Acupuncture for back pain used to be one of the most common client complaints in acupuncture. As we utilize our computers more and constantly look at our smartphones, neck pain symptoms have now become the most commonplace.
What to do for pain in shoulder and neck? Luckily, even severe neck and shoulder pain can be treated effectively with acupuncture. Our style of acupuncture enhances the effects of needling by combining it with tuina massage, stretching and orthopedic movements to give you quicker and more effective results.
There are many different types of neck and shoulder injuries. We will explore some of the most common complaints below.
The supraspinatus and levator muscles are a couple of the most diagnosed muscles of neck and shoulder complaints. The supraspinatus is heavily involved in all shoulder pains and the levator with all neck pains.
The supraspinatus muscle has a role in abducting the arm. Side to side, overhead as well as up and down motions use this muscle. These might include movements such as lifting your arm to the side, typing on a keyboard or motions that may cause sports injury (such as swimming, throwing, or swinging a tennis racket). The pain is commonly dull, difficult to locate and may come and go. There may also be a sharp pain with certain movements, like putting your arm into a sleeve or reaching backward.
The levator muscle helps to elevate or shrug the shoulder and plays a part in neck rotation. A stiff neck is a common way people talk about this issue. Very often people come in and point or rub the area of the levator when they are describing where their pain is located. Severe pain in this area can even cause headaches, migraines, dizziness, brain fog or difficulty in concentration. As the levator goes up the back of the neck, it passes by and can press on a ganglion of nerves (the superior cervical ganglion).
The rotator cuff is a joint capsule with muscles and tendons mostly from the supraspinatus, infraspinatus and subscapularis. Overuse or impact from an injury can cause pain in this area. The pain is often in the front of the shoulder and can travel down the arm to the elbow. Often, if the nerve is impacted the pain will travel all the way to the hand. The most difficult thing will be raising your arm above your head. It can also be difficult to place your arm behind your back. When you first have this injury, the pain might be mild or only happen with certain types of movement. If not taken care of, over time you may experience the pain at night or when resting too.
At Acupuncture Pain and Stress Center you will get more than a typical acupuncture treatment. Our style of acupuncture enhances the effects of needling by combining it with tuina massage, stretching and orthopedic movements to give you quicker and more effective results.
Our goal since 2010 has been to provide acupuncture in Raleigh, NC and its surrounding areas with the highest quality healthcare and compassionate patient-focused services. In addition to the completion of a 4-year graduate program, we maintain a strong commitment to continuing education and ongoing research which ensures that we have the resources to provide you with exceptional, results-oriented acupuncture treatments.
If you keep doing exactly what you’ve been doing is your issue going to stay the same or worsen? Do something different and schedule your first appointment to determine if you are a good candidate for treatment. We pride ourselves on personalized treatments to get you results quickly so you can get back to enjoying life and doing the things you love.
Call (919) 260-4104 now, and I will be happy to answer any of your questions and get you booked for an appointment.
