The main cause of "stiff neck" is muscle strain, such as sleeping with an inappropriate pillow, causing the head and neck to be in an overextended or overflexed position, or constantly looking at the scenery when sitting in a car for a long time. In addition, being exposed to wind and cold can cause stagnation of qi and blood in the neck and back, leading to "stiff neck".
Common symptoms include pain and discomfort in the back of the neck and upper back after waking up, mostly on one side or both sides. The pain can be more severe on one side compared to the other. Most patients can recall having slept in a poor position the previous night, and there is tenderness in the neck muscles upon examination. Due to the pain, the movement of the neck is restricted, making it difficult to rotate freely. In severe cases, it may be difficult to flex or extend the head, and the head may be tilted towards the affected side. Upon examination, there is tenderness in the neck muscles, spasms, stiffness, and a sense of "cord-like" sensation when touched.
If you experience severe symptoms after developing a "stiff neck", seek medical attention nearby to avoid improper treatment that may harm the cervical joints. If the symptoms are not severe, they can be relieved through acupressure massage.
In traditional Chinese acupuncture, there is a specific acupoint for treating a "stiff neck". It is located on the back of the hand, between the second and third metacarpal bones, just behind the knuckles. This acupoint is an effective experience point for treating a "stiff neck" and can be self-massaged by alternating between the left and right hands.
Instructions for massaging the acupoint for a "stiff neck"
Use the thumb to rub and press the acupoint, applying pressure gradually from light to heavy, and maintain the heavy pressure for 10-15 minutes. During the acupressure massage, slightly extend the head forward and slowly move it from the front downward, bringing the chin closer to the sternal notch. Keep the neck muscles relaxed, then gently and slowly rotate the head left and right, gradually increasing the range of motion, and gradually extend the neck to the normal position. Rotate with the largest range of motion that does not cause significant pain.
Cupping therapy
Main acupoint: Ashi acupoint
Location of Ashi acupoint: The most tender spot in the neck.
Auxiliary acupoints: Fengmen, Jianjing.
Treatment method
Rub and press the Ashi acupoint for a moment, sterilize it as usual, and then use a three-edged needle to quickly puncture the acupoint 3-5 times, or use a skin needle to tap it with moderate force, with an area equivalent to the diameter of the cupping device. Then, choose an appropriate diameter cupping device for suction. You can choose 1-2 auxiliary acupoints. After needling and obtaining qi, leave the needle in place and then perform cupping on the needle. The cupping time is 10-15 minutes. After removing the cupping device, use moxibustion with moxa cones on the Ashi acupoint for 5-7 minutes. This treatment can be performed once a day, regardless of the course of treatment.
Other treatments
1. Medication therapy
Most cases of this condition are treated with topical medications, such as medicated plasters or creams. Plasters are applied externally to the painful area of the neck and replaced daily, providing ideal pain relief. However, patients may feel limited neck movement after applying the plaster, so caution is advised. Some plasters may contain herbs with the properties of dispersing cold and promoting blood circulation, which should be avoided by pregnant women. Medication creams such as massage lotions and Qingpeng ointment can also be used to rub the affected area 2-3 times a day, providing some relief.
2. Traction therapy
There are different opinions on whether to use traction therapy after developing a "stiff neck".
3. Heat therapy
The use of hot water bags, electric hand warmers, hot towels, and infrared lamps can all provide pain relief. Caution must be taken to prevent burns. In addition, vinegar compress can be used: heat 100 grams of vinegar until it is warm to the touch, then dip a gauze in the warm vinegar and apply it to the painful area of the neck and back. Use two pieces of gauze alternately, keeping the area warm and moist, while moving the neck. Each session should last for 20 minutes, 2-3 times a day.
4. Exercise therapy
Sit on a chair with your head lowered and raised, chest up. Lower your head first, bringing the chin close to the chest, and then tilt your head upwards, looking up at the sky. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower your head, repeating this motion 20 times.
Sit on a chair with your arms naturally hanging down. First, tilt your head to the left, then to the right, repeating this motion 20 times.
Sit on a chair with your arms naturally hanging down, chest up. Use force to sway your jaw left and right, continuously for 20 times.
Sit on a chair with your chest up. First, extend your neck upwards as much as possible, then contract it downwards as much as possible, continuously for 20 times.
Sit on a chair without moving your body. First, rotate your neck 90 degrees to the left, then 90 degrees to the right, repeating this motion 20 times.
5. Mechanical therapy
Treatments such as local TDP lamp irradiation, local rotating magnetic therapy, local cold therapy, or hot and cold compress can be chosen. In addition, mild cases of "stiff neck" can be self-treated with an electric massage stick. The strong and powerful massage function of the massage stick penetrates the muscle tissue and effectively relieves muscle soreness. The weight of the massage stick is concentrated on the massage head, significantly increasing the strength of the massage, resulting in good effects.
