Neck is that part of the human body which connects the skull & brain to the rest of the body through which passes several important structures including muscles, organs like thyroid gland, para-thyroid gland, trachea, cervical vertebrae (bones), spinal cord, food pipe (esophagus), windpipe (trachea), several important blood vessels (arteries & veins) and nerves which pass the commands of the brain to the rest of the body.

All the above structures are well supported by the intricate positioning of the muscles which functions in a synchronised manner. One of the most used joints and muscle group happens to be in the neck!! This tells us how important the neck is for us, right? A big BLOW or INJURY to the neck and its structures can paralyse you completely below neck and can be FATAL at times, as we watch in several movies or shows!! Right?

Diseases of neck

Let’s understand what are the most commonest diseases of the neck, which are as follows –

• Cervical Myalgia (Neck Pain) – Every human on earth would have experienced this at some time of the lives, right? This is the most commonest one. This could be due to Muscular sprains, Whiplash, Pinched nerve and others.
• Cervical Spondylitis – Inflammation of the cervical vertebrae
• Cervical Spondylosis – Degeneration of cervical vertebrae
• Cervical fracture – Due to accidents, osteoporosis in old age, injuries, sports etc.
• Disc herniation – Even these conditions are one of the commonest diseases seen today!!
• Headaches – This can lead to pain in the neck and vice-versa as well, including migraine headaches.
• Inflammation

Risk Factors

• Sleeping in an awkward position – We observe several patients end up with neck muscular spams on waking up in the morning, due to the awkward posture of sleep.
• Poor posture – This is the most commonest risk factor today, as most of our jobs are desk oriented and we do not follow an ergonomically appropriate posture.
• Tying the hair too tight.
• Driving in wrong posture.
• Lifting weights in the GYM workout in an inappropriate posture without a right balance and center of gravity being achieved.
• Lack of exercise
• Over-weight / Obesity
• Stress - The first most affected group of muscles by stress are the neck & shoulders. We go through several ups and downs in our emotions including the stresses of the day, which when become frequent can cause an important risk factor in the development of neck diseases.
• RSI - Repetitive Stress Injuries
• Accidents

Acupuncture - Natural Healing Solutions for neck pain management

Acupuncture therapy based on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is one of the most sought after therapies across the globe for the diseases of the neck, to be managed naturally without any medication in both acute and chronic stages.

The acupuncture therapy involves inserting very fine filiform needles which are pre-sterilised on specific acu-points located on the energy meridians which is in vogue since 5000 years.

How does Acupuncture help? 

Acupuncture therapy manages neck pains in the following manner

• Anti-inflammatory - When the acupuncture needles are inserted at the acu-points, it regulates the inflammation by reducing the inflammatory bio-chemicals.
• Analgesic - Acupuncture increases the secretion of several neuro-transmitters including endorphins, opioids which are natural pain-killers.
• Alleviation of stress - It is very well documented that Acupuncture has a tremendous effect on reducing the stress hormones and increase the secretion of happy hormones which shall reduce the risk factor of stress in the preventing and progress of neck pains.
• Adjustment - In terms of TCM, acupuncture achieves regulation of Qi (energy or Prana) in the meridians which shall manage the neck diseases to a large extent.

Finally, do not hesitate to approach a qualified and registered Acupuncture practitioner who is skilled enough to treat you. At the same time, be rest assured that when high quality acupuncture needles are used by the right practitioner there shall be no pains at all while inserting the needles.

Dr. Gurudatta H K, BNYS, FCRSW, Founder, Anandamaya Wellness Center