Stiff Neck
Most of us have experienced waking up with a stiff neck that restricts our head and neck movements. It can be accompanied by discomforts such as headache, shoulder or arm pain. While most cases are mild and may recover even without treatment, it is important to seek help when symptoms are serious and recurrent.
Causes
Improper sleeping posture
Sleeping on an unsuitable pillow
Improper neck posture or sudden neck movements
Stress
Catching a cold; or invasion of pathogenic cold, wind, dampness
Complications
Waking up with a stiff neck frequently could be a warning sign of cervical spondylosis, an age-related condition involving changes to the bones, discs, and joints of the neck. While it is a normal “wear and tear” process, if the condition causes pressure on the spinal cord, it can lead to complications such as:
Numbness, tingling, weakness and/or pain in the limbs
Coordination problems, walking difficulty
Abnormal reflexes
Loss of bladder and bowel control (incontinence)
TCM Approach
Treatment will be focused on improving local circulation and unblocking the meridians to reduce pain and increase range of movement. Approaches include:
Herbal medication
Acupuncture
Cupping
Scrapping
Moxibustion
Tuina massage
Prevention
Maintain good sleeping and neck posture
Use a pillow of suitable height
Avoid sudden neck movements
Maintain a healthy stress level
Keep the neck warm
Do stretching exercises regularly
Do TCM maintenance such as acupuncture on a regular basis
Note: Information provided is not a substitute for a physician or any form of medical care. Individual symptoms differ due to different body constitutions. One should consult a licensed TCM practitioner for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
