Chinese Medicine

Neck, shoulder and back pain

A stiff neck, sore shoulders, a back that keeps hurting. Dr. Pan checks the cause first, then makes a plan.

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Please bring any X-ray or MRI reports, and a list of the medicines, supplements and herbs you take now. It also helps to notice what makes the pain worse, and what makes it better.

First, check the cause

A lot of neck and back pain comes from strained, tight muscles. Often you can feel a knot: a small, tight spot that hurts when pressed.

Go to the ER right away for: trouble controlling your bladder or bowels, or numbness around the groin; neck or back pain with chest pain or shortness of breath; a sudden, severe neck pain with a headache; or fever with a stiff neck.

Some pain needs to be checked before treatment. Tell Dr. Pan if you have:

Pain that started after a fall or an accident
Fever, or weight loss you cannot explain
Pain that wakes you at night and does not ease with rest
Weakness or numbness in an arm or leg that is getting worse, clumsy hands, or trouble walking
A history of cancer
Long-term steroid use, or a weak immune system

How it is treated

Needle therapy: a very thin needle goes into the tight knot in the muscle, to help it relax.
Trigger point injection: a small amount of numbing medicine is injected into the knot.
Chinese herbs, if they suit you. They are checked against the medicines you already take, and may help some people.
Stretches and movement you can do at home, and physical therapy if you need it.

How many visits

Usually one visit every week or two. After a few visits, you and Dr. Pan look at whether it is helping: less pain, and easier movement. Long-term back pain often comes and goes. Treatment can ease it, but it may not go away for good. If nothing has changed, Dr. Pan will tell you and change the plan.

Common questions

Does needle therapy hurt?

You may feel a quick twitch or a deep ache in the muscle. Most people find it short and bearable. The spot can be sore for a day or two.

What are the risks?

Soreness and small bruises are common, and some people feel faint. Rarely, a needle near the chest or upper back can cause a collapsed lung, so Dr. Pan takes special care there. An injection can rarely cause an infection or a reaction to the numbing medicine. Tell us if you take a blood thinner, have allergies, or are pregnant.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI?

Most people do not, at least at first. Dr. Pan will order one if your symptoms call for it.

Should I keep taking my pain medicine?

Do not stop or change any medicine on your own. Bring them all, and Dr. Pan will go over them with you. Some pain pills do not mix well with blood thinners.