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Causes
Not
all stiff necks are the same. While most of the time, a
stiff neck can be caused
by
whiplash,
ergonomics like poor sitting position causing
physical stress to the body,
wear and tear or because of chronic misuse of the neck
like wrong sleeping position, there are instances where
it can be the sign of something more problematic.
In rare cases neck stiffness may be a sign of bleeding
or infection (meningitis, encephalitis, or an abscess)
within or around the brain.
Liver dysfunction causing the obstruction of energy flow
may also cause the neck to feel stiff.
Caution
If your
stiff neck has the following symptoms then quickly go
and see a doctor:
-
If any of
these symptoms develops rapidly: nausea or vomiting,
fever, headache, sleepiness, confusion, extreme
grouchiness or a seizure.
-
It occurs in
the middle of the back of the neck (not just one side
-
If you cannot
explain the cause i.e. there was no injury and you did
not sleep in an awkward position).
Treatment
If you problem is physical in nature i.e. wrongful use
the best way to treat it is the use of herbal
formulation to effectively resolve the problem. Herbs
like
Uncaria rhynchophylla (Uncaria
Ramulus Cum Uncis),
Radix Paeonia Lactiflora,
Radix Ledebourillae and
Radix Bupleuri
have been proven to be
effective in treating such problems.
Uncaria rhynchophylla:
Clinical research has shown that the herb
Uncaria rhynchophylla (Uncaria
Ramulus Cum Uncis)
has the following functions:
-
vasorelaxing (blood vessels) effects
-
reduces apoptosic neuronal
damage.
-
the
alkaloids have sedative and anticonvulsive effects
-
the anti-inflammatory actions may contribute
to its neuroprotective effects
1)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla protects
neuronal damage in rat hippocampal (part
of the brain located inside the temporal lobe)
slices.
93423
2)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla exerts
anticonvulsant effect and therefore can be effective in
treating neuron problems.
67459
3)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla has
neuroprotective effects.
Research results suggest that
oxyindole alkaloids such as isorhynchophylline,
isocorynoxeine and rhynchophylline and indole alkaloids
such as hirsuteine and hirsutine are the active
components of the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis
which protect against glutamate-induced neuronal death.
54049
4)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla can be used
to lower blood pressure and to protect and relieve
various neurological symptoms.
Research showed that U.
rhynchophylla extract inhibited TNF-alpha and nitric
oxide production in BV-2 mouse microglial cells in
vitro. These anti-inflammatory actions of U.
rhynchophylla extract may contribute to its
neuroprotective effects. 73411
5)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla protects
neuronal damage. 21476
6)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla
significantly decreased locomotor activity after oral
administration to mice probably due to its effect on the
central dopaminergic system.
39480
7)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Uncaria rhynchophylla has
vasodilative effects. 28929
Radix Paeonia Lactiflora:
Research has shown that paeoniflorin, monoterpenoids and
other constituent in white
peony
(Radix Paeonia Lactiflora)
have been shown to be spasmolytic.
This is, in part, achieved by interfering with
acetylcholine release into neuro muscular junctions.
The efficacy of white peony for relieving muscle cramps
of various types, particularly combined with licorice in
a white peony formula is supported by several
clinical trials. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial involving 101 patients with muscle cramps due to
hepatic cirrhosis, dried extract of white peony formula
was significantly superior to placebo in relieving
symptoms over a two-week period. (21)
The dose in this study -- 2.5 g three times daily before
meals -- was sufficiently high to induce signs of
pseudoaldosteronism (edema and weight gain) in five
patients (9%) receiving white peony formula, due to the
high intake of licorice. Other uncontrolled trials have
shown that white peony formula can help relieve muscle
cramps in people with diabetes mellitus, (22)
those undergoing dialysis, (23)
in alcoholics, (24)
and in people with cerebrovascular disease. (25).
(21.) Kumada T, et al. Effect of shakuyaku-kanzo-to
(Tsumura TJ-68) on muscle cramps accompanying cirrhosis
in a placebo-controlled double-blind parallel study. J
Clin Ther Med 1999;15:499-523.
(22.) Yosida M, et al. Effects of shakuyaku-kanzo-to on
muscle cramp in diabetics. Neurol Ther 1995;12:529-534.
(23.) Yamashita JI. Effect of Tsumura skakuyaku-kanzo-to
on pain at muscle twitch during and after dialysis in
the patients undergoing dialysis. Pain & Kampo Medicine
1992;2:18-20.
(24.) Maruyama K, et al. Effectiveness of
shakuyaku-kanzo-to on convulsion and pain associated
with alcohol dependence. Kampo Igaku 1996;20:81-84.
(25.) Sakamoto T, Hosino M. Effect of shakuyaku-kanzo-to
extract granules on convulsion of gastrocnemius muscle
in patients with cerebrovascular disorder. Jpn J
Oriental Med 1995;45:563-568.
Bupleurum
Scorzonerifolium:
1)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium can be used to treat liver
diseases.
183-93
2)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Saikosaponins, the main active constituents
of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium,
possess immunomodulatory, anti-tumor hepatoprotective
and anti-viral activities.
705-9
3)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
bupleuran 2IIc from
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium
causes proliferation of B cells (improve immunity) and
expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins.
111-8
4)
Clinical research by western scientists have shown that
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium exerts
immunosuppressive
flavones and lignans.
1375-9
5)
Clinical research by western scientists
demonstrated the
anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant activity
and liver cell regeneration of
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium.
442-8
6)
Clinical research by western scientists have confirmed
the traditional use of
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium as an
antioxidative
and in vitro hepatoprotective
herb.
1003-8
Research has shown that the
bupleurum extract sapogenin A has analgesic (relieves
pain) effect. It has also been shown that the crude
saikosaponin fraction and saikogenin A from bupleurum
have significant sedative effects.
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