11/14/23, 8:26 AM Yahoo Mail - 2 Remedies to Relieve Shoulder and Neck Stiffness, Prevent Cervical Degeneration

2 Remedies to Relieve Shoulder and Neck Stiffness, Prevent Cervical Degeneration

From: Epoch Arthritis & Chronic Pain (newsletter@epochtimes.com)

To: inthegripofgrace.090801@yahoo.com

Date: Tuesday, November 14, 2023 at 08:18 AM EST

FOR SUBSCRIBERS | NOVEMBER 14, 2023

2 Remedies to Relieve
Shoulder and Neck Stiffness,
Prevent Cervical Degeneration
By Kuo-Pin Wu
Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Having a stiff neck may seem like a minor issue, and some
individuals may naturally recover. However, if the condition is
severe or recurs frequently and remains untreated, it may lead to
premature cervical degeneration.

In one real-life example, an engineer woke up one morning and

experienced pain with every movement of his neck. Initially, he
believed the discomfort would naturally subside. However, a few
days later, the pain not only persisted but also spread throughout
his entire neck, shoulder area, upper back, and even his upper
body, causing stiffness and discomfort.

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What Causes Neck Stiffness?

Some individuals frequently wake up with intense neck pain,

which can worsen when they tilt their heads up or down or
turn their necks left or right. In cases of muscle imbalance on
one side of the neck, the pain can intensify. In severe cases of
neck pain, the discomfort may extend to the head and
shoulders and even lead to symptoms like hand numbness.

In modern medicine, neck stiffness is often referred to as

acute cervical fibrositis or neck muscle strain, with the latter
being relatively mild and the former considered more severe.

Muscle tension and strains can be triggered by factors such as

weak constitution, excessive fatigue, pillow height or position
discomfort during sleep, poor lying posture, and excessive
head and neck tilting. Excessive head and neck tilting is often
observed in individuals who have consumed excessive alcohol
and fallen asleep in a face-down position for an entire night
without any neck movement. This can lead to muscle strains
and vertebral misalignment, resulting in neck stiffness the
next morning.

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From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective,

cold wind invading the neck and upper back can lead to
stagnation of qi and blood in the muscles, resulting in pain.
For instance, getting your neck exposed to the cold in winter
or excessive air conditioning in the summer can both lead to
neck soreness and stiffness.

According to clinical statistics, individuals who frequently

experience excessive stress, are prone to tension, and have
poor work posture are more likely to experience neck
stiffness.

How Does TCM Addresses Neck Stiffness?

Mild Cases: For mild neck stiffness cases characterized

by relatively minor pain and muscle tension or strain,
heat therapy is often effective. Apply a warm compress
at 45 C (113 F) to the affected area for 10 to 20 minutes
to help relieve the discomfort.
Severe Cases: In more severe cases of neck stiffness,
TCM typically employs the following treatment
methods:

1. Chinese Herbal Medicine

Common traditional Chinese herbal remedies include Ge Gen

Tang, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Decoction, and Shaoyao Gancao
Tang.

Shaoyao Gancao Tang is a distinctive remedy made from just

two ingredients: Shaoyao (peony) and Gancao (licorice). It
can help alleviate tension in skeletal muscles, offering a mild
relaxation effect on all the muscles in the body. It is quite
effective and exhibits similarities to Western muscle relaxants
but with fewer side effects.

2. Acupuncture

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Acupuncture administered at acupoints such as Fengchi and

Wangu has been proven to be effective. Distal acupoints can
also be utilized, including Hegu, Zhongzhu, and Houxi on the
hand.

Two acupoints that are particularly effective:

Houxi acupoint: This acupoint is associated with the

governing vessel, which runs along the spinal area.
Individuals who experience neck soreness can apply
pressure or tap on the Houxi acupoint for relief.
Shugu acupoint: This acupoint can also help relax neck
muscles as it is located on the bladder meridian, which
connects to the muscles in the upper back.

The most challenging cases are those in which the cervical

vertebrae become misaligned. In clinical practice, when treating
this condition, I would employ a specific technique where I gently
lift, sway, and shake the patient's neck. This often helps realign
the joints in the cranial and cervical areas. I have observed in
clinical settings that many instances of stiff neck are a result of

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joint misalignment in the cranial and cervical regions. Using this

technique often yields immediate results.

How to Prevent Neck Stiffness

To prevent neck stiffness, it is essential to keep these four tips in

mind:

1. Avoid putting undue pressure on the neck.

2. Maintain correct sitting and standing posture: For those who

frequently raise their shoulders (a common posture when using a
computer), it is essential to relax them. Allow your elbows to hang
down, letting your shoulders relax naturally. Maintain a slightly
lifted chest and keep your back straight to facilitate the upward
flow of qi and blood. Refrain from extending your neck forward.
The neck experiences the greatest relaxation when we gently tuck
in the chin and lower our gaze by a little. Keeping the chin slightly
tucked in allows the back of the neck to naturally elongate.

3. Choose a mattress with appropriate firmness: Mattresses that

are too soft keep the muscles in your back tense for an extended
duration, causing the neck to remain consistently bent. Prolonged
muscle tension throughout the night can lead to the buildup of
lactic acid, resulting in increased fatigue upon waking.

4. Select the right pillow.

5. Correct sleeping posture: When lying on your side, try to keep

your spine as level as possible; when lying on your back, elevate
your head slightly. It is crucial to select the right pillow based on
your sleeping posture. An overly high pillow can strain the middle
cervical spine, while an overly low pillow can strain the upper
cervical spine.

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2 Exercises to Relieve Neck and Shoulder

Tension

1. Cervical Spine Extension

Instructions: Allow your shoulders to relax downward while

gently lifting your neck upward, then lower it back down. Repeat
this sequence several times.

2. Shoulder Rotation

Instructions: Position one hand at the base of your neck where it

meets the shoulder, push the flesh gently forward, and maintain
the grip. Rotate your shoulder backward 10 times, and then
slowly turn your head left and right 10 times. Switch sides and
repeat.

This exercise is highly practical, and both sides of your shoulder

muscles will feel notably relaxed after performing it. It is
particularly effective for those who experience neck tension or
even muscle protrusion at the back of the neck caused by
prolonged periods of looking down.

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To sum it up, having poor neck health can significantly affect our
bodies, increasing the risk of neck stiffness and potential health
issues in the eyes and head. Engaging in regular relaxation and
wellness exercises can help ensure the smooth flow of qi and
blood in the neck, thereby contributing to our overall well-being.

*If you have health or mobility issues that may present problems,
consult your physician before commencing exercise activity.

Thanks for reading! See you next week.

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