Clinical Information For the Treatment Of Neck Pain
What Is Neck Pain?
Neck Pain - Basics
Neck pain or stiffness can be caused by several different conditions, lifestyle factors or traumas, and can occur in the muscle, nerves, discs and cervical spine. Some conditions related to neck pain include fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis, infection, herniated cervical disc, or spine-related cancer. Certain lifestyle factors such as poor posture and awkward sleeping positions can also contribute to neck pain, especially minor strain. Traumas can lead to certain neck issues as well, such as whiplash or bone fracture.
Below you will find alternative and natural treatment options including those from a Chinese Medicine perspective for neck pain.
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Which Acupuncture Point Protocols May Be Applied For Neck Pain?
Neck Pain - Acupuncture Protocols
The treatment of conditions with acupuncture can be a complicated endeavor that should only be undertaken by individuals with a deep understanding of the underlying Chinese Medicine theory (and/or whatever system being used for treatment). There are many approaches, but generally speaking few viable approaches are involved on a point to condition basis. Rather using proper diagnostic procedures the patients diagnostic pattern is ascertained and that is what is treated. The protocols listed here exemplify some of these clinical approaches.
The following acupuncture treatment protocols may be used with neck pain:
Which Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols Apply To Neck Pain?
Neck Pain - Tam Healing and Tongren Therapy Protocols
Tong Ren Therapy is the energy healing/medical qi gong aspect of the Tam Healing System. The areas of focus for neck pain that we would use in Tong Ren techniques form the basis for our acupuncture treatments as well. Generally you would mix these primary points with points specific to the patients underlying TCM pattern and then our tuina (medical massage) would be largely focused on these points as well.
The following Tam healing and tong ren therapy protocols may be used with neck pain:
23 Points Are Empirically Important For Neck Pain
The Following (6)Formulas TCM Herbal Formulas May Be Useful For Neck Pain
Die Da Wan (Trauma Healing Pill)
Clinical Usages
Useful for many types of traumatic injuries, broken bones, sprains, fractures, etc. anywhere in the body. Also useful for fixed abdominal masses, ulcerations, sciatica, arthritis, pelvic inflammatory disease and angina among others.
In the case of traumatic injury the tongue and pulse may hold less clinical significance, for other conditions the Pulse may be wiry and the Tongue may be darker or show darkness in specific areas.
Clinical Categorization
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Wan (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five Herb Decoction)
Clinical Usages
- Common with blood deficient patterns for dispersing interior cold, xue bi, (blood painful obstruction), generally manifesting as numbness of the extremities. With the appropriate underlying patterns - shoulder pain, neck pain, knee pain.
- Diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, polyneuropathy, conditions such as raynaud's with the right underlying factors, frostbite.
- Facial paralysis, post-stroke recovery.
- Restless leg syndrome.
- Certain cardiovascular issues, heart disease.
Clinical Categorization
Shao Yao Gan Cao Wan (Peony and Licorice Decoction)
Clinical Usages
- Cramping and/or muscle spasms that are due to fluid deficiency.
- Frozen shoulder, trigger finger.
- General tightness or cramps especially along the tendons or ligaments.
- Restless leg syndrome for patients who present with yin and blood deficiency as the primary cause.
Clinical Categorization
Shu Jing Huo Xue Wan (Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction)
Clinical Usages
- Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lower extremities (may be severe).
- Wind-cold damp bi-syndrome (i.e. arthritis) - particularly in the lower part of the body, hips, knees, lower back.
- Sciatic pain with the correct underlying pattern.
- Neck pain with the correct underling pattern.
- Fractures that are reluctant to heal, particularly in the lower body.
Clinical Categorization
Cautions
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- Generally not for long term use and use with caution if at all in deficient patients.
Te Xiao Jing Zhui Tong Wan (Patent Neck Pain Relief Pills)
Clinical Usages
- Stiffness, pain, and/or tightness of the neck.
Clinical Categorization
Where Do I Go Next?
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