Crick+in+the+Neck+(Lao+Zhen)

Crick in the neck is called //Lao Zhen// in Chinese. This literally means "Fallen from the pillow" It describes patterns of acute uncomplicated stiffness & pain of the neck where normal movement is restricted. The majority of cases affect adults. Stiff neck is common during spring and winter. Also see Neck Pain

Relevant Western Diseases
Torticollis, Cervical Rheumatism, Cervical Muscle Strain, Cervical Fibrositis

Etiology & Pathogenesis
Often involves improper sleeping posture w/ either the pillow being too high or too low or excessive rotation or crooking of the neck. This results in excessive stretching & tightening of the cervical muscles. Invasion of the back of the neck by wind-cold evil is also a common etiological factor. These evils obstruct the local flow of Qi & Blood, causing pain & restriction of movement.

Qi Stagnation & Blood Stasis
Where wind-cold is present symptoms may also include aversion to cold & wind, slight fever & headache Main points: Ashi, Luo Zhen, BL-10, SI-3, GB-39 Auxillary Points: For shoulder pain: + SI-13, LI-15 For back pain: + BL-11, SI-14 For restriction of forward-backward movement of head: + BL-60, LU-7, in achilles tendon 2 cun above bone For restriction of left-right movement of the head: + SI-7
 * Clinical Manifestations:** Stiffness & pain in the neck, inclination of the head toward the affected side, limited movement of the head in any direction, tightening of the muscles of the back of the neck, local palpable masses sometimes cone-like in shape & local; pressure points that are relieved by heat.
 * Tongue:** Thin Coat
 * Pulse:** Wiry
 * Treatment Methods:** Move Qi, Quicken the Blood, soothe soft tissues, harmonize the connections
 * Herbal Treatment:** Shu Jin Huo Xue Tang
 * Acupuncture Treatment:**

Invasion by Wind-Cold
//Modifications:// In cases of severe headcache w/ aversion to cold, modify to dissipate cold, dispel wind, & relieve pain: + Qiang Huo (9g.), Bai Zhi (9g.), Chuan Xiong (9g.) Main points: Ashi, Luo Zhen, LI-4, TW-5, BL-10, SI-3, GB-39 Auxillary Points: For shoulder pain: + SI-13, LI-15 For back pain: + BL-11, SI-14 For restriction of forward-backward movement of head: + BL-60, LU-7, in achilles tendon 2 cun above bone For restriction of left-right movement of the head: + SI-7
 * Clinical Manifestations:** Stiffness & pain in the neck, aversion to cold & wind, slight fever & headache
 * Tongue:** Thin White Coat
 * Pulse:** Floating, Tight
 * Treatment Methods:** Dispel wind, dissipate cold, soothe soft tissues & harmonize connections
 * Herbal Treatment:** Ge Gen Tang
 * Acupuncture Treatment:**

Treatment Notes:
First Needle Luo Zhen, GB-39, or Si-3 and have the patient move their neck in a circular fashion

Source: Practical Therapeutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yan Wu