Preventing Cervical Degeneration: 2 Remedies to Relieve Shoulder and Neck Stiffness

If a stiff neck is severe or recurs frequently and remains untreated, it may lead to premature cervical degeneration.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. 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.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.Related StoriesShaoyao 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 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: Two acupoints that can alleviate neck stiffness. (The Epoch Times) 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 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: Avoid putting undue pressure on the neck 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