Neck pain: when your neck hurts

A stiff neck on waking, pain rising towards the head, loaded shoulders: neck pain is very common. Computers, smartphones, draughts, a poor pillow or stress often contribute.

What’s happening in the neck?

Most neck pain is common: it comes from tense muscles (trapezius, neck muscles) and irritated joints. Acute torticollis is a painful muscular block that generally improves within a few days. Cervical osteoarthritis is common with age and is not necessarily painful.

When the pain radiates down the arm with tingling or weakness, this is called cervicobrachial neuralgia: medical advice is then useful.

How does Chinese medicine explain it?

The neck is crossed by numerous meridians (Bladder, Gallbladder, Small Intestine, Triple Burner and the Du Mai vessel). TCM distinguishes two main situations:

• Wind-Cold invasion — draughts, air conditioning, an uncovered neck; stiffness comes on quickly, often on waking.
• Qi and Blood stagnation — prolonged postures, stress-related tension (the Liver), “loaded” shoulders; the pain is duller and settles in.

One of the best-known points in this region is Fengchi (Gallbladder 20), whose name means “wind pond,” located at the base of the skull.

What can acupuncture offer?

I place needles on the neck and shoulders, and also at a distance (hands, feet). Depending on the case, I add heat.

For chronic neck pain, studies suggest short-term pain relief, on balance favourable. Acupuncture works best combined with physiotherapy, gentle exercises and improved posture.

Does it hurt?

I use very small, single-use needles, much finer than a blood-test needle. Most of the time you feel a slight prick, then nothing more. Sometimes you feel nothing at all; some areas are more sensitive than others. This sensation lasts a few seconds, then settles.

You may also feel, around the needle, a dull impression of heaviness, warmth or tingling: this is an expected, harmless sensation. If something bothers you, tell me: I can adjust or remove the needle right away.

A few everyday tips

• Adjust your workstation: screen at eye level, smartphone raised towards your face.
• Take breaks and move your neck gently, without jerking.
• Protect your neck from the cold: a scarf is often enough (a very traditional tip).
• Choose a pillow that keeps the neck aligned.
• Apply gentle heat; tai chi and qi gong help maintain mobility.

This article is intended for information and education. It does not replace a medical consultation and does not constitute personalised advice.

References

• Trinh K, Graham N, Irnich D, Cameron ID, Forget M. Acupuncture for neck disorders. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;(5):CD004870.

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