How to Relieve Shoulder Blade Pain Caused by a Stiff Neck?

Update Date: 2024-05-16 Source: Network

Incorrect sleeping posture can easily lead to stiff neck, which is a condition that causes pain in the shoulders and neck area. Although the symptoms may ease after two days without treatment, stiff neck can significantly impact daily life for patients. Relief methods include applying heat or topical ointments, and it is also important to maintain a good sleeping posture.

Stiff neck, also known as "lost pillow," is a common condition that often occurs in young and middle-aged adults, particularly during winter and spring. Typically, there are no symptoms before falling asleep, but upon waking up, patients may experience significant soreness in the neck and upper back, with limited neck movement. This indicates that the condition originates after sleeping and is closely related to the pillow and sleeping posture.

There are many methods of treating stiff neck in traditional Chinese medicine, including manual therapy, acupuncture, medication, and heat application, all of which have good effects. Among them, massage therapy is particularly effective. (1) Massage therapy can usually alleviate stiff neck after 1-2 treatments, and mild cases may be cured. However, some patients actually develop the condition on the basis of long-term neck pathology, such as chronic neck muscle strain or degenerative changes in the cervical spine. Under certain conditions, these underlying issues can trigger stiff neck. Even after treatment to reset dislocated joints, inflammatory changes such as congestion, edema, and thickening of the neck soft tissue can continue to cause discomfort, requiring two weeks or even more than a month of treatment and rest for recovery. (2) Acupuncture therapy for stiff neck includes various techniques such as needle insertion, pressure point stimulation, electroacupuncture, and auricular point pressure.

The main acupuncture points are Xuanzhong (GB39), Yanglao (SI18), and Houxi (SI3). Additional points may include Neiguan (PC6), Waiguan (TE5), Zhongzhu (TE3), and Yanglingquan (GB34). The treatment focuses primarily on the main points, with only one point being used at a time. If the effect is not satisfactory, additional or alternative points may be used. Xuanzhong is punctured with a strong or moderate stimulus to a depth of 1.5-1.8 cun, and the needle is retained for 15-20 minutes after obtaining qi. Yanglao is punctured obliquely upward to a depth of 1.5 cun, allowing the needle sensation to spread to the shoulder. Houxi is punctured straight to a depth of 0.5-0.8 cun, and the needle is rotated and manipulated for 1-3 minutes after obtaining qi. Electroac stimulationupuncture may also be added, with a frequency of 40-50 Hz using continuous waves.