Neck pain has many possible causes, from acute injuries such as whiplash and muscle strain to infections to chronic pain conditions. This article examines some of the causes of neck pain.

 

Whiplash is a common neck injury that is usually sustained when someone gets into a car accident. Whiplash injuries can also be sustained while playing certain contact sports, such as football. Whiplash occurs when a force is applied to the body that causes the head to move backwards abruptly, then forward again. Whiplash injuries cause strain to the ligaments and muscles of the neck, and may be accompanied by a concussion in some cases. The primary symptoms of a whiplash injury are neck pain and neck stiffness, but other symptoms can also occur, such as headache, fatigue, blurry vision and dizziness. If a person has also sustained a concussion, they may have difficulty concentrating, confusion, irritability, memory loss and problems sleeping. Due to the possibility of concussion, which is a traumatic brain injury, anyone who has experienced a whiplash injury should be examined by a doctor.

 

The most common cause of neck pain is probably muscle strain that is not due to whiplash injuries. Muscle strain, or a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is overstretched, causing tearing of the muscle fibers. This injury can make it painful to use a muscle, so in the neck it can cause pain when you turn your head. Most muscle strains of the neck are actually caused by non-traumatic situations, such as poor posture or sleeping with the neck in an uncomfortably twisted position. It is also possible to strain neck muscles by turning the head too quickly. Most muscle strains are not serious, but they may be painful and take some time to heal.

Chinese medicine consists of a variety of modalities including acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, Tui Na adjustments, massage, herbal supplements, herbal muscle relaxants, analgesics, herbal liniments, poultices and topical pain patches. Depending on the type of neck pain one or several of these may be employed. Both acupuncture and herbal medicine provide powerful and lasting relieve from neck pain. Acute pain usually resolves fast and if caused by whiplash it is not unusual to cut healing time by a third.

Chronic neck pain that has lingered on for many years resulting from degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis responds well to TCM. Treatments need to be done persistently to stop the disease process and reverse the degeneration. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs strengthen the tissues of the neck, rejuvenate the discs and cartilage, and release muscle spasm. Depending on the severity of the condition, therapy may require several months of treatments but avoiding surgery of the neck is well worth the effort. Continue to read TCM Treatment Evaluation for Cervical Spondylosis.