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Hello. I am Dr. Hyocheong Chae, director of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu. In my last post, I discussed the relationship between Myofascial Pain Syndrome and “muscle stiffness” (dam-gyeollim), and representative muscles such as the suboccipital muscles.
This time, I’ve organized information focusing on common questions patients often ask, such as “What should I do if my neck gets stiff?” or “Is a warm compress better, or a cold compress?” Muscle stiffness is not merely a problem of fatigue; it can be a type of Myofascial Pain Syndrome resulting from accumulated tension in the muscles and fascia.
Rather than dismissing the symptoms lightly, it’s important to accurately understand their cause and how to address them. Now, I will explain the questions patients ask most frequently, step by step.
Q&A on ‘Neck Stiffness’ from Dr. Hyocheong Chae of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic
While not entirely, what we commonly refer to as “having a stiff neck” medically includes Myofascial Pain Syndrome. This is pain that occurs when the fascia becomes tight and tense, with the trapezius, levator scapulae, splenius, and scalene muscles often involved in neck stiffness.
The main symptom is muscle pain. The pain is dull and aching, spreading deeply and widely, and limiting the range of motion. When it affects the muscles around the neck → headaches, pain around the eyes, dizziness, and tinnitus may occur.
When it affects the shoulder muscles → the arms and hands may feel numb or lose strength. When it affects the lower back and hip muscles → numbness may occur in the hips and legs.
Causes include poor posture, prolonged computer or smartphone use, excessive stress, accumulated fatigue, exposure to cold wind, and sudden strenuous movements. It is particularly common in modern people who frequently use their neck and shoulder muscles.
It depends on when the stiffness occurred. * For the initial onset (within 1 day), a cold compress is suitable. → A cold compress constricts blood vessels, reducing swelling and inflammation, and helps relieve sudden pain. * For stiffness that has persisted for several days or is chronic, a warm compress is beneficial. → A warm compress promotes blood flow and relaxes tense muscles, effectively alleviating pain.
Muscle stiffness is not merely ‘soreness from sleeping in a bad position.’ If the treatment period is missed, it can lead to fascial adhesion and become chronic pain, so accurate diagnosis and personalized Korean medicine treatment are needed from the beginning at Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in
At Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic, we use ultrasound diagnostics to identify the cause of pain and combine acupotomy, pharmacopuncture, Chuna manual therapy, and moxibustion to release fascial adhesions and relieve muscle tension.
Don’t miss the signals your body sends, even for minor pain. If you experience persistent muscle stiffness and muscle pain, seek early diagnosis and let us help you find the path to recovery.
We hope you will join Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in sharing valuable information for a healthy life. Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic in Suji-gu pursues evidence-based medicine and integrative medicine.
This post was written directly by the medical staff of Sunyujae Korean Medicine Clinic to provide medical information, in compliance with Article 56(2) and Article 57(3) of the Medical Service Act. The duration and outcome of treatment may vary from person to person, so please consult a qualified practitioner before beginning treatment.
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