Acupuncture and Chronic Neck Pain – Exploring the Evidence
Chronic neck pain is an all-too-common ailment in today’s world, affecting millions of people globally. Whether due to poor posture, injury, or degenerative conditions, the discomfort it causes can be debilitating, often impacting the quality of life.
While traditional treatments like physical therapy, medications, and surgery have been widely used, an increasing number of people are turning to alternative therapies for relief.
One such treatment that has received significant attention is acupuncture. But does acupuncture really help reduce chronic neck pain? Well, according to a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the suggestion is that it does.
In this blog, I look at the science and the anecdotal evidence that supports acupuncture as a treatment for neck pain – but before we get into that, and for the benefit of those who are new to the subject, let’s take a look at what acupuncture entails.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been practiced for over 2,500 years. It involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body, known as acupuncture points.
These points correspond to energy pathways (meridians) that flow throughout the body. When these pathways, or qi (pronounced ‘chee’), become blocked or imbalanced, it is believed to result in pain or illness. Acupuncture is thought to restore this balance, promoting healing and alleviating discomfort.
In modern medical terms, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system, triggering the release of chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and cortisol, which help reduce pain and inflammation.
Despite its ancient origins, acupuncture continues to evolve as a practice and is now increasingly integrated into mainstream medicine for the treatment of chronic pain, including neck pain.
The Medical Evidence: What Does Science Say?
When evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic neck pain, scientific studies offer valuable insights.
Several clinical trials and systematic reviews have examined its potential benefits, and while the results are mixed, there is clear evidence that acupuncture is a viable option for pain relief.
- Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
A 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis published in The Annals of Internal Medicine looked at the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating various types of chronic pain, including neck pain.
The review analysed data from multiple randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and found that acupuncture provided moderate relief for chronic pain, including neck and shoulder pain.
The authors concluded that acupuncture was more effective than sham acupuncture (placebo) or no acupuncture at all. This suggests that there is something about the actual acupuncture process—beyond just the placebo effect—that helps reduce pain.
- Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs)
A study published in Pain Medicine in 2019 specifically focused on chronic neck pain. The randomised controlled trial involved 517 participants suffering from chronic neck pain, who were divided into three groups: one receiving real acupuncture, one receiving sham acupuncture, and one receiving standard care (such as physiotherapy or medication).
The results showed that the group receiving real acupuncture reported a significantly greater reduction in pain compared to the other groups. Furthermore, the effects were sustained for up to six months post-treatment.
- Mechanisms of action
Another key aspect that researchers have explored is the biological mechanism behind acupuncture’s pain-relieving effects.
Research published in the Journal of Pain in 2013 suggests that acupuncture works by stimulating nerve fibres, which then send signals to the brain and spinal cord, leading to the release of neurochemicals like endorphins and enkephalins. These chemicals act as natural painkillers, helping to reduce the sensation of pain.
Moreover, functional MRI studies have shown that acupuncture can modulate the activity of the brain’s pain-processing centres, indicating that it not only impacts physical pain pathways but also the brain’s perception of pain.
Anecdotal Evidence: Real-Life Experiences
While medical studies provide a structured and evidence-based approach to understanding acupuncture’s effectiveness, anecdotal evidence offers a more personal and holistic view of its impact.
- Personal success stories
Many individuals who suffer from chronic neck pain report substantial relief after receiving acupuncture treatments, and while these testimonies offer no compelling scientific evidence that acupuncture works, personal experience nevertheless adds weight to more data-driven research.
For instance, Sarah, a 42-year-old office worker, told one research project that she had tried everything from painkillers to physical therapy, but nothing seemed to provide long-lasting relief.
After her third acupuncture session, she noticed a significant improvement. It wasn’t immediate, but over time, Sarah says the tension in her neck eased, and her pain levels dropped dramatically.
- Integrating acupuncture with other treatments
If you follow my blogs and articles regularly you’ll know I’m a huge advocate of taking an integrative approach to treatment, where acupuncture is used alongside more conventional clinical treatment and patient-led intervention (usually around lifestyle changes).
John, a 56-year-old retired teacher, had neck surgery to alleviate pressure on his spine. Post-surgery, he still experienced stiffness and discomfort. He told the same research project that his doctor recommended he try acupuncture to help with post-surgical pain.
Although he said he was sceptical at first, after a few sessions he found he could turn my neck more freely, and while it didn’t completely eliminate the pain, it certainly made it more manageable than his clinical treatment alone had managed.
- A holistic experience
For many, the benefits of acupuncture extend beyond pain relief. It is widely accepted that acupuncture is not just able to target specific health conditions but can also help to improve sleep and reduce stress levels.
Key Takeaways
While the exact mechanisms of acupuncture are still being studied, the combination of medical evidence and personal testimonials suggests that acupuncture can be an effective treatment for chronic neck pain. Here are some of the key takeaways:
- Moderate pain relief: Clinical trials and meta-analyses suggest that acupuncture can provide moderate relief for chronic neck pain, particularly when compared to placebo treatments or no treatment.
- Long-term benefits: Some studies indicate that the benefits of acupuncture can last for months after the initial treatment, making it a potentially long-lasting solution.
- Few side effects: Unlike medications, acupuncture has minimal side effects, making it a low-risk option for those seeking pain relief.
- A complementary approach: Acupuncture is often most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy, exercise, and mindfulness techniques.
- Holistic impact: Many patients report that acupuncture not only reduces pain but also improves their overall well-being, addressing both physical and emotional aspects of chronic pain.
Final Thoughts
If you are dealing with chronic neck pain and are considering acupuncture, it’s essential to find a qualified and experienced practitioner who can help guide you through the process and determine whether it’s the right approach for your condition.
Acupuncture offers a promising, low-risk option for those seeking relief from chronic pain, backed by both scientific evidence and countless personal success stories.
Whether used on its own or in conjunction with other treatments, acupuncture may help you regain control over your neck pain and improve your quality of life.
If you’d like to find out more about how I can help you to address your neck pain – or any other health condition that you have found to be debilitating, please get in touch – I’d love to hear from you.