Neck & Shoulder (CR)™

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Overview

Neck & Shoulder (CR) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to help ease chronic neck and shoulder stiffness, numbness, and discomfort, including from repetitive strain, prolonged sitting, or slow-recovering injuries. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this pattern is traditionally described as painful obstruction from qi and blood stagnation in the channels and collaterals. This traditional framework is not a medical diagnosis, and persistent or worsening neck and shoulder symptoms, especially with numbness, weakness, or no improvement after several weeks, should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.

⚠️ Not intended for use during the acute phase of an injury where there is still bleeding, inflammation, or bruising — consider Neck & Shoulder (AC) instead in that case.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Neck & Shoulder (CR) is traditionally used to help support:

• Comfort during chronic neck and shoulder stiffness, numbness, and discomfort
• Healthy mobility during slow-recovering neck and shoulder injuries
• Comfort during repetitive strain from prolonged sitting or computer work

If your overall condition does not improve after 2–3 weeks, check with a qualified healthcare professional for structural or anatomical causes.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome): traditionally regarded as one of the most valued herbs for comfort, traditionally used to invigorate blood and ease pain.

— Ru Xiang (Frankincense) and Mo Yao (Myrrh): traditionally used together to support comfort during trauma and external injuries.

— Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root): traditionally used to support healthy cartilage and joint comfort.

— Dang Gui Wei (Angelica Sinensis Tail): traditionally used to support bone and tissue health and invigorate blood; use with caution alongside anticoagulant medications.

— Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) and Xu Duan (Teasel Root): traditionally used to tonify the Kidney and Liver and strengthen tendons.

— Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root): traditionally used to support comfort and harmonize the formula.

— Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and Ge Gen (Kudzu Root): traditionally used to ease muscle tension and support relaxation.

— Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) and Qiang Huo (Notopterygium): traditionally used to invigorate blood and ease discomfort in the neck, upper back, and shoulders.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Not intended for use during the acute phase of an injury with active bleeding, inflammation, or bruising.
2. Contains Dang Gui Wei; use with caution or avoid entirely if you take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, due to increased risk of bleeding and bruising.
3. If overall condition does not improve after 2–3 weeks, consult a qualified healthcare professional to rule out structural or anatomical causes.
4. Traditional TCM patterns and actions described here are not a diagnosis and are not a substitute for medical care.

Dosage & Directions

Standard dosage: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May increase to 8 capsules three times daily for 3–4 days for additional comfort. Not intended for use during the acute phase of an injury.

Supplementary formulas: For lower back or sciatic discomfort, this formula is traditionally paired with Back Support (CR). For shooting discomfort down the arms, it is traditionally paired with Arm Support. For general bone support, it is traditionally paired with Osteo 8.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Whole grains, dark green vegetables, and nuts rich in B vitamins and magnesium, along with adequate calcium and potassium, are traditionally recommended to support nerve health and ease muscle tension.

Lifestyle: Keeping the neck and shoulders warm and avoiding cold drafts is traditionally recommended. Checking pillow height and mattress firmness, gently exercising the shoulders to maintain range of motion, and warm baths with Epsom salts to help relax tense muscles are also traditionally encouraged.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual.

"A 46-year-old woman experienced left-sided neck discomfort with occasional tingling into her forearm and hand, consistent with a qi and blood stagnation pattern. After a course of Neck & Shoulder (CR), she reported meaningful relief, with recurrences becoming less frequent and less severe."

"A 42-year-old nurse experienced chronic pain throughout her body, especially in the neck and shoulders, consistent with a Liver qi and blood stagnation pattern with underlying deficiency. After combining Neck & Shoulder (CR) with Herbal ANG and acupuncture for a month, she reported greater improvement than she'd seen with physical therapy alone, with noticeably better range of motion."

"A 53-year-old woman experienced neck and shoulder discomfort for over a decade, consistent with a yin and qi deficiency pattern with local stagnation. After combining Neck & Shoulder (CR) with a supplementary formula, she reported her discomfort level dropped considerably."

Related Reading

Also see: Neck & Shoulder (AC) – for acute neck and shoulder discomfort, Back Support (CR) – for chronic lower back discomfort, and the Pain Relief & Musculoskeletal Support Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.