Acupuncture for Neck Pain in Gainesville

Neck pain has become an increasingly common problem for almost everyone. Studies suggest that 86.8% or nearly two-thirds of the population already experienced neck stiffness at one point in their life. 

You are probably all too familiar with it during late nights in the office or when you sleep on the wrong side of the pillow. Some of them are tolerable but, occasionally, neck discomfort can interfere with your daily life. What’s worse is that some neck pains come with other symptoms, such as:

• Headaches

• Nausea

• Swelling

• Muscle tightness or spasms

• Decreased mobility of the head and neck

Fortunately, most types of neck pain go away on their own after a few days, especially with proper rest and exercise. However, there are instances when neck pain persists for weeks or even months despite taking prescribed medications. When this happens, it’s time to try other methods for pain management, such as acupuncture.

If you want to learn about the best method for neck pain relief in Gainesville, then you have come to the right place! Below, we will discuss everything there is to know about neck discomfort and how a holistic approach like acupuncture can treat it. 

What Is Neck Pain?

The neck has a hard job to fulfill as it supports the head, which weighs approximately 11 pounds. Holding that kind of weight can definitely take a toll, especially if an individual maintains a lousy posture or sleeps in the wrong position. 

Generally, neck aches can occur in the form of stiffness, mild discomfort, or severe strain. It all depends on the activities you did prior or an underlying medical condition. 

Furthermore, studies found that 50% to 85% of people with neck stiffness do not experience complete resolution from it. In fact, most individuals find themselves with the same neck problems again after a year or less. 

Although highly common, neck discomfort occurs differently in people because of its many facets or types. Some of the most common types of neck discomfort include:

• Mechanical neck pain refers to neck pains that seem to originate from the spine and its neighboring structures, such as the muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

• Neuropathic neck pain – this kind of pain stems from the nerves and can sometimes travel to the arms and hands. It is characterized by a sharp or pinching pain that may come and go.

• Central neuropathic neck pain – this neck problem happens when there’s a traumatic injury to the central nervous system. Additionally, this kind of neck ache usually occurs as a result of a stroke or multiple sclerosis.

What Causes Neck Pain?

Neck problems peak during the age of 45 to 50 years old. During such cases, it’s usually the cause of natural factors, such as aging. Besides that, other culprits may be causing your neck aches, such as:

Medical Condition

Many health conditions and diseases have neck discomfort as one of their primary signs and symptoms. This includes the following illnesses:

• Spondylosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Meningitis
• Herniated cervical disc
• Cardiovascular problems

Accident or Injury

Another common cause of neck discomforts is traumatic accidents that may result in injuries. For instance, a vehicular collision may jerk your head backward and forward, causing muscle or soft tissue strain. 

Additionally, fall accidents and sports injuries can also be the main cause of neck stiffness. This includes several conditions, such as fractures, sprained and strains, whiplash injuries, and nerve compression.

Lifestyle Issue

Unhealthy lifestyle habits can directly cause most neck pains. Some examples include poor posture, stress, unhealthy weight or obesity, and bad sleeping habits. All of these factors cause tension and strain to your neck muscles, resulting in acute or chronic stiffness.

How Can Acupuncture Relieve Neck Pain?

Besides drugs and injectable medications, one holistic yet effective neck pain relief for Gainesville residents is acupuncture.

Acupuncture involves placing tiny, thin needles in specific pressure points of the body to relieve pain and treat other conditions. Moreover, it has been known to alleviate other symptoms that may come with neck aches, such as muscle strain, headache, and joint pain.

According to several studies, acupuncture can help treat different kinds of pain by stimulating biochemical changes in the body. Some of its local and systemic mechanisms include the following:

• By targeting the body’s acupoints, acupuncture stimulates the release of the body’s natural painkillers called endorphins. These hormones can then help in alleviating neck discomfort as well as improve your body’s healing.
• Acupuncture has been found to stimulate the release of endogenous opiates in the body, which helps control body pain. Other body chemicals that help alleviate neck discomfort include serotonin and corticosteroids.
• This traditional medicine indirectly treats neck stiffness by targeting its mechanical cause, such as stress and muscle tension.

Additionally, various studies found acupuncture to be more effective than painkillers, such as ibuprofen. Plus, it’s a safer option as it has no side effects, unlike painkilling drugs that may have severe side effects over time.

What Are the Risks of Acupuncture for Neck Pain in Gainesville?

Acupuncture is a natural and safe treatment option that has an extremely low risk for complications. In fact, some people undergoing acupuncture can experience soreness, bruising, and slight bleeding, which are all normal.

However, it’s better to talk with your trusted, board-certified acupuncturist first about your medical history and condition. Some conditions that may not go well with acupuncture include:

• Pregnancy – some types of acupuncture can induce labor and delivery, so it’s important to discuss this with your practitioner.
• Blood disorders or patients taking blood thinners.

Is Acupuncture Right for You?

If you or someone you know currently suffer from neck pains, then acupuncture is for you. This is also a more suitable option if you want a holistic way to relieve neck stiffness and muscle tension without enduring the side effects of most drugs.

Individuals with neck problems as a symptom of an underlying medical condition can also find relief in acupuncture. Some of these diseases include:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Cervical spondylosis
• Cervical disk herniation

Where to Get Acupuncture for Neck Pain Near Me?

An aching neck can be a tolerable nuisance in your everyday life. But if it has been going on for a long time, then maybe it’s time to find an effective way of combating it. 

At Guan Physical Therapy & Acupuncture, we can provide you with a sure and safe method of managing your pain through acupuncture. We also promote other holistic treatment and pain management techniques, such as Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, and physical therapy.

Dr. Weiwei Guan, our leading acupuncturist in Gainesville, FL, is a licensed physical therapist and a board-certified practitioner of acupuncture. Her specialty in both fields gives her unparalleled knowledge in pain management and treatment using combined traditional methods.

Besides acupuncture for neck problems, our clinic also treats different kinds of body problems and conditions with acupuncture or combined holistic methods. Some of them are as follows:

• Acupuncture for low back pain
• Acupuncture for knee pain
• Musculoskeletal conditions
• Digestive problems
• Women’s health problems, like menstrual cramps and postpartum pain.

If you are considering alternative medicine in Gainesville, FL, don’t hesitate to reach out so you can talk with our experts regarding treatment options. Contact us or book a free 20-minute discovery visit to learn more about acupuncture for neck pain in Gainesville.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.