Neck and shoulder pain is a very common condition, accounting for over 15% of soft tissue problems seen in general practice.1 This may be due to the excessive amounts of time spent sitting by many people today, due to their work and study requirements.
While some experience pain in the short term, for others it can become a chronic condition which seriously affects their quality of life.
In Chinese philosophy, just as in Western medicine, it is understood that pain is caused when pressure is placed on a nerve, sending distress signals to the brain. In Chinese medicine specifically, this outcome caused by this pressure is described as ‘qi and blood stagnation,’ or in other words, blockages of the body’s meridians. In a healthy body, energy will flow uninterrupted through the meridians without stagnation.
Our aim for patients at Acuwell is to restore circulation and remove blockages, relieving nerve pressure to reduce or eliminate pain. We target specific points in the body through careful placement of acupuncture needles, drawing out the blockage and improving blood circulation in the area.
Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for relieving neck pain, reducing symptoms and improving quality of life.2 Our aim at Acuwell is to target the source of pain, leading to both short term and long term relief. If you would like to learn more about acupuncture, view our Frequently Asked Questions here.
References
1. Hackett GI, Bundred P, Hutton JL, O’Brien J, Stanley IM. “Management of joint and soft tissue injuries in three general practices: value of on-site physiotherapy.” Br J Gen Pract 1993;43:61–64.
2. Blossfeldt, P. “Acupuncture for chronic neck pain – a cohort study in an NHS pain clinic.” Acupuncture in Medicine 22.3 (2004); 146-151.