Introduction
Stiffness of neck is a commonly encountered damage of cervical soft tissues due to high or low pillow or invasion of wind-cold into the back that prevents the smooth circulation of qi and blood in the meridians. The clinical manifestations are unilateral or bilateral stiffness and pain in the neck as well as restricted movement of the neck due to worsened pain.

Syndrome Differentiation
Stiffness and pain in the neck, aggravation in movement, restricted movement, deviation of the head to the affected side, pain involving the shoulder, back or head, and evident local tenderness.

Treatment
1. Body acupuncture
Prescription: Ashi, Fengchi (GB 20) and Houxi (SI 3).

Performance: Reducing needling technique is used and local acupoints also can be moxibusted. When the needle is inserted into Houxi (SI 3), the patient is asked to move the neck. After withdrawal of the needle, cupping is applied to local acupoints.

2. Ear Acupuncture
Prescription: Neck (AH12), Cervical Vertebra (AH13) and Tenderness points.

Performance: Strong stimulation is used and the patient is asked to move the neck during the treatment. The needles are retained for 15 - 20 minutes.