Neck pain is a prevalent issue, affecting approximately 2 in 3 individuals at some point in their lives. A survey conducted in the UK revealed that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 5 men, aged between 45 and 75, reported experiencing current neck pain.
The cervical spine, comprising seven vertebrae and intervertebral discs, along with the associated muscles and ligaments at the back of the neck, play a crucial role in neck health. The spinal cord is housed within the spine, and nerves stemming from the cervical spine innervate the neck and arms.
The most common form of neck pain is nonspecific, with an unknown exact cause often attributed to minor strains in the neck muscles and ligaments, frequently linked to poor posture.
The nuchal ligament, positioned at the midline of the neck, extends from the base of the skull to the seventh cervical vertebrae, acting as a septum between neck muscles. Trauma or overuse of this ligament can lead to ossification, resulting in neck stiffness, pain, cervical spine instability, malalignment, and nerve irritation. Acupuncture has been shown to alleviate neck stiffness and pain associated with nuchal ligament issues.
Chronic neck pain, characterized by persistent discomfort stemming from improperly healed acute injuries and the formation of fibrotic scar tissue, can be effectively treated with acupuncture. Acupuncture helps release tension, promote tissue repair, and alleviate pain associated with fibrosis.
Acupuncture also proves beneficial for sudden, severe neck pain caused by muscle strain, muscle spasms, or acute injuries, expediting the recovery process.
Stiff neck, often linked to muscle strain, soft tissue sprain, poor posture, or stress, can be effectively addressed with acupuncture. The treatment relaxes muscles, reduces tension, corrects posture, and improves blood circulation.
Poor posture is a significant contributor to neck pain, and acupuncture can aid in reducing inflammation and pain, facilitating the correction of posture.
Studies have shown that acupuncture, laser therapy, and intermittent traction are effective interventions for chronic neck pain. Acupuncture demonstrates both immediate and lasting effects on chronic neck pain, offering a safe and cost-effective treatment option.
Modern technology, such as smartphones and tablets, may contribute to "tech neck" pain due to prolonged periods of head-forward posture. Acupuncture proves effective in releasing muscle spasm and tension associated with tech neck pain.
Neck spasms, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions leading to sudden, severe pain, can be alleviated through acupuncture. The treatment is particularly effective in releasing muscle spasm in the trapezius muscle, a common source of headaches and neck pain.
Two guidelines from the Danish Health Authority recommend acupuncture for non-specific neck pain. In total, twelve evidence-based recommendations for neck pain treatment endorse a combination of supervised exercise, manual therapy, and acupuncture as effective interventions before resorting to medication.
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