3 Things You Can do to fix your left side Neck Pain

February 18, 2025

Neck Pain

3 tips you can do to fix your left side neck pain

Hi, it’s Satoru from hariQ acupuncture & herbs! In this blog post, I would like to share three tips for managing or alleviating neck pain, especially on the left side. I will explain why left-sided neck pain occurs from both Western and Eastern medicine perspectives—an approach that many doctors may overlook. My goal is to provide a different perspective to help those who have tried various remedies without success. I hope these three tips can alleviate your chronic left-side neck pain.

We understand this can be a lot of information and overwhelming: if you are looking for more support and answers, set up a free consultation with our licensed acupuncturist, Satoru Ozawa. Share your story, get your questions answered, and learn how you can set yourself up for tremendous success in achieving a healthy life.

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What causes left side neck pain?

Bad posture, herniated disk, spinal stenosis, injury, and muscle tension from stress also can be causes of neck pain. But these are not the only factors you get stiffness and pain in your neck.

Do you have bloating, gassy, nausea, vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea?

If you have these symptoms, you might be experiencing neck pain due to digestion problems. But why are your digestion issues related to your neck? It is because of your autonomic nervous system.

The autonomic nervous system has two main parts: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. When you’re feeling stressed, it’s the sympathetic nerves that kick in. But when you’re relaxed and at ease, the parasympathetic nerves take over to help you unwind. One key player in this system is the vagus nerve, which links up with important organs like your stomach, heart, lungs, and even your neck. If you’re feeling a bit too stressed or anxious, it can lead to overstimulation of the vagus nerve, resulting in an upset stomach, a racing heart, and sometimes even trouble swallowing. This can also create tension in your neck.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Standpoint

Traditional Chinese medicine focuses on an integrated approach to health, considering a person’s symptoms as a whole rather than isolating individual conditions. For instance, pain on the right side of the neck is linked to the Liver, which is associated with stress, often referred to as Liver Qi Stagnation. Other potential symptoms of this liver disorder include irritability, anxiety, rib pain, and menstrual issues such as cramping and irregular periods.

On the other hand, the left side of the neck is associated with the Spleen and Stomach, which are part of the digestive system. The stomach meridian begins at the eyes and travels through the head and down to the digestive organs. Therefore, issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea can lead to discomfort in the neck, particularly on the left side, resulting in tightness. Other symptoms linked to Spleen and Stomach disorders include bloating, gas, constipation, and diarrhea, all of which are indicative of digestive problems.

What can you do if you have left-side neck pain?

1. Apply a heat pack

Applying a heat pack can be beneficial for loosening muscles, increasing blood flow, and softening tissues. This can help improve your range of motion and reduce pain. For instance, you can use a heat pack designed specifically for your neck. Additionally, placing it on your stomach can be helpful; when your stomach relaxes, it can also relieve tension in your neck.

2. Change Your Diet

Any food that gives you bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea is unsuitable for digestion. Please eat balanced nutrition, including carbohydrates, vegetables, and protein, with vitamins and minerals. Refrain from spicy, greasy food and dairy products like milk and cheese.

10 Common food that can cause bloating from healthpass.com

Salty and highly processed food
Carbonated drinks
Diary food
High Carbohydrates foods
Cruciferous vegetables
Raw vegetables
Greasy food
Artificial sweeteners
Spicy foods
Coffee acidic fruits & alcohol

3. Drink Ginger & Kuzu Teas

When you change your diet to prevent further indigestion, drinking herbal tea can help soothe your stomach and alleviate neck pain. Ginger and kuzu are among the most effective Chinese herbs for improving digestion. Popular Chinese herbal formulas like Gui Zhi Ge Gen Wan and Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang often include these ingredients. Since it can be difficult to find custom Chinese herbal formulas, you can start by drinking these individual herbal teas, which are also beneficial for your digestion and neck pain.

Benefits of Ginger

Ginger is renowned for its numerous health benefits, making it a popular addition to both culinary and medicinal practices. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. **Digestive Health**: Ginger can help reduce nausea and promote better digestion, making it particularly effective for digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating, and gas.

2. **Anti-Inflammatory Properties**: It contains bioactive compounds like gingerol that have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body.

3. **Pain Relief**: Ginger may help alleviate various types of pain, including muscle pain, menstrual pain, and even headaches, due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

4. **Nausea Relief**: It’s often used to combat motion sickness and morning sickness during pregnancy.

5. **Immune Support**: Ginger can boost the immune system, helping to ward off illnesses and infections.

6. **Improved Circulation**: It may aid in improving blood circulation, which is beneficial for overall cardiovascular health.

7. **Antioxidant Properties**: Ginger is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Incorporating ginger into your diet, whether through tea, fresh root, or supplements, can offer these benefits and contribute to overall well-being.

Benefits of Kuzu

Kuzu, also known as kudzu, is a climbing plant native to Asia, and its starch is used in various culinary and medicinal applications. Here are some notable benefits of kuzu:

1. **Digestive Aid**: Kuzu starch is often used to soothe the digestive system. It can help relieve diarrhea and promote healthy digestion by calming the gastrointestinal tract.

2. **Rich in Nutrients**: Kuzu contains essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and minerals like calcium and potassium, contributing to a balanced diet.

3. **Detoxifying Properties**: Kuzu is believed to help the body detoxify by promoting the elimination of toxins and supporting liver health.

4. **Anti-Inflammatory Effects**: The plant contains bioactive compounds that may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping to alleviate inflammation in the body.

5. **Energy Boost**: Kuzu starch can provide a quick source of energy, making it a good option for those needing a rapid energy boost.

6. **Support for Alcohol Metabolism**: Some studies suggest that kuzu may support the liver in metabolizing alcohol, potentially reducing hangover symptoms.

7. **Cooling Effects**: In traditional medicine, kuzu is thought to have a cooling effect on the body, making it suitable for soothing heat-related ailments, like fevers or excessive thirst.

Incorporating kuzu into your diet can be done through cooking, where it is often used as a thickener in soups, sauces, or desserts, contributing to both flavor and health benefits. Always consult with a healthcare professional before adding new supplements or herbal remedies to your routine.

How to Fix Cricks in Your Neck Instantly

If you’re dealing with some acute neck pain or those pesky neck cricks, there are some gentle exercises you might want to try! This technique is to work on contracting the muscles on one side of your neck, which can help relax the painful muscles on the other side. For example, if you’re feeling discomfort on your left side, just engage the muscles on your right side to help ease that tension. It’s a safe, simple, and effective way to find some relief!

Important Note

Trying these 3 tips on a regular basis can help speed up your healing process. But, if you’re still having trouble with your neck pain, you might want to consider alternative treatments, like acupuncture, before deciding on painful injections or surgery.

Pursuing Your Health is Our Passion

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We'll be happy to answer your questions.

Is Acupuncture Effective for Neck Pain?

Yes. Acupuncture is very effective for neck pain. We examined your neck movement and muscle tightness during the initial acupuncture session. You may be unable to turn your neck due to pain. The treatments focused on reducing inflammation and swelling and restoring movement in the neck. Acupuncture has been shown in many studies to be incredibly practical in reducing pain and inflammation due to its ability to stimulate the body to release its natural painkillers. So, you start feeling relieved from the pain after each session.

When Should I start Acupuncture?

Receiving timely treatment is crucial for better outcomes in neck pain cases. Unfortunately, some patients delay seeking treatment for months or even years after the initial onset of symptoms. Such chronic cases are often more complicated and require a longer time to show results. However, despite prolonged treatment, complete recovery is not always guaranteed.

How Often Should I Schedule Acupuncture Sessions?

Acupuncture treatment frequency depends on the condition’s duration and severity. Acute and relatively new conditions require more frequent visits, while chronic and long-standing conditions benefit from more widespread treatments. For instance, if you are experiencing sudden neck pain, your acupuncturist may recommend 2-3 treatments per week for the best results. However, chronic cases may require only one treatment per week.

If you or a loved one has neck pain and want to learn more about Acupuncture and whether it’s appropriate for your case, send us a message through our contact page. Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post! I appreciate your interest and hope to see you again for future posts.