Acupuncture is a safe, all-natural, drug-free therapy which has no side effects. It is gentle and effective, and helpful for many conditions and complaints.

Many times the physical manifestations of stress are tightness, muscle knots, and neck and upper back pain. Tightness in the upper back and neck can slow down the circulation of blood and energy in the area, causing energy stagnation. In addition, as the neck becomes tight and painful, the pain can move upward, causing headaches, teeth grinding and jaw pain. It can also move downward and cause back pain and tightness, wreaking havoc with your sleep, health, attitude and even your ability to back the car out of the driveway.

Back pain is one of the top reasons people seek medical treatment, including acupuncture. In addition to stress, some of the top causes of back pain are sprains – which can occur when one or more of the ligaments in the back is overstretched – and strains. The latter occurs when sudden force rips or tears a muscle; this can be caused by an injury, poor posture or improper lifting.

Acupuncture is effective for acute and chronic back pain. Back pain limits range of motion and complicates daily activities. Some back pain is accompanied by tingling and burning; acupuncture treatments can be helpful for those conditions as well.

Because of its position and range of motion, and because it plays a vital role in the support of the head, the neck is more susceptible to injury than any other portion of the spine. Neck pain can be mild enough so that it is a mere annoyance, or severe enough that it can adversely affect the quality of your life. Common causes for a stiff neck include poor posture, stress, auto accidents or sports/exercise-related strains, hard physical work, holding the neck and/or shoulders in a certain posture for too long or in an unnatural position, sleeping without proper head support, or even exposure of the neck to a cold draft. Chronic infections, flu, Lyme disease and other conditions can also include neck pain symptoms.

Acupuncture can quickly relieve the painful burning and tension of a stiff neck. Often relief is felt at the first treatment, and usually only a few treatments are required.

The modality is relevant and helpful for shoulder issues as well. Local point sites are treated and include points at the neck area, where relieving the extra tension provides immediate improvement. There are so many tendons and connecting tissue structures that enable the movement of the neck and arms; you also store your stress and concern there.

In many cases, acupuncture has worked for patients whose conditions did not respond to conventional approaches. When long-standing pain or injuries are the cause, then more treatments will be needed. Your acupuncturist will look at your whole health history, sports traumas, falls, bumps and bruises, as well as all other illnesses. Acupuncture can help reduce the residual effects that linger, sometimes for years.

Ingri Boe-Wiegaard, owner of CT Acupuncture Center and a licensed acupuncturist, has been serving Fairfield, Bethel and Wilton for more than
30 years. Call 203-259-1660 or visit CTAcupuncture.com for more information. See ad, page 55.