Cervical Spondylosis 颈椎病

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative condition of the cervical spine that affects the neck’s bones, joints, discs, and surrounding soft tissues.
It commonly appears after the age of 40, but modern lifestyles — hours of computer work and phone use — are causing earlier onset in younger adults.

At Jin TCM Clinic, we integrate Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) wisdom with modern medical diagnostics, manual therapy and TCM rehabilitation to address both the symptoms and the underlying biomechanical and energetic imbalances.

From a modern medical perspective, cervical spondylosis results from:

• Disc degeneration: The intervertebral discs lose water and height, reducing shock absorption.
• Bone spur formation (osteophytes): Extra bone develops to stabilise the spine, but may narrow nerve pathways.
• Facet joint wear: Cartilage erosion leads to stiffness and inflammation.
• Muscle and fascia tension: Prolonged poor posture overloads neck muscles, causing chronic strain and referred pain. 

From a TCM viewpoint, these structural changes manifest as Qi and Blood stagnation, Wind-Cold-Damp invasion, or Kidney and Liver deficiency, resulting in pain, numbness, and limited movement.

• Persistent or recurring neck pain and stiffness
• Radiating pain, tingling, or numbness to the shoulders, arms, or hands
• Headaches, especially at the back of the head
• Muscle tightness around the shoulder blades
• Dizziness or unsteady gait in advanced cases

At Jin TCM Clinic, every patient undergoes a comprehensive assessment:

1. Physical Examination: Posture, joint range, neurological signs, and muscle balance testing.
2. TCM Pattern Differentiation: Determining whether symptoms stem from Wind-Cold-Damp, Qi and Blood stagnation, or organ deficiency patterns.
3. Medical Evaluation: Review of X-rays, MRI, or nerve studies (if available). 

This dual approach ensures a clear understanding of both structural and energetic causes before treatment begins.

Our manual therapy combines the precision of TCM Tuina with the science of myofascial release and tension-point techniques.

• Myofascial Release: Sustained pressure to loosen fascia and restore muscle glide.
• Acupoint / Tension / Trigger-Point Release: Focused pressure on hyper-irritable points to relieve radiating pain.
• Soft-Tissue Mobilisation: Rolling (Gun Fa), kneading (Na Fa), and pressing (An Fa) to ease tight neck and shoulder muscles.
• Joint Mobilisation (Yao Fa): Gentle oscillations to restore normal cervical movement. 

• Reduces muscle and fascia tightness
• Enhances joint mobility and posture
• Improves nerve space and circulation
• Complements acupuncture and bone-setting for long-term stability

Performed by trained TCM orthopaedic physicians, bone-setting focuses on safe, controlled realignment of cervical and upper-thoracic joints.

Purpose:

• Correct subtle joint misalignment
• Decompress irritated nerves
• Restore the natural curvature of the neck
• Prevent secondary muscular compensation

Bone-setting is always preceded by soft-tissue release to ensure comfort and safety.

Cupping uses negative pressure (suction) to stimulate blood circulation, relax muscles, and clear stagnation along the meridians.
At Jin TCM Clinic, cupping is often integrated with manual therapy and acupuncture to enhance tissue recovery and relieve pain in cervical spondylosis cases.

Purpose:

• Release muscle tension and fascia adhesions in the neck, shoulders, and upper back
• Improve local blood and lymphatic circulation, accelerating the removal of metabolic waste
• Reduce inflammation and stiffness, easing restricted motion
• Dispel Wind, Cold, and Dampness (from a TCM perspective) that obstruct Qi and Blood flow 

Techniques Used:

• Stationary cupping: Cups are placed on tense areas to promote deep relaxation and pain relief.
• Sliding cupping: Warmed cups are gently glided along the neck and upper back to loosen fascia and improve muscle elasticity.
• Flash cupping: Quick, repeated suction and release for stimulating blood flow and clearing stagnation.

Cupping often leaves temporary red or purple marks — a normal response indicating improved microcirculation and removal of stagnated blood.
When combined with acupuncture or Tuina, it provides a powerful synergistic effect for pain reduction and tissue healing.

Stimulates specific points along the meridians to:

• Relax cervical paraspinal muscles
• Improve micro-circulation and reduce inflammation
• Decrease nerve irritation and referred pain

Electro-acupuncture provides gentle rhythmic stimulation to enhance muscle relaxation and pain control.

TCM herbs address internal imbalances that contribute to degeneration and pain.

Herbs such as Du Huo, Sang Ji Sheng, Niu Xi, and Dang Gui help maintain cervical flexibility and strength. 

To maintain improvement, our physicians will guide you through:

• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for deep neck stabilisers
• Ergonomic setup for desk work
• Correct sleeping posture and pillow height
• Breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce stress-related tension

During your first visit, our physicians will conduct a comprehensive assessment to understand your condition in detail — including your posture, neck mobility, muscle tension, and any imaging reports (if available). Based on your findings and body constitution, our physicians will design a personalized treatment plan that may include acupuncture, manual therapy, bone setting, cupping, or herbal medicine to address both the symptoms and root cause.

At Jin TCM Clinic, our physicians use effective, evidence-informed treatment methods that aim to bring quick and noticeable results, especially in relieving pain, stiffness, and muscle tightness. Most patients start to notice relief from stiffness, pain, or tension within the first one to two sessions, especially when inflammation and muscular tightness are the main causes. For those with more chronic or structural issues, additional sessions may be needed to gradually restore alignment, reduce nerve irritation, and rebuild neck strength. 

It is normal for patients to experience some mild soreness or tenderness 1–2 days after treatment, particularly following manual therapy, bone setting, or soft tissue work. This is a natural response indicating that muscles and tissues are adjusting and healing. 

The number of sessions will be advised by our TCM physicians after a detailed consultation. We do not offer fixed treatment packages, as each person’s condition, healing speed, and response to treatment differ. Some may recover well after just one session, while others may benefit from several sessions to achieve long-term stability and improved neck function.

Our goal is to provide safe, effective, and personalised care to help you restore balance, regain mobility, and return to a pain-free lifestyle as quickly as possible.

Seek immediate Western medical evaluation if you experience:

• Sudden severe limb weakness
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Progressive numbness or unsteady gait

These may indicate spinal cord compression requiring imaging.

• MOH-registered bilingual physicians with expertise in TCM orthopaedics and pain management
• Integration of modern diagnostics, acupuncture, manual therapy, and bone setting
• Evidence-informed, non-surgical approach for long-term neck health
• Focus on both symptom relief and functional restoration

If you experience chronic neck pain, stiffness, or numbness, schedule a consultation with our physicians.
We will assess your spine health comprehensively and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

JIN TCM Clinic 精诚中医诊所 @ Ubi (+65 8896 9398)

JIN TCM Clinic 精诚中医诊所 @ Aljunied  (+65 8896 3210)