Neck Pain

There are many reasons people may experience neck pain. Dominik Irnich, MD is a pain therapist. Irnich conducted a study about using acupuncture for neck pain.

He concluded that acupuncture is often more successful than Western treatments when it comes resolving neck pain issues. People suffering from neck pain should explore the healing potential of acupuncture. Neck pain study source – WebMD

Many people suffer from regular neck pain. It can be a mild pain and cause just a slight aggravation. Some people have chronic neck pain that negatively impacts their quality of life.

It can be caused by a number of things. No matter what the cause, acupuncture is helpful.  Results depend on what is causing the neck pain. Strain and muscle spasm in the neck and upper back respond very well. If there is a more serious injury, relief may only be temporary, that being said, most patients feel that temporary relief is better than no relief at all.

In the late 1990s, the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH) determined that acupuncture was both safe and effective for treating a variety of health conditions. Most health insurance policies will cover acupuncture treatments. The success of acupuncture in treating neck pain has been documented by a variety of studies conducted around the world.

Acupuncture Process for Relief

There are 365 main acupuncture points on the body. There are also many other “extra” points. Heat or electrical stimulation is often used to augment the effect of the needles. Topical herbal lineaments, as well as herbal medicines, may also be applied. People tend to think of acupuncture as invasive because of the needles, but it is actually one of the least invasive procedures available. Surgery, epidurals, exercise, adjustments, and even massage are more aggressive than acupuncture.

The first thing we, the acupuncturists, want to know, is a person’s health history. Then we do an examination, that may include looking at the tongue, and feeling the pulse in both arms (especially for internal conditions).  Then we usually palpate points on the body. Often these points are not at the site of pain, they are diagnostic (or “trigger”) points.  They supply us with information on how to proceed with the treatment, and with the selection of points.

 Treatment for Chronic Neck Pain  

Acupuncture is an effective treatment for relieving many types of neck pain. It is especially helpful treating neck pain resulting from automobile accidents. Acupuncture is also an effective way to treat torticollis, and manage the pain of cervical spondylosis and ankylosing spondylitis. If you sit at your computer for many hours, or just wake up with a stiff neck, only one or two acupuncture treatments may be required.  If you have neck pain, acupuncture is certainly worth a try!