Tai Chi relieves unspecific chronic neck pain
A controlled randomized study by the Chair of Complimentary and Integrative Medicine at the University Duisburg-Essen (Germany) found that Tai Chi is an appropriate method to reduce neck pain. The study conducted by the author and the director of the study Dr. Lauche showed that patients who completed a 12-week Tai Chi training experienced significantly less pain than patients who did not do any exercises (usual care).
The comparison with a second exercising group, which practised conventional neck exercises over the same period, did not show any significant differences concerning the perception of pain between the Tai Chi group and the conventional exercises group. The findings show, however, that Tai Chi is equally effective in relieving neck pain as conventional exercises focusing specifically on the neck area.
Tai Chi therefore is an excellent alternative to conventional exercises. It has a pain-reducing impact, although the movements of the chosen Tai Chi form were not designed to have a special focus on the shoulder/neck area.
Download and summary of the study as pdf:
- The Effects of Tai Chi and Neck Exercises in the Treatment of Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- Summary of the study
Author: Christoph Stumpe
Director of the Shen Men Institute und Ph.D.-student, Chair of Complimentary and Integrative Medicine, Clinics Essen-Mitte, University Duisburg-Essen. Contact for further information on the study: info@shenmen-institut.de.
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