Neck Pain Must Not Be “Jiggled”
Professor Zhou Jiangnan, a renowned orthopedic expert at Xiangya Hospital in Hunan, points out that neck pain is closely related to cervical spondylosis. Cervical spondylosis can cause neck pain, but neck pain is not necessarily due to cervical spondylosis. Many other conditions can also cause neck pain, requiring clear diagnosis and tailored treatment—do not blindly assume all neck pain is cervical spondylosis.
After experiencing neck pain, consult an orthopedic doctor for a definitive diagnosis. Never shake your head, massage, or let others manipulate your neck. Each year, patients suffer worsened symptoms or even paralysis due to misdiagnosis and improper treatment of cervical spondylosis involving head shaking and neck manipulation. Jiggling the neck is extremely dangerous. Shaking your head is not a safe method for treating cervical spondylosis. During acute phases of cervical spondylosis, not only should you avoid head shaking, but you should also wear a cervical collar for immobilization. In chronic stages, scientific neck exercises are acceptable, along with safe methods: gentle massage, heat application using a hot water bag on the painful area, applying Honghua oil, or using topical analgesic ointments. Avoid excessive movement or forceful neck manipulation during acute pain—it will only worsen tissue damage.