At some point in our lives each of us will most likely experience some type of neck pain and/or whiplash. However, certain people may be predisposed to acute and chronic neck pain due to their occupation. Employees who perform repetitive tasks, sit for prolonged periods of time and use their upper extremities are at a greater risk of developing neck pain.

The neck is one of the most flexible- and delicate- parts of the body. Throughout the day, many of us put stress on our necks without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this can be literal “pain in the neck,” causing stiffness, pain, and limited movement in the neck and even the shoulders and arms.

If you suffer from neck pain, whether it’s occasional or chronic, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may just provide the relief you need. In recent years, acupuncture has become well-known as an effective treatment for various types of painful disorders. Acupuncture and TCM provide a natural, safe approach to treating neck pain and whiplash.

What’s behind that pain in the neck. Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including wear-and-tear, strains or sprains, or inflammation. A few of the most common culprits include:

Bad posture: Bending or hunching forward for prolonged periods can cause strains (overstretched muscles) or sprains (injuries to ligaments) or other problems. This can happen at work when sitting in front of the computer, during long drives, when reading in bed, or even talking on the phone. Sleeping in an awkward position is another common cause.

Injuries, trauma and motor vehicle accidents: This is a major cause of acute neck pain and whiplash. Common injuries include falls, sports-related injuries, direct trauma, and auto accidents.

Medical conditions: Conditions such as arthritis can cause chronic pain and stiffness. Herniated disks in the neck can also cause pain, as can illness like the flu. Jaw injuries or related conditions may also cause neck pain.

Stress: Being stressed or anxious can cause tension in the muscles of your neck, shoulders, and back.

How acupuncture can help Recent studies have shown that “acupuncture can be safe form of treatment for patients with chronic neck pain if the objective is to obtain relief from pain related to movement and to improve cervical mobility. As neck pain may be chronic condition with considerable socio-economic impact, single forms of treatment may be inadequate, and acupuncture merits consideration.” Other studies suggest that acupuncture can treat degenerative disorders of the neck and spine.

Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health. In TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animated the body and protects it from illness. It flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body’s organs, muscles, and cells. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms such as pain may result. Acupuncture is safe, natural and has no side-effects- unlike many of the medications often used to treat pain.

Your practitioner will take a detailed health history and perform a physical exam to find out where and why your body’s vital energies have become blocked and out of balance. He or she will work to not only relieve your pain, but to identify and treat the underlying causes.

During treatment, fine, sterile needles will be inserted at specific points along the meridian pathways in order to restore the balance and flow of Qi. Your practitioner may also perform acupressure or other types of therapy, based on your unique issues and symptoms.
Your practitioner may also recommend herbs, changes in diet, stretches and other exercises to work in conjunction with acupuncture treatment. These adjunct therapies help you regain your health and prevent future problems. By working together with your acupuncturist – and taking good care of yourself- you’ll be on your way to a healthier, pain-free future before you know it.