Acupuncture For Neck and Shoulder Pain
By Bindi Zhu, M.D. (China) Ph.D. (Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Most of us work at a desk job, and experience neck or shoulder pain after a long day staring at a computer monitor. If your desk is not set up for proper ergonomics, you may experience pain that worsens over time. It is important to treat pain to prevent it from becoming chronic. Acupuncture and TCM treatments have been shown to be effective options in treating neck and shoulder pain.
Traffic in Austin has increased in the past few years, and so has the number of car accidents. Whiplash is one of the most common sources of neck pain, and even the most minor car accidents can result in whiplash. It is important to note that whiplash is a general term, and could indicate damage ranging from the nerves, bones, and muscles. Like most injuries, it is most effective to treat them right away.
A frozen shoulder is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain. If you have a frozen shoulder, you may see decreased flexibility in your shoulder joint, as well as a limited range of motion. This condition usually develops over a long period of time, so it’s important to treat it as soon as possible.
Conventional medicine usually relies on drugs to relieve pain, which could potentially have unwanted side effects. Painkillers also do not treat the underlying root cause of the pain and are only a form of temporary relief. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in the neck and shoulder and is a great candidate to be used in conjunction with traditional Chinese medicine.
Dr. Zhu has been providing patients in the Austin area with a non-invasive, drug-free alternative to neck and shoulder pain for over 20 years. Dr. Zhu specializes in finding the root cause of your neck or shoulder pain and helping you heal naturally. If you have recently developed pain or have been suffering for a while, Dr. Zhu will be happy to curate a course of treatment that is right for you.
Causes of Neck Pain
There are many different causes of neck pain, and the treatments differ depending on the duration of the pain, as well as the source of the pain. Here are some common sources:
- Muscle Strain/Overuse – This is common for office workers who are fixed in one position all day, or more recently, people who spend lots of time on their mobile devices. Our heads weigh anywhere between ten and fifteen pounds, and even tilting your head forward a little bit can cause strain on your neck over time.
- Aging – Certain conditions develop over time that can cause neck and shoulder pain. For example, the cartilage between your bones can wear down over time, and decrease the cushion between your bones. This causes pain and a reduced range of motion.
- Injuries/Accidents – Car accidents are a big source of neck and shoulder pain. Even “minor” quick jerking motions can cause damage to the muscles in the neck and may need treatment to facilitate healing. Even slipping or falling could cause misalignment in the neck bones, causing a herniated disk.
- Other Diseases – Certain conditions such as cancer or rheumatoid arthritis could be the underlying cause of your neck and shoulder pain.
How to prevent Neck and Shoulder Pain
- Be sure your workspace is set up for proper ergonomics. Many companies offer an ergonomics consultation. If you begin to feel any pain, it is important not to work through the pain.
- Take breaks often. Setting a timer can help you remember to take breaks. Stretching, walking, and moving around during the day can also help with back pain and other health conditions.
- Limit time on mobile devices. Text neck is becoming more common as we spend more time on mobile devices. Use apps to monitor your screen time, and be sure not to spend too long with your neck tilted over looking at your phone or tablet.
- Use the correct pillow – Make sure to use a pillow that puts your spine in a neutral position. A pillow that is too high or too low may cause neck pain.
Acupuncture for Neck Pain
Dr. Zhu’s philosophy is to treat neck pain holistically. There is not a one size fits all acupuncture treatment for neck pain. Even the acupuncture points chosen will depend on your unique condition. Dr. Zhu will do a thorough review of your medical history, current stressors, and body constitution to formulate a treatment plan that ensures the condition is properly treated and the pain does not come back. Acupuncture is an effective, safe, natural treatment option without the side effects that are common with medications commonly used to treat neck and shoulder pain.