Acupuncture for Shoulder Periarthritis & Neck Pain

At some pint in our lives each of us will most likely experience some type of neck pain and/or whiplash.  However, certain people may be predisposed to acuteand chronic neck pain due to their occupation.  Employees who preform repetitive tasks, sit for long periods of time and use their upper extremities are at a greater risk of developing neck pain.

The neck is one of the most flexible – and delicate – parts of the body.  Throughout the day, many of us put stress on our necks without even realizing it.  unfortunately this can be a literal “pain in the neck,” causing stiffness, pain and limited movement of the neck and even the shoulders and the arms.

If you suffer from neck pain, whether it’s occasional or chronic, acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TMC) may just provide the relief that you need.  In recent years acupuncture has become well-known as an effective treatment for various types of painful disorders.  Acupuncture and TCM provide a natural, safe approach to treating neck pain and whiplash.

How acupuncture can help

Recent studies have shown that  “acupuncture can be a safe form of treatment for patients with chronic neck pain if the objective is to obtain relief from pain related to movement and to improve cervical mobility.  As neck pain may be a chronic condition with considerable socio-economic impact, single forms of treatment may be inadequate, and acupuncture merits consideration.”  Other studies suggest that acupuncture can treat degenerative disorders of the neck and spine.

Acupuncture and TCM take a holistic, or whole-body, approach to health.  In TCM, Qi (pronounce “chee”) is the vital energy that animates the body and protects is from illness.  It flows through pathways called meridians to nourish all of the body’s organs, muscles and cells.  When there is an imbalance or blockage in the flow of Qi, physical symtoms such as pain may result.

Acupuncture is effective in the treatment of shoulder periarthritis.  Of the 210 subjests studied, 158 were cured, 40 improved, and 12 showed no significant improvement.  Another study suggested that acupuncture added to other treatments for neck pain and disability compared to the treatment  with routine care alone.