Traditional Medicine provides effective treatment for neck and shoulder pain

Neck and shoulder pain is a common health issue that is often underestimated. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, negatively affecting health, daily activities, and work performance.

A patient suffering from neck and shoulder pain leading to headaches receives electroacupuncture treatment at Dong Nai Traditional Medicine Hospital. Photo: Hai Yen

Currently, many patients are choosing traditional medicine treatments and reporting noticeable improvement after a short course of therapy at a low cost.

Suffering from the "burden" on the shoulders

Nguyen Thi Tung Lan, a resident of Tam Hiep ward in Dong Nai province, works in an office and has suffered from neck and shoulder pain for more than 10 years. At times, the pain was so severe that she couldn’t sleep. “Regular massages didn’t help. I tried exercising, but it didn’t improve much. I was also worried about taking too many painkillers because of the potential health risks,” she said.

Similarly, Vo Thi Diem from Trang Dai ward said her job requires frequent driving and prolonged computer use, which led to neck and shoulder pain. Although the symptoms began just over two years ago, her condition worsened significantly. MRI scans revealed cervical spondylosis and calcific tendonitis. After more than a year of treatment with little improvement, she gave up. Recently, when the pain in her arm became so severe that she couldn’t lift it, she sought out acupuncture treatment.

According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, Level-I Specialist and Head of the Internal Medicine Department at Dong Nai Traditional Medicine Hospital, neck and shoulder pain is common and can affect people of all ages. High-risk groups include office workers and those who work extensively on computers, drivers, elderly seniors, people who often carry heavy loads, high-intensity athletes (especially in sports like weightlifting, swimming, tennis, and pickleball), and individuals with poor posture habits (such as sleeping with overly high or hard pillows or resting the head on the arm during sleep).

Neck and shoulder pain can cause various health issues, including poor cerebral blood flow, numbness, muscle weakening, and muscle loss, as well as a higher risk of musculoskeletal problems like cervical spondylosis, herniated discs, and bone spurs. These issues may lead to more intense pain, limited movement, and, in severe cases, muscle weakness.

“These conditions can cause more severe pain, limit mobility, and in extreme cases, result in muscle weakness,” said Dr. Trang.

Furthermore, neck and shoulder pain can greatly affect a person’s daily activities and work performance, leading to restricted movement, poor sleep, and decreased productivity.

Treating neck and shoulder pain with traditional medicine

There are various methods for treating neck and shoulder pain, ranging from simple home remedies to professional medical treatment. The choice of approach depends on the severity of the pain and its underlying cause. Many patients have opted for traditional medicine and reported highly effective results.

Tung Lan reported that after just two acupuncture sessions, her pain and stiffness had noticeably decreased by about 50%. After one week, the improvement reached 80%. By the sixth week, the condition had nearly disappeared.

Vo Thi Diem shared that after three acupuncture sessions, she was able to move her arm more freely. After two weeks of treatment, her pain had decreased by around 70%.

Dr. Trang explained that depending on the cause and severity of the condition, practitioners may opt for non-pharmacological treatments or a combination of medication and supportive therapies. Non-drug methods include acupuncture, acupressure massage, mugwort compresses, herbal poultices, and aqua-acupuncture. These traditional medicine techniques help relieve pain, relax muscles, and improve blood and energy circulation.

She also noted that doctors might recommend physical therapy techniques, such as heat therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy, and exercises, to strengthen the spinal muscles and enhance mobility. “Thread implantation acupuncture is beneficial for patients who cannot attend daily sessions,” she said.

If the pain significantly affects work or quality of life, traditional medicine practitioners may combine treatment with short-term use of conventional medications, such as muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory drugs, or neuropathic pain relievers, to manage acute pain episodes.

Although neck and shoulder pain may seem minor, ignoring it can pose long-term health risks and cause significant disruptions to daily life and work. Early attention and proper treatment, mainly through traditional medicine, can provide lasting relief and improve overall well-being.

“Patients should not self-medicate with prescription drugs or undergo therapy without medical supervision. If neck and shoulder pain is accompanied by symptoms such as numbness, arm weakness, loss of sensation, or radiating pain down the arm, they should seek medical attention promptly for proper diagnosis and timely treatment,” Dr. Trang emphasized.

By Hai Yen - Translated by Hong Van, Minho