Since the dawn of smartphones, people—young and old—spend increasing hours hunched over screens. Prolonged phone use strains the neck, causing not only stiffness but also dizziness and hand numbness for many!
Dr. Khoo Poowin of Singapore Gong Fang Tang TCM explains that dizziness and numbness from cervical spondylosis (known as Xiàng Bì 项痹 in TCM) stem from three core mechanisms:
Wind-Cold-Damp Invasion: Cold drafts (e.g., air conditioning) or rain tighten neck muscles, worsening pain in cold conditions.
Phlegm-Stasis Blockage: Singapore’s humid climate and sedentary lifestyles cause dampness and phlegm to clog meridians, triggering swelling/numbness.
Liver-Kidney Deficiency: Weak liver blood fails to nourish tendons; depleted kidney essence accelerates spinal degeneration.
3 Warning Signs to Watch For:
Neck "cracking" sounds for >3 days upon morning rotation.
Finger numbness (pinky numbness often indicates C8 nerve compression).
Dizziness, especially during head turns (suggesting vertebral artery insufficiency).
Treatment Approaches:
Acupuncture: Targets points like Jǐng Jiá Jǐ (颈夹脊), GB20 (风池), and BL10 (天柱) to unblock meridians, relieve pain/numbness.
Tui Na (Therapeutic Massage): Adjusts cervical joints, eases muscle spasms, and boosts blood flow.
Cupping: Applied to DU14 (大椎), LI15 (肩髃), TE14 (肩髎) to reduce stiffness.
Moxibustion: Warms meridians, dispels cold/dampness in wind-cold-damp type cases.
Case Study:
Patient: Ms. Chen, 42
Symptoms: 6+ months of neck stiffness (worse in mornings), right-hand numbness, cold sensitivity, aggravated by cold weather.
Diagnosis: Xiàng Bì (Qi Stasis & Blood Stasis)
Treatment:
Herbal Prescription: Modified Gé Gēn Tāng (葛根汤) with Pueraria root (葛根), Cinnamon twig (桂枝), etc.
Acupuncture: Points including DU14, Jǐng Jiá Jǐ, GB21 (肩井). Daily 30-min sessions.
Result: After 14 days, 80% neck mobility restored; numbness resolved.
Prevention Tips:
Maintain posture; avoid prolonged head-lowering.
Do neck exercises.
Keep neck warm.
Note: TCM treatments require personalized diagnosis. Consult a licensed practitioner.
