At any point in time, about 15 percent of adults are experiencing neck pain. The prevalence of neck pain peaks at age 50 and develops more commonly in women than men. A large group of articular and extra-articular disorders are characterized by pain that may involve simultaneously the neck, shoulder girdle, and upper extremity. The causes of neck pain include acute and chronic cervical strain or sprains herniated nucleus pulposus, osteroarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal stenosis, compression fratures and functional disorders.
On Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) viewing the neck pain, it directs the point to QI and blood stagnation on the neck and shoulder. QI and blood stagnation may have many causes. It may come from the excess or deficiency of QI in the body. It may come from the acute blocked QI paths by whiplash or sprain. It also can be caused by wind, heat or cold.
Conservative therapy of neck pain can include rest, analgesics, physical therapy, acupuncture and herbs. Acupuncture and herbs are usually considered the last choice for treatment. As many years practice on clinic and hospital, we have found out that acupuncture therapy is a useful and effective method on neck pain. It should be used earlier and/or combined with conventional medical treatment to reduce the neck pain. Since we are using the needles to treat the pain instead of analgesics or steroids, patients will take benefits from its fewer side effects and see the result quicker.
To learn more information about this, please visit our office at 19310 Avenue of the Oaks, Suite B in Santa Clarita or call office at 661-298 9298.