What causes pain in the Fengchi point?
Dec 31, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, the causes of pain in the Fengchi point (GB20) may include muscle tension and fatigue, cold stimulation, stiff neck, occipital neuralgia, and cervical spondylosis. In daily life, we should maintain correct sitting and standing postures, avoid prolonged periods of looking down, keep the neck warm to avoid cold stimulation, and perform appropriate neck exercises to strengthen the neck muscles.
Generally, pain in the Fengchi point (GB20) may be caused by muscle tension and fatigue, cold stimulation, stiff neck, occipital neuralgia, cervical spondylosis, and other factors. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical advice promptly and undergo symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Muscle Tension and Fatigue
The Fengchi acupoint is located at the back of the neck. When the neck muscles remain tense or are overused for extended periods, such as when looking down at a phone or computer for long durations or engaging in heavy physical labor, it can lead to muscle fatigue and tension around the Fengchi point, causing pain. In daily life, maintaining proper sitting and standing posture and avoiding prolonged periods of looking down are recommended.
2. Cold Stimulation
When the neck is exposed to cold stimulation, local blood vessels constrict and blood circulation slows down, leading to insufficient blood supply to the muscles around the Fengchi point, which can cause pain. When going outdoors in cold weather, it is advisable to wear a scarf or hat to protect the neck from cold exposure.
3. Stiff Neck
Stiff neck may be related to improper sleeping posture, exposure of the neck to cold, and other factors, leading to neck muscle spasms and stiffness. Stiff neck can cause pain around the Fengchi point and restricted neck movement. Accompanying symptoms may include muscle tension and obvious tenderness in the neck area. Treatment may include medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, chlorzoxazone tablets, and eperisone hydrochloride tablets, as directed by a physician.
4. Occipital Neuralgia
Occipital neuralgia may be caused by damage to the greater occipital nerve, lesser occipital nerve, or greater auricular nerve, commonly seen in cases of neck trauma, strain, or inflammation. Occipital neuralgia can cause either paroxysmal or persistent pain around the Fengchi point. It may also be accompanied by symptoms such as numbness of the scalp and pain behind the ear. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as carbamazepine tablets, gabapentin capsules, and vitamin B12 injections.
5. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis may be caused by degenerative changes in the cervical intervertebral discs, cervical bone spurs, and other factors. These structural changes in the cervical spine can compress or irritate nerve roots, causing pain at the Fengchi point. Symptoms may also include neck stiffness, numbness in the upper limbs, dizziness, and others. Under a doctor's recommendation, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, Jingfukang granules, and mecobalamin tablets may be used for treatment.
In daily life, maintaining proper sitting and standing posture and avoiding prolonged periods of looking down are recommended. Keep the neck warm and avoid cold stimulation. Engage in appropriate neck exercises to strengthen the neck muscles.
