Acupuncture Neck Pain

This age-old Chinese medical practice that has come to be accepted as an alternative treatment for acupuncture neck pain, osteoarthritis, and lower back pain. As one of the oldest healing methods, it was never recognized in the Western world until 1971 when a journalist from the New York Times, James Reston, wrote an article titled “Now About My Operation in Peking.”

In the article, James Reston detailed how he visited a hospital in Thao Yang and was a shown chart revealing all acupuncture points on the human body. Afterward, James Reston experienced acupuncture treatment first hand. Back home, James Reston described how the doctor of acupuncture inserted three long thin needles into the upper part of his right elbow and below his knees. By doing so, the doctor of acupuncture was able to stimulate the intestine and relieve pressure from the stomach.

So, can acupuncture help in treating neck pain?

Yes, it can and below is how it works.

Today, acupuncture is the poster child of alternative medicine. As a complementary medical practice, it entails the stimulation of certain points on the body using fine and sterile needles with the goal of alleviating pain and treating certain health conditions.

Acupuncture was developed over 35,000 years ago and since its introduction in Europe and North America, several studies have been carried out to fully understand acupuncture and how it works. Modern acupuncture has been modified in order to treat and help alleviate pain for modern day health conditions such as neck pain and lower back pain.

In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncturists believe that diseases and pain are as a result of disruptions to the flow of energy in the body. Commonly referred to as qi, acupuncture stimulates different points and opens the pathways in the body allowing energy to flow. What you ought to know is that your qi travels via channels called meridians.

Modern acupuncturists have concluded that acupuncture works through neurohormonal pathways. As the needle is inserted in specific points on the body, the nerves are stimulated by sending signals to the brain. As a result, the brain releases neurotransmitters such as beta-Endorphins.

Due to the release of good feel hormones, the patients’ get to feel happy. This helps to increase the patient’s pain threshold. As a result, one gets to feel less pain.

What can acupuncture do for chronic neck pain?

In a study to investigate the outcome of acupuncture for chronic neck pain, 172 patients were selected over a period of 6 and a half years. During the study, one acupuncturist provided treatment to the patients. The treatment consisted of needle acupuncture which lasted 7 sessions for each patient. Researchers measured the treatment outcome using an oral rating scale of improvement. This was carried out at the end of the 7 sessions.

During the study, 153 patients were evaluated and researchers discovered that 68% displayed successful results from the acupuncture treatment. They reported that the patients experienced at least a 50% improvement in pain relief. The researchers also discovered that the success rate was high in patients experiencing pain for a short duration. At the end of the study, researchers concluded that acupuncture is an effective treatment for the treatment of chronic neck pain.

In another study, researchers discovered that acupuncture works by reducing pro-inflammatory markers in the human body. These pro-inflammatory markers are actually proteins. When reduced, they lower inflammation which in turn decreases pain and is effective for weight loss too.

Why choose Acupuncture San Diego?

As certified and licensed acupuncturists, we are experienced in providing acupuncture to treat various conditions such as chronic neck pain. As a leading research-oriented and educational establishment, we pursue scientifically proven Chinese acupuncture medicine.

Using out integrative therapies, our acupuncturists will help to alleviate stress, anxiety, manage symptoms of different health conditions as well as reduce chronic pain – lower back and neck pain. As the best acupuncturists in San Diego, our professionals offer high quality and customer-centric care designed to cater to your physical, spiritual and emotional needs.

Our acupuncturists at Acupuncture San Diego are also prepared to restore balance and increase mobility. As a result, they will help to address immediate and future health problems that may lead to pain, depression, and anxiety among other health conditions.