The neck is considered the most delicate and fragile part of the body. Hence a minor neck pain makes you skim through all the available exercises, medications, and DIYs. But have you ever considered acupuncture or needles for an ultimate relief? If you assumed that pricking needles could only cause pain, think again! Acupuncture for neck pain (1) relief is a treatment that cannot only cures neck pains pain but also ease your shoulders.
Interestingly, 43.1% of the people who underwent acupuncture for neck pain reported having relief from such pain
Yes, it is true! You can also benefit from acupuncture, only if you break myths regarding the usage of acupuncture for neck pain treatment. Read ahead as we cover it all for you.
What is Acupuncture?
Does acupuncture work for Neck Pain? Acupuncture is a pattern of the treatment which involves inserting or puncturing the pressure points on the body with thin sterilized needles to different variations of depth. The concept of acupuncture originated in China and spread all over the world owing to its efficacy and unique idea. Initially, the long sharp bones and highly sharpened needles were used for the acupuncture treatments. The same instruments were even used for the surgical procedures, for instance, lancing an abscess and more.
As per the concept of acupuncture, an energy which is known as ‘Qi’ or ‘Chi’ flows throughout the body and when it gets blocked, it results in pain. The insertion of needles is focused on balancing the energy to relieve the pain. Acupuncture for neck pain is a popular way to treat neck pains. You have specific trigger points on the neck which when stimulated by the procedure of acupuncture cure neck pains. Acupuncture can even help in boosting the well being and may also benefit in curing several types of illnesses.
[Also Read: How to Relieve Neck Pain]
Is Acupuncture for Neck Pain Treatment Safe?
Acupuncture (2) for neck pain has a great myth regarding its safety. People often get petrified with the thought of having needles pierced on their neck. But it is not as complicated as you think. It is as safe as having a pill for your neck pain, but, minus the side effects of the pill. However, your acupuncturist should be a certified professional to carry out acupuncture for neck pain treatment. And, people who suffer from bleeding disorders must be cautious of acupuncture therapy.
Is Acupuncture for Pinched Nerve in the Neck a Viable Treatment?
The pinched nerve in the neck can be very painful and distractive. It may even irritate on many occasions. Acupuncture can help with a particular problem as well. The practice of acupuncture will maintain the life force of your body by the pathways known as meridians. The imbalance or blockage causes the pinching of the nerve in the respective effect. Acupuncture aims at opening up the pores and fixing the blockage by inserting needles at the acupoints.
According to research, “acupuncture can not only help in setting the pinched nerve but can also assist in receding the chances of the condition in the future”.
[Also Read: Get Rid of Neck Pain from Sleeping Wrong]
What are The Different Acupuncture Points for Neck Pain?
Before practicing acupuncture for neck pain, you should be aware of several acupoints which may help you in increasing the efficiency in a safer manner. For example, acupressure points for neck pain in hands. Acupuncture therapy for neck pain is the most convenient yet drug-free method which can help. There are several acupressure points for neck pain present to treat your pain in no time. Few are listed below:
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Heaven’s Pillar
You can find this point at the occipital ridge. It is at the side of the place where the spine connects the skull in the tendon. By simulating the spot, neck pain and stiffness of the neck is relieved.
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Shoulder Well
You can find this point on the shoulder muscle. Mainly it is present on the base of the neck and the point where the shoulder muscles merge with the neck. This acupoint can help in fixing the neck and back pain.
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Completion Bone
The following point is located right on the occipital ridge. You may have noticed a small depression behind your ear. That is the primary pressure point in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. By simulating the respective pressure point, severe headaches, dizziness and neck pains can get treated.
[Also Read: Yoga for Neck Pain Relief]
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Union Valley
This point is present between the thumb and the index finger on the connecting mass of skin. When this point gets stimulated with the needles, it works to reduce the tension in the neck muscles and also helps to relieve the uneasiness around the neck and shoulders. Stimulating this point also can aid in relieving stress and anxiety.
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Luo Zhen
You can find this point on the back of the hand where there is a depression between the bones. The point is just present past the knuckles of the middle finger and the pointer. To fix neck pain, locate the opposite side of the area where you experience pain in. For instance, if you are feeling pain in the left side of your neck, so you should locate your respective point on your right hand. It stimulates the brain in reducing the pain and inflammation in the affected region.
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GB 20
You can locate this point on your back of your neck. It can get easily located at the base of the skull near a small depression. To find the location, place your hands on the back of your neck. By using your thumbs, you will spot two depressions on your neck below the skull. The point is mainly 2 inches away from the skull and is known to be one of the most effective positions for neck pain.
These are certain points that the acupuncturist may stimulate when you go for an acupuncture session. However, it purely depends on the causative factors. On your visit to an acupuncturist, you will first get inquired about your case history, medications, other treatments and then the acupoints and the line of treatment will get decided.
[Read: Home Remedies for Neck Pain]
How Many Sessions of Acupuncture for Neck Pain are Required for Effective Treatment?
Acupuncture for relieving neck pain is effective in the first session itself It is recommended to have 6 or 12 visits, twice or once a week, or as required. A typical session lasts from not more than 30 to 80 minutes. The acute conditions such as casual pains and sprains generally need less frequency of visits and time.
However, chronic conditions can need up to several sessions. It is advised not to miss out any session as it may even break the continuity of the process. The results have a rapid improvement rate and are long-lasting. If in case you cannot attend all the 12 sessions for your chronic ailments, it is recommended to attend not less than eight sessions per week.
[Read: Essential Oils for Neck Pain]
Bottom Line
Acupuncture for neck pain is a very effective and recommended method. Many people have created a hype about the following practice due to its safety. The medical literature has been very diverse about this method. It is even possible to bleed at the beginning stage, or minor bruises may also occur after a needle gets removed.
There is nothing to panic about these situations because it is just a part of the procedure. Hence, using acupuncture for curing neck pain is a better option than the harmful drugs that pose side effects.
