Acupuncture in Oakland: Find a Path to a Pain-Free Neck and Improved Well-being
Tired of living with neck pain that seems to never go away? Whether the cause is tech neck from too much screen time or injury, strain, or plain old age, our acupuncture clinic in Oakland can provide a holistic approach to improving your well-being and providing relief from persistent pain in the neck, back, and upper shoulders. In this article, we dive into the world of acupuncture and how it can relieve strain and pain in the neck while benefitting overall health. You can skip this reading and visit the booking page if you’d like to book now. This is one of our favorite topics because our patients get excellent results using acupuncture to resolve pain.
Acupuncture is a noninvasive procedure commonly used to treat pain. It originated in China and involves the practice of inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Animal studies may help researchers understand why acupuncture is effective at relieving pain. The research shows that interstitial adenosine is released at the needling site during acupuncture. Adenosine is an anti-inflammatory neuromodulator capable of diminishing pain without the negative effect that over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs may have.
By incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine, you may experience a reduction in neck pain, increased mobility, and improved sleep patterns. Additionally, acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treating other conditions like migraines, stress, anxiety, and depression.
More on how acupuncture works for neck pain
In addition to the adenosine studies, research suggests that acupuncture can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers, and improve blood circulation in the affected areas. Doing so helps reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and alleviate pain in the neck. Acupuncture also works on a deeper level by rebalancing the body’s sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. When the body is under stress from chronic pain, viral infection, lifestyle choices, etc., the physiology of the body causes more inflammation, exacerbating pain. When the body goes into a catabolic state from chronic stress, there’s a further breakdown of tissue and loss of capacity to heal.
Benefits of acupuncture for neck pain
Incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine can offer numerous benefits for neck pain and health in general. Firstly, it provides targeted pain relief by addressing an underlying nervous system imbalance. Unlike conventional pain medications that merely mask the pain, acupuncture aims to optimize the healing capacity of the body. This approach often leads to long-lasting results and a reduced reliance on medication.
Furthermore, acupuncture can improve mobility in the neck and shoulders. Many individuals with neck pain experience stiffness and limited range of motion. The local effect of acupuncture helps to release tension, relax muscles, and improve flexibility, allowing for greater freedom of movement. This increased mobility can have a significant impact on daily activities and overall quality of life.
An additional layer of healing includes enhanced sleep patterns in individuals with neck pain. Chronic pain can disrupt sleep and contribute to lethargy, fatigue, and irritability. Acupuncture helps to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and restore balance in the body, leading to better sleep quality and overall restfulness.
Understanding the underlying causes of neck pain
There are many underlying causes of neck pain. As an acupuncture clinic in Oakland and the Bay Area that specializes in pain, we have seen a variety of factors that contribute to neck pain. This includes poor posture, muscle strain, herniated discs, traumatic injury, stress, and emotional tension. At Culpepper Acupuncture, we take a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment, considering physical, dietary, and emotional factors that may contribute to neck pain.
Poor posture, such as slouching or hunching over a computer, can place strain on the neck and lead to pain. Acupuncture addresses pain from repeat movements and lack of activity as well as overuse and physical injury. Muscle tension in the neck and surrounding areas can also result from stress, anxiety, or emotional imbalances. By addressing these underlying causes, acupuncture helps to restore balance in the body and alleviate neck pain.
In some cases, neck pain may be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as a tumor, herniated disc, or osteoarthritis. While acupuncture can provide relief, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific condition.
Acupuncture treatment process for neck pain
If you’re considering private acupuncture for neck pain, you may find it helpful to understand the treatment process for neck pain at our acupuncture clinic in Oakland. During your first visit, an acupuncture practitioner will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the underlying causes of your neck pain. They will ask about your medical history, lifestyle, and any other relevant information to create a personalized treatment plan.
The actual acupuncture session involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points on your body. These points may be located near the neck or in other areas of the body, depending on the practitioner’s diagnosis. The needles are typically left in place for about 30 minutes while you relax and allow the treatment to take effect. It’s normal to fall asleep during acupuncture.
It’s important to note that acupuncture is generally painless and well-tolerated. Most people experience a mild sensation during needle insertion, which quickly subsides. Some individuals may feel a deep relaxation or a tingling sensation around the needle insertion points. The number of acupuncture sessions required varies depending on the severity of your neck pain, how long you’ve had it, and your individual response to treatment.
What to expect during an acupuncture session
During your acupuncture session, the practitioner will create a calming and soothing environment to enhance a state of deep relaxation. You will be asked to lie down on a comfortable treatment table, and the practitioner will ensure that you are relaxed and at ease before beginning the session. You may keep your clothes on but it’s helpful if you wear loosely fitting clothing. If you’re asked to remove a piece of clothing your provider will leave the room and you’ll be given a sheet to drape over your body.
Once the needles are inserted, you may be encouraged to close your eyes and focus on your breath or engage in guided relaxation techniques. The practitioner may also incorporate other techniques such as cupping or moxibustion to enhance the effects of the acupuncture treatment. At our acupuncture clinic in Oakland, we typically do 10 minutes of cupping for pain relief.
After the session, you may experience a sense of deep relaxation and calmness. It’s common to feel a reduction in pain and tension immediately, although the full effects of acupuncture may take a few sessions to manifest. Each person’s response to acupuncture is unique, so it’s important to communicate with your practitioner throughout the treatment process to ensure the best possible outcomes. Visit our full list of FAQs involving in-person acupuncture care.
Other health benefits of acupuncture
While acupuncture is primarily known for its effectiveness in relieving pain, it offers a range of other health benefits as well. Research and anecdotal evidence suggest that acupuncture can be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including migraines, stress, anxiety, and depression.
Migraines, like neck pain, can be debilitating and greatly impact daily life. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, providing much-needed relief for those who suffer from these severe headaches.
Stress, anxiety, and depression are common in today’s fast-paced and demanding world. Acupuncture helps to calm the nervous system, reduce stress hormones, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. By restoring balance to the body, acupuncture can be a valuable tool in managing these health conditions.
