Neck Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different neck pain patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Back and Neck Pain
4
TCM Patterns
3
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 4 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each neck pain pattern
Classical remedies 3 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets neck pain as a result of imbalances and blockages in the body’s Qi (energy) flow. TCM identifies different patterns of disharmony that can lead to neck pain, such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, or the invasion of pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold.

Each case of neck pain is approached uniquely, with treatments tailored to address the specific pattern of imbalance causing the discomfort.

TCM Patterns for Neck Pain

Cold

Causes: Neck pain

2 variations documented
Damp-Cold
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Neck pain

2 variations documented
Damp-Cold
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Neck pain

2 variations documented
Exterior Wind
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Deficiency

Causes: Neck pain

1 variation documented
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency
How it presents with neck pain

Neck pain

Along with: High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Neck Pain

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address neck pain

Ren Shen Bai Du San

Addresses these neck pain patterns:

Cold Dampness Wind Qi Deficiency

Wei Ling Tang

Addresses these neck pain patterns:

Cold Dampness

Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San

Addresses these neck pain patterns:

Wind