Acupuncture for
Neck Pain
Neck Pain Responds Well to Acupuncture
Elias Lu, DTCM,
Acupuncture Physician
Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine in Tampa Bay, Florida
Neck pain and stiffness are frequent complaints that drive individuals to seek acupuncture therapy. Emerging evidence suggests that acupuncture can significantly enhance neck function, increase range of motion, and alleviate pain associated with various conditions such as brachial neuritis, cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical stenosis, cervicobrachial syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, and whiplash. Despite the symptoms being localized to the neck area, acupuncture needles may be strategically placed in other regions of the body as well.
With its minimal risk of complications, acupuncture serves as an excellent complement to other therapeutic modalities including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and over-the-counter pain medications. While skeptics posit that acupuncture primarily reduces stress levels, which could contribute to the alleviation of neck pain, ongoing research aims to elucidate the precise mechanisms of acupuncture and refine treatment protocols.
The studies referenced provide valuable insights into the efficacy of acupuncture for neck pain relief. For instance, the multicenter randomized controlled trial conducted by Chen et al. (2021) optimized acupuncture treatment for cervical spondylosis-related neck pain, demonstrating promising outcomes. Additionally, Sant'Anna et al. (2021) explored the effectiveness of auriculotherapy for chronic cervical pain, further expanding the scope of acupuncture techniques for neck-related ailments. Furthermore, Witt et al. (2006) investigated acupuncture's role in managing chronic neck pain, contributing to the growing body of research supporting its therapeutic benefits.
As research continues to advance, a deeper understanding of acupuncture mechanisms will be attained, paving the way for more tailored and effective treatments for neck pain and other musculoskeletal conditions.
References
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Chen, L., Li, M., Fan, L., Zhu, X., Liu, J., Li, H., Xu, Z., Chen, J., Liang, Z., Liu, Z., Feng, L., Chen, X., He, Q., Chen, X., Ou, A., He, J., Ma, R., Ning, B., Jiang, L., Li, S., … Fu, W. (2021). Optimized acupuncture treatment (acupuncture and intradermal needling) for cervical spondylosis-related neck pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Pain, 162(3), 728–739.
https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002071
Sant'Anna, M. B., Sant'Anna, L. B., Chao, L. W., & Sant'Anna, F. M. (2021). Auriculotherapy for Chronic Cervical Pain. Medical acupuncture, 33(6), 403–409.
https://doi.org/10.1089/acu.2021.0039
Witt, C. M., Jena, S., Brinkhaus, B., Liecker, B., Wegscheider, K., & Willich, S. N. (2006). Acupuncture for patients with chronic neck pain. Pain, 125(1-2), 98–106.
Dr. Elias Lu, DTCM is an acupuncture physician with Point of Cure Acupuncture and Electromedicine. In practice for over 25 years, he integrates traditional Chinese medicine with modern functional therapies to help people with chronic pain, trauma, neurodegenerative disorders, anxiety, depression, and many other life's challenges.
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