Does acupuncture actually work for neck pain?

Acupuncture is used by some people as a complementary approach for managing neck pain. Whether it is appropriate will depend on the cause and duration of the symptoms, the individual assessment and any other treatment being received.

Can acupuncture be used for a stiff neck?

Acupuncture may be considered for some people experiencing neck pain and stiffness. Persistent, severe or unexplained neck symptoms should be appropriately assessed to establish whether further medical investigation or treatment is required.

How much does acupuncture for neck pain cost in London?

The cost of acupuncture in London varies according to the practitioner, clinic and appointment length. For Acubody's current appointment fees and options, please see our Acupuncture Prices page.

Where can I find acupuncture for neck pain in London?

Acubody provides acupuncture for neck pain in London with Duncan McGechie. Treatment is based on an individual assessment, with acupuncture, bodywork and rehabilitation approaches considered where appropriate.

Acupuncture for Neck Pain in London

Acupuncture Treatment for Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common ailment that can affect people of all ages, often resulting from muscle strain or tension due to poor posture, overuse, or injury. Other common causes include degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis.

At Acubody, we have a talented team of practitioners in the field of acupuncture who can develop a program for you aimed at addressing the symptoms and causes of neck pain.

Why Does Neck Pain Occur?

Understanding the underlying cause of neck pain is crucial for determining the most effective treatment approach. For cases of severe neck pain, it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation of your condition. However, a few common reasons for neck pain include:

Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements that can strain the muscles and ligaments in the neck, leading to pain and discomfort.
Structural issues such as spine disorders or osteoarthritis that may contribute to neck pain by affecting the bones or nerves in the cervical spine.
Trauma from accidents, falls, or sports-related incidents that can result in neck pain, sometimes due to the damage of soft tissue.

What Are Trigger Points in the Neck?

Trigger points of the neck are sensitive areas within muscles that may be associated with local discomfort or referred sensations elsewhere. Areas around the neck, shoulders and upper back may be considered during an assessment depending on the individual’s symptoms and presentation.

At Acubody, Duncan McGechie also practises myofascial and neuromuscular bodywork. Where appropriate, the assessment can consider muscular tension and movement alongside acupuncture rather than focusing only on the location where neck pain is felt.

How Can Acupuncture Help with Neck Pain?

The release of endorphins through acupuncture can contribute to the alleviation of pain, the promotion of relaxation, and the enhancement of overall well-being.
Neck pain acupuncture may help relax the muscles in the neck, reducing muscle tension and stiffness. By targeting specific acupuncture points, the treatment can promote muscle relaxation and improve overall muscle flexibility and function.
If pain is caused by injury, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation at the site of injury by promoting the release of anti-inflammatory substances and improving blood circulation. This can contribute to the reduction of swelling, pain, and discomfort associated with the injury.
For neck pain caused by posture issues, acupuncture may be used in combination with other treatments such as trigger point therapy, pilates or sports massages to address the causes of bad posture and encourage better alignment of the muscles and the joints.

Where Are Acupuncture Needles Placed for Neck Pain?

There is no single set of acupuncture points for a stiff neck that is appropriate for everyone. The points selected depend on the individual assessment, symptoms and treatment approach. Acupuncture needles may be placed at selected points in different areas of the body and are not necessarily inserted only where neck pain is felt.

If you are concerned about having acupuncture in the neck, Duncan can explain the proposed needle placement and treatment approach before treatment begins.

Considering Acupuncture for Neck Pain

When integrated with other therapies, such as physical therapy, massage, and bodywork therapy, neck pain acupuncture may be a valuable component of a comprehensive treatment plan for muscle strains in the neck.

Integrating acupuncture into a comprehensive treatment program, which may include manual therapy, rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle modifications, can provide a holistic approach to managing pain and promoting the recovery process following an injury or the gradual onset of neck-related pain.

What to Expect from Neck Pain Acupuncture

Your first appointment includes time to discuss your neck pain, general health, relevant medical history and any treatment you are already receiving. Duncan may ask when the symptoms began, whether there has been an injury, which movements affect your neck and whether the symptoms extend into other areas.

Acupuncture uses fine needles, and sensations can vary between individuals. If appropriate following assessment, acupuncture may also be considered alongside Acubody’s myofascial or neuromuscular bodywork and rehabilitation approaches.

Acupuncture for Neck Pain in London

Acubody offers a wide range of treatments and activities, from massage therapies to Qi Gong, that can all be included in a treatment plan built to cater to your specific condition and needs.

If you are interested in learning more about acupuncture for neck pain in London, or other therapies at our centre, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.

About Your Acupuncturist

Neck pain acupuncture at Acubody is provided by Duncan McGechie, who has practised acupuncture since 2003 and myofascial and neuromuscular bodywork since 2006. His qualifications include BA, MSc, Grad Dip, MBAcC, MRCHM, MISRM and FHEA.

Duncan is a member of the British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM) and the Institute of Sports and Remedial Massage (ISRM). Treatment is considered following an individual assessment of your symptoms, health history and other care you may be receiving.

Reviewed by: Duncan McGechie, BA, MSc, Grad Dip, MBAcC, MRCHM, MISRM, FHEA
Last reviewed: October 2026

Does acupuncture actually work for neck pain?
Acupuncture is used by some people as a complementary approach for managing neck pain. Whether it is appropriate will depend on the cause and duration of the symptoms, the individual assessment and any other treatment being received.
Where are acupuncture needles placed for neck pain?
There is no universal set of acupuncture points used for everyone with neck pain. Needle placement depends on the individual's symptoms and assessment, and points may be selected in areas other than the neck itself.
Can acupuncture be used for a stiff neck?
Acupuncture may be considered for some people experiencing neck pain and stiffness. Persistent, severe or unexplained neck symptoms should be appropriately assessed to establish whether further medical investigation or treatment is required.
How much does acupuncture for neck pain cost in London?
The cost of acupuncture in London varies according to the practitioner, clinic and appointment length. For Acubody's current appointment fees and options, please see our Acupuncture Prices page.
Where can I find acupuncture for neck pain in London?
Acubody provides acupuncture for neck pain in London with Duncan McGechie. Treatment is based on an individual assessment, with acupuncture, bodywork and rehabilitation approaches considered where appropriate.