Neck Pain Acupuncture & Trigger Point Placements

The Primary Placement shown in the Neck Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point. The acupuncture and myofascial trigger points below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered when symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction, or when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response.Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or when exploring other placement options. In some situations, an appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may be useful on its own. Under the Field | Dose | Placement (FDP) principle, select from the recommended points according to where symptoms are felt, tenderness, movement restriction and individual response rather than routinely applying every point listed.

Recommended Additional Placements

Because neck pain may be affected differently by flexion/extension, rotation/side-bending, or may be concentrated around the occipital region, the recommended Adjunct Placements differ according to the pattern of symptoms.

Neck Pain on Flexion/Extension

Acupuncture Points

SI3 – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal acupuncture point on the ulnar side of the hand, just behind the knuckle of the little finger.
BL62 – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal point on the outer ankle, in the depression just below the lateral malleolus.
GV26 – Small Quadrapolar – S
Located on the midline between the upper lip and nose.
GB20 – Small Quadrapolar or Medium Quadrapolar/Hexapolar – S / M
Located at the base of the skull, in the depression between the upper neck muscles. Because this point lies within or close to the hairline, the supported M Medium option may improve placement accuracy when a headband or similar method is used to secure the magnet.

Myofascial Trigger Points

Upper Trapezius Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where there is a distinct tender or sensitive area within the upper trapezius between the neck and shoulder.
Levator Scapulae Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where tenderness or muscular restriction is present along the muscle running between the upper shoulder blade and side of the neck.
Splenius Capitis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where tenderness is present through the posterior or posterolateral neck below the base of the skull.

Neck Pain on Rotation/Side-Bend

Acupuncture Points

TE3 – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal point on the back of the hand, between the fourth and fifth metacarpal bones.
Luozhen (M-UE-24) – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal hand point located on the back of the hand between the second and third metacarpal bones.
GB20 – Small Quadrapolar or Medium Quadrapolar/Hexapolar – S / M
Located at the base of the skull. Select the supported Small or Medium option according to the practical requirements of the placement.

Myofascial Trigger Points

Upper Trapezius Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where rotation or side-bending discomfort corresponds with a tender area in the upper trapezius.
Levator Scapulae Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where there is local tenderness or restriction through the muscle between the upper shoulder blade and neck.
Splenius Capitis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where symptoms correspond with tenderness through the posterior or posterolateral neck.

Occipital Neck Pain

Acupuncture Points

GB20 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located at the base of the skull in the depression between the upper neck muscles. For this presentation, the recommended category is M Medium.
Bailao (M-HN-30) – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located in the upper posterior neck region, below the occiput and adjacent to the cervical spine.
BL60 – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal point located in the depression between the lateral ankle bone and Achilles tendon.
LU7 – Small Quadrapolar – S
A distal point on the thumb side of the forearm, just above the wrist.

Myofascial Trigger Points

Upper Trapezius Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where occipital neck symptoms are accompanied by a distinct tender or sensitive area through the upper trapezius.
Levator Scapulae Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where tenderness or restriction is present along the muscle extending from the upper shoulder blade toward the neck.
Splenius Capitis Trigger Point – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
Consider where tenderness is present through the posterior neck towards the base of the skull.

Practical Placement Guidance

Begin with the Primary Placement shown in the Neck Pain Treatment Protocol. When considering Adjunct Placements, first identify which pattern most closely corresponds with the symptoms: pain associated with flexion/extension, rotation/side-bending, or pain concentrated around the occipital region.

Where practical, gently palpate the neck and surrounding muscles and prioritise recommended placements that correspond with local tenderness or sensitivity, where discomfort is felt, muscular involvement, movement restriction and individual response. Distal acupuncture points provide another placement option when appropriate and do not necessarily need to be combined with every local point.

For GB20, follow the category specified for the relevant presentation. The S / M options apply to flexion/extension and rotation/side-bend presentations, while the Occipital Neck Pain protocol specifies M. Because GB20 is within or near the hairline, a Medium magnet may assist placement accuracy when a headband or similar securing method is used.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Neck pain can have different underlying causes. Persistent, unexplained, worsening or severe symptoms, particularly symptoms associated with injury or other concerning signs, should be professionally assessed.

These Adjunct Placements are educational guidance and do not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.