Neck pain

Neck pain is a common complaint that can occur at any age. Sometimes the pain arises suddenly, for example after an awkward movement or a night of sleeping in the wrong position. More often the complaints develop gradually, due to prolonged tension, poor posture or overuse.

You may experience:

pain or stiffness in the neck, with limited mobility;
tense shoulders and headaches originating from the neck;
radiation to the shoulder or arm, sometimes with tingling or a numb feeling;
muscle knots or pressure-sensitive spots;
complaints that increase with prolonged sitting, computer work or stress.

In our practice we look not only at the painful muscles or joints, but also at the factors that cause the complaints to arise and persist. On that basis a personal treatment plan is drawn up.

Neck pain regularly occurs together with other complaints, such as tension headaches, migraine, shoulder complaints, dizziness, jaw complaints, RSI/mouse arm or stress and sleep problems.

Western conditions in which neck pain plays a role

Neck pain can also be the result of a specific condition, such as:

whiplash;
a herniated disc in the neck (cervical hernia);
osteoarthritis of the cervical vertebrae (cervical spondylosis);
torticollis (wry neck);
RSI or mouse arm.

Possible causes

Common causes of neck pain are:

prolonged computer or screen work;
poor posture or sleeping position;
stress and prolonged muscle tension;
sports injuries or a fall;
overuse of muscles and tendons;
exposure to draught or cold;
the onset of a cold or flu.

Sometimes no clear medical cause can be found, while the complaints are nevertheless present.

What can acupuncture do?

Acupuncture is aimed at supporting and regulating bodily functions during treatment. The treatment is tailored to your personal situation and can be adjusted over the course of the treatment, depending on how the complaints develop.

Among other things, acupuncture can offer support with:

reducing pain;
reducing muscle tension and improving muscle function;
improving mobility;
promoting local blood circulation;
supporting the body's natural recovery process.

Where needed, additional techniques such as cupping, moxa or massage can be used.

What can Chinese herbal medicine do?

Chinese herbs are often used as a complement to acupuncture. Where acupuncture works during the treatment itself, herbs can support the body daily in between treatments. The herbal formula is tailored to your personal situation and can be adjusted over the course of the treatment.

For neck pain, herbs can for example offer support with:

nourishing muscles and tendons so that they recover better;
providing extra support in between treatments for long-standing or recurring complaints;
supporting recovery after overuse or an injury;
extra support for neck complaints associated with the onset of a cold.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs complement each other and are regularly combined for neck pain.

How does Chinese medicine view neck pain?

In Western medicine the diagnosis is often central. Chinese medicine looks mainly at which bodily functions are functioning less well, and how this relates to the complaints you experience.

For neck pain, the focus is mainly on the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood through the meridians that run through the neck and shoulder area. When this flow is disrupted, pain or tension arises. The reason for this disruption can vary — for example due to cold, stress, an injury or prolonged exhaustion — and this partly determines how the treatment is structured. In neck pain associated with tension and stress, the Liver organ system also plays a role, which according to Chinese medicine is responsible, among other things, for a smooth flow of Qi and for the condition of the tendons.

As a result, two people with the same complaint can have a different underlying pattern, and therefore receive a different treatment. The patterns that occur most often with neck pain are:

Sudden stiff neck due to cold or a common cold (Wind-Cold / Wind-Heat)

This pattern often arises when the neck has been exposed to draught, air conditioning or wind, or as the first sign of the onset of a cold or flu.

acute stiff neck, difficulty turning the head;
pain that arises suddenly;
possible cold or flu symptoms, such as a sore throat or a blocked nose;
improvement with warmth (Wind-Cold) or, conversely, a need for cooling (Wind-Heat).

Tension due to stress (Liver Qi stagnation)

Stress and emotions have a strong influence on the tension in neck and shoulder muscles. Many people notice that they unconsciously raise their shoulders while working or worrying.

tense neck and shoulder muscles, with a pressing or nagging pain;
recurring complaints and tension headaches;
complaints that increase during stress and decrease during relaxation or movement.

Neck pain after an injury (Blood stasis)

This pattern can arise after a fall, whiplash or other injury. Long-standing neck complaints can also eventually develop into this.

sharp or stabbing pain at a clearly identifiable spot;
long-standing or persistent complaints with restricted movement;
muscle hardening or pressure-sensitive points.

Chronic, nagging neck pain (Qi and Blood deficiency)

With long-standing complaints, muscles, tendons and joints can be insufficiently nourished, causing them to tire more quickly and recover less well.

nagging neck pain with a heavy, tired feeling in the neck and shoulders;
complaints that worsen after exertion;
slow recovery.

Prognosis

Many acute neck complaints improve on their own within a few days to weeks. Treatment during this period can contribute to a faster recovery and may reduce the chance of recurring complaints.

For long-standing or regularly recurring neck pain, several treatments are usually needed. Posture, workload, sleep, stress and sufficient exercise also play an important role in a lasting result. Acupuncture can be combined well with physiotherapy, exercise therapy, osteopathy, chiropractic or a targeted training programme.

When to contact a doctor?

Contact a doctor when:

the pain arises after a serious accident;
loss of strength occurs in the arm or hand;
increasing numbness or tingling develops;
there are problems with walking or balance;
there is fever, unexplained weight loss or severe night-time pain;
the complaints continue to worsen despite rest and treatment.

Contact

Do you suffer from neck pain and would you like to know whether acupuncture can mean something for you? During a first consultation we discuss your complaints, medical history and any underlying factors in detail. On that basis a treatment plan is drawn up that suits your situation. You can book an appointment online right away or get in touch for more information.

How does acupuncture work?
How many treatments do I need?
Pricing
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Go to contact to book an appointment right away!