Acupuncture for Neck Pain in Portland, Maine
Safe, Effective, and Long-Lasting Pain Relief
At West End Acupuncture in Portland, Maine, we help busy professionals, athletes, and active individuals find lasting relief from neck pain. Acupuncture offers safe, drug-free, and effective treatment that supports your body’s natural repair process.
A 2024 systematic review found that acupuncture provides measurable pain relief and functional improvement for chronic neck pain, with benefits lasting at least three months after treatment. This aligns with what we see in our clinic: after an initial treatment plan, clients experience less pain, greater range of motion, and results that last.
Why Neck Pain Happens (and Why It Persists)
Neck pain can develop from an acute injury, but more often it builds gradually due to modern habits and mechanical strain. Common contributors include:
Muscle tension and stress-related guarding
Past injuries or whiplash
Poor sleep positioning
Prolonged screen time or poor posture
Overuse, repetitive motion, or athletic training
Over time, micro-strain in the neck and upper back muscles, joints, and fascia leads to stiffness, headaches, and reduced mobility. When unaddressed, the nervous system “learns” pain patterns that make discomfort harder to resolve.
How Acupuncture Helps Neck Pain
Acupuncture addresses both symptoms and root factors by activating the body’s natural healing systems:
Pain Relief through Endorphins and Adenosine
Precise needle placement triggers the local release of adenosine and endorphins—your body’s natural pain-relieving chemicals—offering immediate relief.
Reduced Inflammation and Improved Circulation
Acupuncture enhances blood flow and clears inflammatory byproducts while delivering oxygen and nutrients to tight or injured tissues. This speeds recovery and reduces swelling and stiffness.
Restored Muscle Balance and Motor Control
By targeting key muscles such as the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and cervical paraspinals, acupuncture helps reset overactive and underactive patterns. This retraining effect improves posture, coordination, and mobility so results last longer.
Nervous System Regulation
Chronic neck pain often keeps the body in a “fight or flight” state. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, allowing muscles to relax and circulation to improve naturally.
What to Expect at West End Acupuncture
You're in good hands. Your first visit begins with a detailed evaluation and orthopedic testing to determine the underlying causes of your neck pain. Treatments may include acupuncture, dry needling and trigger point therapy, cupping, gua sha, and/or red light therapy to enhance recovery and mobility. Many clients notice improvement within just a few sessions, with cumulative benefits over time.
Ready to Move Freely Again?
Acupuncture is a safe, natural, and research-backed approach for relieving neck pain. Start with relief and build lasting results.
Book your session at West End Acupuncture in Portland, Maine. We look forward to meeting you!