Neck pain is an increasingly common problem today. With the increase in mobile phone and tablet use, people are becoming more likely to hunch their shoulders as they stare down towards their laps, habitually creating poor posture.
Recent lockdowns and restrictions have also limited our chances to exercise as regularly as usual, spending larger parts of our day sitting at our home desks.
While neck pain usually isn’t serious and can be addressed by taking better care of your body or with simple treatment, some will suffer from stiffness or pain for a long time.
We explore a bit more about this condition and how Acubody could help with any neck or shoulder issues that may be troubling you.
What Causes Neck Pain?
Often, neck pain is caused by a simple muscle strain or tension. This could be due to overuse, such as too many hours hunched over your computer. Even minor things like using your phone is a strange position for too long with your neck bent forward could trigger muscle strains.
Other causes include injuries from car whiplash, a fall or contact sports. Rear-end auto collisions are particularly damaging for the neck when the head is forced to jerk backwards and then forward, straining the soft tissues of the neck.
Most of the time, neck pain isn’t a serious condition and can be relieved within a few days. But in some cases, it can indicate a serious injury or illness and requires a doctor’s care. For instance, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, fibromyalgia and spinal stenosis could be the cause of pain for some people.
Treating Neck Pain
There are several ways you can help yourself when suffering from neck pain, including:
- Painkillers
- Learning how to relax your neck and shoulder muscles
- Massage treatment
- Gentle exercises focused on improved strength and mobility
- Ice/heat packs
- Improving your posture
- Acupuncture for neck pain
If you have neck pain that continues for a prolonged period of time, it’s important to seek professional advice and look for ways to treat the underlying cause of the problem, rather than just the pain or stiffness alone.
How Does Acupuncture for Neck Pain Work?
We believe acupuncture can have a moderate effect on relieving the pain some people feel in their necks. It could also help to improve function in the neck and shoulders and reduce stress levels, which may play a role in relaxing the muscles around the neck.
Muscle tension and back strain are common causes of neck pain, and together with other bodywork techniques offered by us at Acubody, we may be able to restore some balance to your body and reduce the pressure and strain on your neck.
Contact Us
If you’re looking for acupuncture for neck pain in London, or just want to learn more about the practice and how it might be able to benefit you, get in touch with us and we’ll happily discuss your condition and potential options for pain and stiffness reduction.
