Symptom family: Back and Neck Pain

What is Neck Pain?

Neck pain is a common medical condition characterized by discomfort or pain in the cervical region of the spine. Ranging from mild to debilitating, it can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, nerve compression, and spinal conditions. This symptom can significantly impact an individual's daily life, limiting mobility and causing persistent discomfort.

How Does TCM View Neck Pain?

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.

Root Causes of Neck Pain in TCM

In TCM, neck pain can often be traced back to external pathogenic factors. Cold patterns, specifically Damp-Cold, can lead to neck pain accompanied by symptoms like mouth ulcers, white and watery sputum, and cold extremities.

Another common cause is Wind, particularly Exterior Wind, which manifests as neck pain with aversion to cold, fever, headaches, and nasal discharge. These patterns indicate disturbances in the body’s natural state of balance, requiring targeted treatments to restore harmony.

Explore below more details about what might cause Neck pain according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Neck Pain

Common Symptoms: Mouth Ulcers White And Watery Sputum Nasal Discharge Sneezing Chills Abdominal Pain Cold Extremities Arthralgia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold Neck pain, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Neck pain, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Neck Pain

Common Symptoms: Mouth Ulcers White And Watery Sputum Nasal Discharge Sneezing Chills Abdominal Pain Cold Extremities Arthralgia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold Neck pain, Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Neck pain, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Neck Pain

Common Symptoms: Headaches Coughing Stiff Neck Aversion To Cold Fever Anemophobia Nasal Discharge Clear Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Exterior Wind Neck pain, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Anemophobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Neck pain, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Neck Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency Neck pain, High fever, Fever without perspiration, Headaches, Stiff neck, Painful extremities, Focal distention, Chest distension, Congested nose, Noisy breathing, Coughing... see more Ren Shen Bai Du San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Neck Pain

To treat neck pain from a TCM perspective, specific formulas are used based on the underlying cause.

For Damp-Cold patterns, Wei Ling Tang is recommended, featuring Water Plantain (Ze Xie) to expel Dampness. For neck pain caused by Exterior Wind, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, containing Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), is used to dredge and disperse External Wind and invigorate the blood.

These formulas are part of a broader strategy aimed at addressing the root cause of the pain and promoting the body's natural healing processes.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address neck pain, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • External formulas for external disorders

All Formulas Recommended for Neck Pain Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Neck Pain Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

All Formulas Recommended for Neck Pain Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San Exterior Wind
Ren Shen Bai Du San Wind-Cold-Damp invading with Qi Deficiency

Acupoints for Neck Pain

Acupuncture is another key component of TCM treatment for neck pain. Acupoints such as Feiyang BL-58 and Fufen BL-41 on the Bladder Channel are utilized for their effectiveness in strengthening the Kidneys, subduing Rebellious Qi, and removing obstructions from the Channel.

Other points like Tianliao TB-15 on the Triple Burner Channel and Jianjing GB-21 on the Gall Bladder Channel are chosen for their specific actions in alleviating neck pain, expelling Wind-Heat, and clearing obstructions.

These points are selected based on their traditional indications and the patient's specific condition, forming a holistic approach to treat neck pain.

Explore below some acupoints used to address neck pain, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Stomach Channel
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Lung Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Extra Points: Upper Extremities (EX-UE)
Yuzhen BL-9

Yuzhen BL-9

First identify Naohu DU-17 which is on the superior border of the external occipital protuberance. Yuzhen BL-9 is 1.3 cun lateral to Naohu DU-17.

Ganshu BL-18

Ganshu BL-18

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 9th thoracic vertebra (T9).

Fufen BL-41

Fufen BL-41

3 cun (about 4 finger-breadths) lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 2nd thoracic vertebra (T2).

Feiyang BL-58

Feiyang BL-58

On the posterior border of fibula, about 1 cun inferior and lateral to Chengshan BL-57, 7 cun directly above Kunlun BL-60.

Kunlun BL-60

Kunlun BL-60

In the depression between the tip of the lateral malleolus and the Achilles tendon.

Shugu BL-65

Shugu BL-65

On the lateral side of the foot dorsum, proximal to the head of the 5th metatarsal bone, at the border of the red and white skin.

Zhiyin BL-67

Zhiyin BL-67

On the lateral side of the little toe, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Yemen TB-2

Yemen TB-2

Proximal to the margin of the web between the ring and small fingers.

Yangchi TB-4

Yangchi TB-4

At the junction of the ulna carpal bones of the wrist dorsum, in the depression lateral to the tendon of extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle.

Waiguan TB-5

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Xiaoluo TB-12

Xiaoluo TB-12

On the line joining the olecranon and Jianliao TB-14, midway between Qinglengyuan TB-11 and Naohui TB-13, 5 cun proximal to the olecranon. It is just on the lower end of bulge of the lateral head of triceps brachii when the forearm is in pronation.

Tianliao TB-15

Tianliao TB-15

Midway between Jianjing GB-21 and Quyuan SI-13, on top of the superior angle of the scapula.

Fubai GB-10

Fubai GB-10

Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, at the junction of the upper third and the two lower thirds of the curved line connecting Tianchong GB-9 and Wangu GB-12.

Jianjing GB-21

Jianjing GB-21

Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.

Xuanzhong GB-39

Xuanzhong GB-39

3 cun above the tip of the external malleolus, in the depression on the anterior border of the fibula.

Zhizheng SI-7

Zhizheng SI-7

5 cun proximal to the wrist, on the line joining Yanggu SI-5 and Xiaohai SI-8.

Xiaohai SI-8

Xiaohai SI-8

Between the olecranon of the ulna and the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

Tianrong SI-17

Tianrong SI-17

Posterior to the angle of mandible, in the depression on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Daying ST-5

Daying ST-5

On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.

Quepen ST-12

Quepen ST-12

About 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the supraclavicular fossa, superior to the midpoint of the clavicle.

Bailao EX-HN-15

Bailao EX-HN-15

2 cun above the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and 1 cun lateral to the midline.

Lieque LU-7

Lieque LU-7

Above the styloid process of the radius, about 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease (wrist joint space) in a V-shaped depression.

Neiguan P-6

Neiguan P-6

2 cun above Daling P-7 on the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis muscle.

Wailaogong EX-UE-8

Wailaogong EX-UE-8

On the hand dorsum, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction of the heads and the shafts of the metacarpal bones.