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Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Acupuncture for neck pain has been shown to be a highly effective and safe treatment..

The neck is one of the most flexible—and delicate—parts of the body. Throughout the day, many of us put stress on our neck without even realizing it. Unfortunately, this can result in a 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 is 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. It’s a safe and natural approach approach to treating neck pain and whiplash.

 

Neck pain can be caused by a variety of factors. Below are some of the more common diagnoses’ that your acupuncturist may discover and treat:

  • Overuse
  • Strain
  • Muscle tension
  • Invasion of cold, wind and/or damp
  • Bi Syndrome

How Acupuncture for Neck Pain Works

Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health. In TCM, Qi (pronounced “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects it from illness. It flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body’s organs, muscles and cells.

The diagram (below) shows the meridians throughout the body. When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symptoms such as pain may result, such in the neck area.

It is important for Qi to flow freely throughout the body. Think of water flowing through a garden hose. A blocked hose will not provide an adequate supply of water to a plant. Eventually, the plant will be unable to thrive, grow and blossom.

Similarly, a blockage in the flow of Qi anywhere in the neck area will inhibit the amount of nourishment that reaches our cells, tissues, muscles, organs and glands. Under normal circumstances, your neck and body can easily return to good health and vitality.

If the disruption of Qi is prolonged or excessive, or if your body is in a weakened state, the flow of Qi becomes restricted and a variety of symptoms, including neck pain may arise and get worse.

By inserting fine, sterile needles at specific points at the neck area, an acupuncturist is able to break up blockages that have hampered the smooth flow of Qi. Once this is done, Qi can travel freely, promoting pain-free health, well-being and vitality.

 

Meridian Pathways that demonstrates how acupuncture works


Acupuncture Can Treat Chronic Neck Pain

A study published in British Medical Journal states that, “Acupuncture can be a 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 a chronic condition, single forms of treatment may be inadequate, and acupuncture merits consideration.”1

Other studies suggest that acupuncture can treat degenerative disorders of the neck and spine. According to a study published by U.S. National Institutes of Health in 2010, it was concluded that, “Traditional acupuncture can relieve pain intensity and improve the quality of daily life with a relative long-term clinical efficacy in patients with chronic neck pain.”2


Acupuncture is safe, natural and has no side effects—unlike many of the medications often used to treat pain.

Your acupuncturist, Jenny Bisset 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. 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. Jenny may also perform acupressure or other types of therapy, based on your unique issues and symptoms.

Jenny 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 Jenny—and taking good care of yourself—you will be on your way to a healthier, pain-free future before you know it.


Jenny Bisset, a licensed acupuncturist in San Carlos, CASchedule an appointment with Jenny today
(650) 206-8116
Acupuncture in San Carlos
Jenny Bisset, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

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