Neck Hurt After Massage
Neck Hurt After Massage
Neck Hurt After Massage
Introduction
What can be better than a massage after a stressful day? Massage is a source of relief, especially
when a long-standing chronic neck pain demands muscle relaxation for good. However, too
aggressive massage techniques can cause post-massage neck aches. Also, it is unnecessary to do
the aftermath of massage because of intense techniques like deep tissue massage. Other reasons
may be present before taking a massage; hence, looking into the matter deeply and sifting
probable possibilities is equally important.
Neck pain is common, with a prevalence of about 20 to 70%, and can cause disability and
immobilization in the neck. Massage therapy is a therapeutic manipulation of muscles, a non-
invasive method practiced under complementary and alternative medicines. The massage
technique used various hand and mechanical efforts in a specific and generalized manner.
Evidence-backed data suggests It is common to feel some discomfort even after a normal
massage, as studied in 2013 in which 18 out of 100 individuals were found to experience a
‘moderate to severe’ reaction after a massage. The physiological condition of an individual and
the nature of massage play a crucial role in this regard.
Can a massage aggravate neck pain?
Some reactions to massage are considered completely normal and part of the process. For a
better understanding, it is important to consider what massage does to a body. Massage relieves
tension, stress and strain on the body and brings calmness, mobility, increased blood circulation,
better nutrients and oxygen supply to the muscles and toxins removal. An inflammatory response
begins when the body recognizes the change in an attempt to heal the massage-affected area.
While short-term inflammation is harmless and similar to delayed onset muscle soreness after a
workout in the gym, chronic long-term inflammation can be a cause of concern. Classic signs of
inflammation are redness, hotness, pain, itching and loss of function. Usually, the inflammatory
reaction begins six hours post-massage and may last 3 days.
Casting or splinting could be another reason for experiencing pain after massage. Misalignment
of a joint, weakness or injury in the surrounding area can cause muscles to become rigid and stiff
to protect the area. Splinting brings immobilization to that area, which can be a discomfort, too.
Massage acts as an intruder and exposes the affected area. As a result, discomfort or pain can be
experienced.
Is it normal to hurt worse after a massage?
Sometimes, more vigorous massage can lead to neck pain getting worse. If you are experiencing
muscle soreness after a massage, it is a common occurrence for first-timers and regular massage
takers. Allow the body to create muscle memory by taking more frequent massages. Massage
techniques with greater manipulation are sports massage, tuina, trigger point and deep tissue
massage. More penetrative techniques are prone to developing soreness and inflammation.
Which part of the neck should not be massaged?
Areas of endangerment in the neck are an anterior triangle of the neck, which contains the
parathyroid and thyroid gland, carotid artery, and other major nerves. The posterior triangle of
the neck is also called the nape of the neck. While massage is beneficial in many ways, some
precautions need to be taken by a massage therapist, like certain areas that are contradictory in
massage, like open cuts and wounds, open skin, healing wounds from recent surgery, skin
infections and an injured area.
Should I massage my neck if it hurts?
The neck is fragile and vulnerable to a mild touch. Massage is restorative and nourishing to the
muscles; however, when the neck is concerned, it should be treated as vulnerable as it is.
Massage therapists are required to alleviate pain in muscles, tendons and ligaments. Trigger
points or hyper-irritable spots are specifically targeted in the myofascial release massage to
soothe pain from connective tissues. The massage modality and hands-on technique use light
strokes useful for neck pain.
Can massage make a pinched nerve worse?
Neck pain originates from osteoarthritis, tumors, bad posture, stress and strain injuries, emotional
trauma, pinched nerve and spinal stenosis. A nerve that is pinched from a muscular tissue is
easily attended by a massage therapist. Massage is intended to remove pressure and discomfort
from pinched nerves and ease the pain. It is possible to feel more pain in turning or straining the
neck with a pinched nerve. A gentle massage capable of releasing tension from the area can
improve symptoms. However, pain instigated by a pinched nerve from the local site is probably
due to mishandling or over-exertion. Tingling or numbness in the arms of the hands and
unbearable pain are the signs massage should be stopped on the pinched nerve. Sticking to soft,
gentle massage therapy like Swedish massage and avoiding deep tissue massage is
recommended.
Can massage therapists feel knots?
Knots are often referred to as trigger points; these are hyper-sensitive areas sensitive to touch or
a nodule in the muscle tissue. The neck is a delicate part of the body, and careful considerations
are guaranteed when protrusion or knots are present in this part of the body. Professional
therapists are trained in tactile sensations and can assess where the knots are present with their
combined understanding of human anatomy and physiology. It is common to hear phrases from
the massage therapist like freeing up adhesion and removing knots. While these terminologies
are sketchy, it is still possible to feel the knots. Also, the pop sound from the massage area is
usually the joint cavitation and most probably muscle tendons. Chiropractic adjustments involve
more of these treatments.
Conclusion
Neck and back injuries, besides other medical underlying conditions, can be a source of neck
pain. Some common contradictions to neck massage are the use of blood thinners, cancer,
pregnancy, blood disorders, burns and wounds or fractures. If the pain is long-lasting and severe,
it is best to consult a doctor to unravel other possible reasons and decide likewise. Lastly, before
beginning the massage therapy, discuss the required pressure, time and intensity or other causes
of concerns with the massage therapists to minimize possible consequences.
Sources:
https://releasemuscletherapy.com/massage-myths-can-you-really-break-up-scar-tissue-knots-
and-adhesions/
http://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/article/view/505