How to Get the Most Out of Your Acupuncture Treatment for Neck Pain
Neck pain is a common problem that can be caused by many different things, such as poor posture, stress and injuries. Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body. It has been shown to be an effective treatment for neck pain, and can be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment, such as massage therapy, medication or chiropractic care.
What are the common causes?
Neck pain is a common problem, and there are many possible causes. It can be caused by problems in the neck muscles, ligaments, or joints, or by neck strain from improper posture, sleeping on a too-soft mattress, or carrying a heavy bag on one shoulder. Other causes of neck pain include herniated disks, arthritis, and meningitis. Sometimes, the pain is referred from other problems such as heartburn, gallbladder disease, or a pinched nerve in the back or shoulder.
A team of researchers out of the University of Medical Sciences in Tabriz, Iran released a review in 2022 of the global epidemiology, trends and risk factors of neck pain. They determined that psychological risk factors actually play a far greater role than we give credit. Lack of social support, stress, and mental health concerns including anxiety and depression largely contributed to the global battle against neck pain.[1]
How can I tell if my neck pain is serious?
If your neck pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible: numbness or weakness, changes in your vision or speech, loss of balance, extreme fever, unexplained weight loss or appetite change or difficulty breathing.
In addition, if you have had strong neck pain for longer than a few days and it doesn't improve with self-care measures such as rest, heat or cold packs, and over-the-counter pain relievers, you should consult your primary care provider.
How does acupuncture work to relieve neck pain?
Acupuncture is said to work by inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. This is thought to promote the release of neurochemical substances, such as endorphins and serotonin, that block pain signals from the neck to the brain. Acupuncture may also increase blood flow and improve nerve function in the neck. These changes help to relax the muscles and relieve pain.
What are the benefits?
There are many benefits of using acupuncture for neck pain. Some of these benefits include reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and relieving muscle tension. Additionally, acupuncture is a safe and natural treatment option with few side effects.
A Cochrane review published in 2016 looked at 27 different studies exploring a range of issues leading to neck pain. This included whiplash, myofascial neck pain, arthritic changes and mechanical causes. They found acupuncture to be beneficial across conditions like these.[2]
Another multi centre, randomized controlled trial looked at patients suffering from cervical spondylosis. This can be a troublesome condition because part of the picture is the degeneration of the local tissue. Out of 835 patients enrolled in this study, there were significant benefits in neck pain after 4-weeks of treatment. At a follow-up 3 months later, many of the patients were still experiencing the positive effects.[3]
The difficult thing with reviewing acupuncture studies is that every person is unique, and practitioners develop protocols specifically for the patient in their clinic. As such, there will never be a one-size-fits-all solution.
To dive a little deeper, spinal pain has been shown to be attributed to changes in two proteins that influence inflammation - matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). A clinical trial investigated back pain and found that stimulating specific acupuncture points led to increases in MMP-13 and decreases in TIMP-1, helping to alleviate some of the inflammation.[4] It can also trigger a local twitch response when needles are inserted into certain myofascial trigger points which helps improve total range of motion in the area.[5]
Sample points in a protocol:
Huatuojiaji (華佗夾脊) - support the cervical vertebrae
UB 10/Tian Zhu (天柱) - alleviate pain and stiffness found in the neck.
SI 4/Wan Gu (腕骨) - can be used locally to counter pain along the arm, hand and wrist
GB 20/Feng Chi (風池) - found near the sternocleidomastoid and trapezius muscles, this point can be helpful for occipital headaches and stiffness in the local muscles. You often find this point in protocols targeting neurological disorders or issues of the eyes.
DU 14/Da Zhui (大椎) - one of the main points for upper back stiffness or pain. Often found in protocols targeting fevers, night sweats and cold or flu.
DU 16/Feng Fu (風府) - used to promote proper communication between tissues of the body and head.
Are there any risks?
There is some risk associated with acupuncture, as with any medical treatment. However, when performed by a certified and licensed acupuncturist or naturopathic doctor, the risks are minimal. Side effects may include minor bleeding or bruising at the puncture site, and occasional dizziness or lightheadedness. More serious but rare complications can include infection and pneumothorax (a punctured lung).
In a protocol like the one listed above, needles are inserted near the spinal cord and base of the skull, so working with someone who is licensed ensures your safety.
How to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment for neck pain
If you're looking to get the most out of your acupuncture treatment for neck pain, it's important that you come prepared. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Make sure to avoid caffeine and alcohol before your appointment. As a stimulant, the caffeine can make you restless. Not exactly an ideal state when you look like a human pincushion. The same goes for alcohol which can impair your judgement and hamper your ability to bring awareness to the healing properties of the acupuncture needles.
2. Come with an open mind – be willing to try whatever the acupuncturist recommends. You may not fully understand the way that each point relates to one another, but there is a purpose to every single one.
3. Be prepared to answer questions about your symptoms and medical history. As mentioned, each persons story is unique and this can help your care provider determine which points are best for you.
4. Be patient – it can take a few treatments for the full benefits of acupuncture to be seen.
Top tips for managing chronic neck pain with acupuncture therapy
There are several things you can do to relieve neck pain at home:
Rest: Take a break from your usual activities and give your neck a chance to recover. Try to avoid any activities that worsen the pain.
Apply heat or ice: Apply a heating pad to the area for 15-20 minutes, or place an ice pack on the area for 10-15 minutes. Repeat as needed.
Stretch: Gently stretch your neck muscles using the following exercises. Hold each stretch for 10 seconds.
Neck Flexion: Tilt your head down so that your chin touches your chest.
Neck Extension: Tilt your head up so that your chin points toward the sky.
Neck Rotation: Turn your head to the right, then to the left.
In summary
Chronic neck pain can be difficult to manage, but with the help of acupuncture therapy, you can find relief. Acupuncture is a safe and natural treatment option that has been shown to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve muscle tension. It is important to come prepared for your appointment by avoiding caffeine and alcohol and being willing to try whatever the acupuncturist recommends. Be patient – it may take a few treatments for the full benefits of acupuncture to be seen.
References
Kazeminasab, Somaye, et al. "Neck pain: global epidemiology, trends and risk factors." BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders 23.1 (2022): 1-13.
Trinh, Kien, et al. "Acupuncture for neck disorders." Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 5 (2016).
Chen, Ling, et al. "Optimized acupuncture treatment (acupuncture and intradermal needling) for cervical spondylosis–related neck pain: a multicenter randomized controlled trial." Pain 162.3 (2021): 728-739.
Zou, Jing, et al. "Effects of electroacupuncture stimulation of" Jiaji"(EX-B 2) on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in intervertebral disc tissue in rabbits with lumbar intervertebral disc degeneration." Zhen ci yan jiu= Acupuncture Research 39.3 (2014): 192-197.
Annaswamy, Thiru Mandyam, et al. "Emerging concepts in the treatment of myofascial pain: a review of medications, modalities, and needle-based interventions." PM&R 3.10 (2011): 940-961.