit from Tuina, an Oriental bodywork therapy. Clinical studies show that Tuina provides effective relief for many with neck pain; for example, one trial showed an average reduction in pain from 3.2 to 1.4 out of 10. 

Tuina involves the massage of your soft tissues, alongside stimulation of your meridian channels. These are like Qi highways, allowing the energy to flow freely if they are open. Tuina may even assist chronic neck pain treatment by breaking up scar tissue or increasing flexibility after a long-term injury or surgery. 

Contraindications to Chinese medicine for chronic neck pain include acute injury, infection, and issues with the spinal cord such as nodules. Speak to your doctor first if you have underlying conditions.