— Acupuncture · Geneva & Veyrier —
Neck and shoulder pain: stiff neck, torticollis, tight trapezius muscles
Neck pain, a stiff neck, waking up with a crick in your neck, knots in your trapezius, pain between the shoulder blades or a headache that starts at the base of the skull: acupuncture, Tui-Na massage and cupping can relieve neck pain and upper back tension, alongside your doctor’s care.
✓ RME & ASCA recognised · Covered by some complementary insurers · First appointment within 48h
Does this sound like you?
Symptoms of a tight neck and shoulders
The pain sits at the back of the neck, across the tops of the shoulders or between the shoulder blades. It can be a dull, constant ache, or sharper with certain movements. To the touch, the trapezius muscles feel hard, with specific, very tender spots: the familiar “knots”.
Turning or tilting your head is restricted on one side. Your neck is stiff in the morning and slow to loosen up, or the pain builds over the day, especially after long hours at the computer. Some people also get a headache that starts at the base of the skull and spreads to the temples or forehead.
Often the shoulders stay slightly raised without you noticing, the jaw is clenched, and it becomes hard to find a comfortable position to sleep. Stretches or painkillers help for a while, then the tension comes back.
The neck and shoulder pain I treat
These are the situations I see most often in my practice. Every case is different, so every treatment is tailored to you.
Neck pain
Cervical pain, sore neck
“My neck hurts almost every day, especially in the evening. It pulls when I turn my head.”
Torticollis
Wry neck, crick in the neck, locked neck
“I woke up with my neck locked. I can’t turn my head to one side at all.”
Tight trapezius muscles
Shoulder tension, muscle knots
“My traps are rock hard. There are tender spots on top of my shoulders and I’m constantly rubbing them.”
Pain between the shoulder blades
Upper back pain
“There’s a band of tension across my upper back and one spot under my shoulder blade that burns after a day at the office.”
Tension headache
Headache starting in the neck
“The headache starts at the base of my skull and tightens like a band all the way to my forehead.”
Stiff neck, neck arthritis
Chronic stiffness, cervical spondylosis
“I’ve been told I have arthritis in my neck. It cracks and has felt stiff for years.”
More lower back pain or lumbago? See the dedicated page →
Understanding
What causes neck pain and shoulder tension?
In the vast majority of cases, neck pain is muscular and not serious. The most common causes:
- screen posture: the head drifting forward towards the computer or smartphone (“tech neck”) keeps the neck and trapezius muscles working constantly;
- stress: it makes the shoulders rise by reflex and keeps the muscles contracted;
- an awkward sleeping position, an unsuitable pillow or a cold draught, often behind a stiff neck in the morning;
- carrying heavy loads, a sudden movement, or certain sports (swimming, weight training, tennis);
- wear and tear of the cervical spine (neck arthritis), which makes the neck stiffer over the years.
When tension lasts, the muscle tires, local circulation slows and the pain keeps itself going. Chinese medicine describes this as stagnation in the neck and shoulders. The aim of treatment is to break that cycle.
My approach
Acupuncture for neck pain and trapezius tension
Studies suggest that acupuncture may relieve chronic neck pain. In my practice, I work both on the tight muscles and on what keeps them tight: stress, sleep and fatigue. Depending on your needs, several techniques are combined in the same session at no extra cost.
Acupuncture
Fine, sterile, single-use needles placed on the neck, the shoulders and distant points, to reduce pain, release the trapezius muscles and restore range of motion.
Tui-Na massage
A deep therapeutic massage of the neck, trapezius and upper back that works through knots and tender points one by one.
Cupping & moxibustion
Cupping on the trapezius and between the shoulder blades boosts circulation in tense tissue. The warmth of moxa is welcome for a stiff neck that is sensitive to cold.
How it works
Your care, step by step
01
The assessment
A first consultation of 60 to 90 min: where the pain is, which movements are limited, your workstation, stress, sleep, headaches, any scans or tests.
02
The first treatment
You receive a tailored treatment from the very first session, and leave with a few simple exercises for your neck and shoulders in everyday life.
03
Follow-up
Sessions of 50 to 60 min, adjusted as you progress. We review things together, honestly, after a few sessions.
First consultation CHF 145 · Follow-up CHF 120 · Discovery Pack 3 sessions CHF 350. See all prices →
Everyday tips
How to relieve neck pain before your session
Keep moving gently
Even with a stiff neck, small slow movements within the pain-free range help more than keeping still. Avoid a neck collar unless your doctor advises one.
Adjust your screen
The top of the screen at eye level, your phone held higher, and a break every 30 to 45 minutes to drop your shoulders.
Use heat
A hot water bottle on the trapezius or a warm shower on the neck helps tight muscles relax. Keep your neck covered in draughts.
Important
When to see a doctor first
Acupuncture complements conventional medicine; it does not replace it. See your doctor promptly if your neck or shoulder pain comes with:
- a recent fall, accident (whiplash) or impact;
- fever with a stiff neck and a severe headache;
- a sudden, severe headache that is unusual for you;
- pain running down the arm, with pins and needles, numbness or weakness in the hand;
- dizziness, or problems with vision or speech;
- pain in the shoulder, jaw or upper back with chest tightness or shortness of breath;
- pain that does not ease with rest, especially at night.
In an emergency, call 144.
FAQ
Your questions about neck pain and stiff necks
What is the difference between neck pain and torticollis?
Neck pain (cervicalgia) covers any pain in the neck, whether recent or long-standing. Torticollis, or wry neck, is an acute form: a neck muscle suddenly goes into spasm, often overnight, and blocks turning the head to one side.
How long does a stiff neck last?
Usually a few days to a week. A prompt session can help you regain movement faster: call for an appointment within 48 hours. If the stiff neck follows an impact, or comes with fever or pins and needles in the arm, see a doctor first.
Can acupuncture help with neck arthritis?
Acupuncture does not change wear and tear of the vertebrae, but it can reduce the pain and stiffness that come with it, and relax the surrounding muscles that compensate. It fits well alongside care from your doctor or physiotherapist.
Needles in the neck: does it hurt?
The needles are very fine, much finer than a blood-test needle. You may feel a slight tingle or heaviness. If you are nervous, we can start with massage and distant points.
Does cupping leave marks?
It can leave round, pink to purple marks that fade within a few days and are not painful. If you have an event coming up, let me know and I will adapt the technique.
How many sessions do I need for neck pain?
It depends on how long you have had the pain. A recent stiff neck usually needs fewer sessions than chronic neck pain or trapezius tension that has built up over years. We review regularly, with no commitment beyond what is useful.
Are sessions covered by insurance?
Treatments are recognised by complementary insurers approved by ASCA and RME, as well as by international insurance providers. Please check your coverage with your insurer. A solidarity rate can also be offered, in complete confidence.
A more mobile neck and relaxed shoulders
Neck pain, a stiff neck or long-standing trapezius tension: book your first session online, or call me if you have a question. I will tell you honestly whether I can help.
✓ RME & ASCA recognised · 76 rue de Carouge, Geneva & 97 chemin des Rasses, Veyrier