Acupuncture for Neck Pain: A Dual Perspective from Biomedical and Chinese Medicine Paradigms

By Dr Luke McPherson (TCM)

Acupuncture Crows Nest

Acupuncture for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that significantly affects quality of life and daily functioning. Its causes can vary, ranging from poor posture, injury, and stress to more complex pathologies such as cervical spondylosis or disc herniation. In recent decades, acupuncture has emerged as a popular treatment for neck pain, drawing attention from both the biomedical community and practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This blog will explore acupuncture’s effectiveness for neck pain through the lens of these two paradigms, offering a holistic view of its mechanisms and applications.

Acupuncture for Neck Pain: The Biomedical Perspective

From a biomedical standpoint, acupuncture’s effectiveness in alleviating neck pain is increasingly supported by clinical trials and meta-analyses. One well-cited study by Vickers et al. (2012) conducted a meta-analysis of individual patient data from randomised controlled trials, concluding that acupuncture is superior to both sham acupuncture and standard care for chronic pain conditions, including neck pain. The proposed mechanisms for acupuncture’s efficacy in this framework include the modulation of pain through the nervous system, particularly by stimulating the release of endogenous opioids, which act as natural painkillers (Lundeberg et al., 2012). Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to influence the activity of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and endorphins, both of which are critical in pain modulation (Zhao, 2008).

Another significant benefit of acupuncture within the biomedical paradigm is its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby contributing to pain relief (Kim et al., 2013). These findings suggest that acupuncture is not merely a placebo effect but has tangible physiological outcomes in reducing neck pain.

Acupuncture for Neck Pain: The Chinese Medicine Perspective

In traditional Chinese medicine, neck pain is often attributed to an imbalance in the flow of qi (energy) and blood through the meridians. Specifically, neck pain is frequently linked to obstruction or stagnation in the bladder and gallbladder meridians, which traverse the neck and shoulder regions. External factors such as wind, cold, and dampness can invade these meridians, causing what TCM refers to as "bi syndrome"—a condition marked by pain, stiffness, and impaired movement (Deadman et al., 2001).

Acupuncture’s role in treating neck pain within this paradigm focuses on restoring the harmonious flow of qi and blood; dispersing wind and cold; and transforming phlegm. Acupuncture points such as GB20 (Fengchi) and BL10 (Tianzhu) are commonly selected for their ability to disperse wind and promote circulation in the affected areas. This treatment approach is highly individualised, as TCM views each patient’s condition through the lens of constitutional patterns, external factors, the harmonious flow of qi and blood, and the balance of yin and yang.

A TCM-based diagnosis for neck pain might also consider emotional stress or overwork as contributing factors. In these cases, acupuncture not only targets the physical symptoms but also addresses the root cause, aiming to rebalance the body holistically (Cheng, 2011).

Acupuncture for Neck Pain: Integration of Both Paradigms

Acupuncture’s ability to straddle both biomedical and Chinese medicine frameworks makes it a unique and flexible treatment option for neck pain. A 2018 Cochrane review highlighted that while acupuncture is effective for neck pain, its integration with conventional medical approaches could enhance patient outcomes, offering a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses both symptom relief and root causes (Yuan et al., 2018).

The convergence of these paradigms is particularly evident in the growing body of research that bridges traditional acupuncture points with biomedical correlates. For example, ST36 (Zusanli), a point traditionally used to enhance immune function and alleviate pain, has been shown in studies to increase the production of white blood cells, demonstrating a physiological basis for its effects (Quispe-Cabanillas, 2012).

Acupuncture for Neck Pain: The Final word..

Acupuncture offers a powerful tool for addressing neck pain, whether viewed through the lens of biomedicine or traditional Chinese medicine. From modulating pain pathways and reducing inflammation to restoring qi and blood flow, acupuncture provides a multidimensional approach to treatment. As more research bridges the gap between these two paradigms, patients and clinicians alike can benefit from a deeper understanding of acupuncture’s therapeutic potential.

All content, including but not limited to text, images, and ideas, presented in this blog are the intellectual property of the author, Dr Luke McPherson(TCM), and are protected by copyright law. Unauthorised use, reproduction, or distribution of this material without explicit permission from the author is strictly prohibited.

References

Cheng, X. (2011). Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. Foreign Languages Press.

Quispe-Cabanillas, J. G., & Kondo, T. (2012) Acupuncture and Immunity.

Deadman, P., Al-Khafaji, M., & Baker, K. (2001). A manual of acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.

Kim, T. H., Lee, M. S., Alraek, T., & Lee, H. (2013). Acupuncture for musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 13(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-13-187

Lundeberg, T., Lund, I., & Näslund, J. (2012). The needling sensation: a factor contributing to the specific effects of acupuncture? Acupuncture and related Therapies, 1(1), 2-4.

 Vickers, A. J., Cronin, A. M., Maschino, A. C., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., Witt, C. M., & Linde, K. (2012). Acupuncture for chronic pain: Individual patient data meta-analysis. Archives of Internal Medicine, 172(19), 1444-1453. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654

Yuan, J., Purepong, N., Kerr, D. P., Park, J., Bradbury, I., & McDonough, S. M. (2018). Effectiveness of acupuncture for low back pain: A systematic review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2018(2), CD001593. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001593