Stiff neck got you down? Try acupuncture for immediate relief

It doesn’t matter what your profession is, it is quite likely that you have suffered from extreme neck pain or stiff neck, at least once in your life. The reasons can range from muscle tension, back strain, bad sleeping posture, long hours of sitting to being glued to your smartphone. The worst part is that constant neck pain and stiffness can become a real hindrance in leading your life comfortably.

It not only affects your ability to go about your day-to-day work properly but can also become a menace even when you are trying to rest. While a lot of people turn to back and neck massages to alleviate pain or manage it better, certain studies have come in support of acupuncture to get rid of neck and back spasms.

Some of the most common causes of neck pain are:


1. Poor sitting posture

2. Prolonged sitting

3. Sprain in the neck

4. Poor sleeping position

5. Lack of exercise

6. Poor eating habits

7. Bad exercising posture

How does acupuncture help in treating chronic neck pain

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique which relies on treating pain with the usage of fine needles. It involves inserting these needles into specific pressure points.

While the concept of healing by pricking fine sterile needles into the body may sound counter-productive, the idea is to balance the energy of the body and mind.

According to this traditional healing method, unblocking stuck energy (qi) in the body can help in getting rid of several ailments. While some studies have found acupuncture to be beneficial in treating neck pain, detailed and thorough research still needs to be conducted on the same.

Acupuncture says that proper flow of qi (pronounced as chee) is crucial to lead a healthy life. Hence, needles as thin as a strand of the hair are inserted into specific body parts to balance the energy in the body. It is said that the tension or pain affecting any part of the body can disturb the energy in the surrounding muscles groups.

Should you consider acupuncture for stiff neck and chronic neck pain?

While certain reports have found that acupuncture does help in getting rid of neck pain, the results are still preliminary. Even though it is considered a safe treatment, do remember that not every person’s body reacts in a similar way to the acupuncture treatment. You may experience mild bruising or soreness in the body after the treatment ends.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.