How Acupuncture for Neck Pain Can Help

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognised acupuncture as a valuable tool for treating chronic pain, including neck pain. It is quite common and widely used as an alternative or complementary treatment method. Due to a lack of more extensive research, acupuncture remains an alternative and complementary treatment. However, there have also been substantial clinical trials and evidence that acupuncture therapy works.

In this article, we'll explore how neck acupuncture treatment helps and understand its benefits. We'll dive deeper into how it works, its effectiveness, and how it can go well with other conservative treatments such as neck physiotherapy.

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a type of alternative therapy that involves placing thin needles at specific points on the body. These points, known as acupoints, are believed to be connected to energy pathways called meridians. According to TCM, stimulating these points can help restore balance and promote healing.

Several studies suggest that acupuncture can help relieve neck pain, particularly when it’s related to conditions like muscle tension, cervical spondylosis, or whiplash. A 2020 study reported that acupuncture treatment at Singapore's public healthcare institutions was used to clinically ease 62% of all neck and lower back pain cases.

Acupuncture is becoming more popular as both an alternative and complementary treatment for body pains, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. Many people turn to it when conventional options like medication don’t offer enough relief. Its holistic approach appeals to those looking for non-drug treatments, especially for chronic or recurring pain.

The Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR) plays a significant role in studies on acupuncture and similar traditional treatments by providing a structured platform to register and track clinical trials. Since acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, many studies conducted in China focus on its effectiveness for various conditions.

Acupuncture, though widely used, still faces scepticism in some medical circles due to inconsistent evidence from clinical studies. By requiring standardised reporting, ChiCTR helps promote high-quality, evidence-based research on acupuncture. In the future, acupuncture treatment may become more established. As of today, existing studies on acupuncture treatment suggest it reduces inflammation, boosts circulation, and stimulates the body’s natural painkillers.

Nonetheless, acupuncture is still considered a conservative treatment method and has a low-risk complication. If you want to reduce your reliance on medications, acupuncture treatment may work for you.

Benefits of Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Your neck plays a crucial role in supporting your head and allowing for a broad range of motion. However, this dual function can lead to discomfort, as various components of the musculoskeletal system operate close to their limits to provide these abilities.

The benefits of acupuncture for neck pain include several physical and therapeutic effects that contribute to pain relief and improved mobility. Let's break them down below.

Pain Relief

Studies have shown that acupuncture might help reduce pain and improve function by stimulating specific points of the body to promote healing and relaxation. The insertion of needles is believed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by:

• Increasing Blood Flow: The needles can help enhance circulation to the affected area, which may aid in healing and reduce inflammation.
• Releasing Endorphins: Acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
• Balancing Energy: According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture helps to balance the body’s vital energy (Qi) by clearing blockages or restoring flow within the meridians.
• Modulating Pain Pathways: The needling can influence the nervous system to modulate pain signals, relieving neck pain.
• Increasing pressure pain threshold: This can lead to reduced sensitivity to pain and an increased threshold for feeling pain in the neck.

The effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person, and it’s often used in conjunction with other treatments for reducing neck pain.

Improved Mobility

Acupuncture treatments may enhance the neck's range of motion and reduce stiffness as an effect of the stimulation on the specific acupuncture points. This helps reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and increase blood flow, which can contribute to improved range of motion.

Additionally, acupuncture might help relax tight muscles and reduce inflammation, both of which can aid in enhancing neck mobility.

Reduced Dependence on Pain Medication

Acupuncture works by triggering the release of endorphins and other chemicals in your body that naturally relieve pain. It also targets some of the root causes of your discomfort, which can help lessen your reliance on pain medication to manage your symptoms.

Improved Sleep Quality

Acupuncture can make a difference in your sleep quality if you’re dealing with neck pain. By easing muscle tension and reducing discomfort, it helps you get more comfortable and fall asleep more easily. You’re less likely to wake up during the night or have trouble getting restful sleep.

On top of that, acupuncture treatments can help you relax and manage stress better. Since stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep, reducing them can make it easier to wind down and get a good night’s rest. While it’s not a cure-all, acupuncture might help you sleep more soundly by tackling both the pain and the stress that keeps you up.

Holistic Approach

Acupuncture often works together with other treatments, such as physical therapy or lifestyle changes, to address pain more comprehensively. This multifaceted approach can reduce the overall need for medication.

Phoenix Rehab in Singapore can help you manage mild to chronic neck pain through a personalised treatment plan. They can create tailored complementary therapies that work effectively alongside acupuncture treatments.

Their physical therapy approaches include modalities that improve strength and flexibility, as well as lifestyle changes to support overall well-being. By integrating these treatments, they aim to address pain from multiple angles, potentially reducing the need for medication and enhancing your recovery.

Treats Chronic Neck Pain

Acupuncture is effective in managing chronic neck pain, including chronic nonspecific neck pain, by targeting the pain at multiple levels. It can help alleviate symptoms associated with a stiff neck, which often results from prolonged muscle tension or poor posture.

Acupuncture treatments address these issues by helping relax tight muscles, improve circulation, and reduce inflammation, leading to significant relief.

For those with chronic nonspecific neck pain, where no specific cause is identified, acupuncture can offer a valuable approach by focusing on relieving pain and improving overall function. This method helps manage persistent discomfort and can enhance mobility, making it a suitable option for long-term pain management and improved daily life.

Acupuncture and Neck Pain Conservative Treatment

Acupuncture is often considered a valuable conservative treatment option for managing neck pain. Unlike more invasive procedures, acupuncture focuses on promoting the body’s natural healing processes. Besides physical therapy, it is commonly used alongside other conservative methods such as massage and relaxation techniques, creating a comprehensive approach to pain management.

Easily Incorporated into a Treatment Plan

One of the advantages of acupuncture is its convenience. Sessions are typically brief, lasting between 20 to 40 minutes, making it easy to fit into a busy schedule. Additionally, acupuncture is a relatively non-invasive treatment with minimal risk of serious side effects. This allows you to incorporate it into your overall treatment plan without significant disruption to your daily routines.

Reduces Dependence on Pain Killers

Chronic neck pain often leads individuals to rely on pain medication for relief. Acupuncture provides a natural alternative by addressing the pain through techniques that stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. This can help reduce dependence on painkillers, minimising the risk of potential side effects and the risk of developing an addiction.

How Does Acupuncture Treatment for Neck Pain Work?

Treating neck pain is not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes, we tend to brush it off and perceive it as a less serious condition. However, persistent neck pain can significantly impact daily life and lead to more serious complications if left untreated. It can affect not only comfort but also function, causing difficulties in performing routine activities and tasks, and even disrupting sleep.

The exact mechanisms behind acupuncture's effectiveness are not fully understood, but several theories attribute them to endorphins, as we covered above. Other than that, acupuncture treatments may also influence the central nervous system, altering pain perception.

Let's cover some more potential mechanisms of how acupuncture treatment works:

• Acupuncture can influence the release of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood and pain, improving overall mental state.
• Acupuncture helps relieve muscle tension by targeting specific points associated with muscle pain, relieving tightness.
• Acupuncture helps balance the flow of Qi (vital energy) through meridians in the body. Disruptions in Qi flow are believed to contribute to pain and illness. Restoring balance can alleviate pain and other symptoms.

Acupuncture Points Used to Ease Neck Pain

Acupuncture points used to alleviate neck pain are strategically located across various areas of the body, including the neck, shoulders, back, and even the feet. These points are chosen based on the individual’s specific condition and symptoms. For instance, points on the neck and shoulders directly target muscle tension and pain, while those on the back may address underlying issues related to posture or alignment.

In addition to these traditional points, abdominal acupuncture can treat neck pain. This technique involves stimulating points on the abdomen that correspond to various internal organs and energy pathways. By addressing these points, practitioners aim to influence overall bodily function and promote a balanced flow of energy, which can indirectly benefit neck pain by enhancing systemic healing and reducing stress.

The selection of acupuncture points is tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring a personalised approach that targets the root causes of neck pain while providing comprehensive relief.

Must Be Done by a Qualified Acupuncture Practitioner

It’s really important to have acupuncture for neck pain done by a qualified practitioner. They have the training and experience needed to accurately target the right points and use proper techniques, which helps ensure the treatment is both effective and safe.

A skilled practitioner will carefully assess your condition and tailor the treatment specifically to your needs. They follow strict hygiene standards and use sterile needles, which helps avoid any complications. By going to a licensed professional, you can feel confident that you’re getting care for managing your neck pain.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session for Neck Pain?

During an acupuncture session for neck pain, you’ll start with a brief consultation where the practitioner will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and any specific concerns. This helps them understand your condition and tailor the treatment to your needs. After this part, your acupuncture treatment session will include the following methods.

Needling

After your talk, your practitioner will identify the acupuncture points that need to be targeted. These are usually located on the neck, shoulders, back, and possibly other areas depending on your symptoms. The practitioner will then insert very thin, sterile needles into these points. You might feel a slight sensation or a dull ache, but it should not be painful.

Relaxation

The needles are typically left in place for about 20 to 30 minutes. During this time, you’ll likely be asked to relax and stay still. The practitioner may gently adjust the needles or use techniques like heat or electrical stimulation to enhance the treatment.

Post-treatment assessment

After the session, the practitioner will remove the needles and discuss any observations or recommendations. They might suggest additional treatments or complementary therapies to help manage your neck pain more effectively. Overall, the process is designed to be calming and supportive, helping to foster pain relief and improve your well-being

How Effective Is Acupuncture for Neck Pain?

Acupuncture can be effective for managing neck pain for many people. Studies and clinical experience show that it can help reduce pain, improve neck mobility, and enhance overall function. Some people experience lasting relief from neck pain after a series of acupuncture treatments. While results can vary from person to person, many find that acupuncture helps manage chronic pain and reduce their reliance on painkillers.

Does Acupuncture for Neck Pain Come with Any Risks or Side Effects?

Acupuncture is generally considered safe when performed by a qualified practitioner, but, like any treatment, it can have some risks and side effects. Here’s what you might need to know:

• Bruising: Minor bruising may occur at the needle insertion sites. These effects are usually temporary and resolve on their own.
• Soreness: Some people may experience soreness or discomfort after an acupuncture session.
• Infection: The risk of infection is low, but it can occur if the needles are not sterile.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Occasionally, individuals might feel a bit dizzy or lightheaded during or after the session. This is usually brief and can be managed by resting and drinking plenty of water.

Serious events associated with acupuncture are rare. In some cases, acupuncture may initially cause a temporary increase in symptoms before improvement is noticed. This is often a sign that the body is responding to the treatment, but it’s important to communicate any concerns with your practitioner.

Conclusion

If your recurring neck pain has been bothering you, conservative treatments are usually the first approach to relief. Acupuncture offers a promising effectiveness for managing neck pain, but it may not be for everybody. In this case, consider seeking a personalised treatment plan with an experienced physical therapist. They can tailor a plan that works well alongside your acupuncture sessions for long-term healing.