Neck Pain? Skip the Massage Gun!
Have you ever seen someone online use an effective massage gun to relieve their neck discomfort, prompting you to want to try it? Hold your horses, or (your massager, in this particular case)
Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. Arvind Lokare, Dr. Krishnan Narayana Pisharody, Dr. Rudresh
Integrative Physician · Spine & Pain
Neck Pain? Skip the Massage Gun!
- MovementPain
- 3 Min
- March 21, 2024
- Justin Anthony Neira, MD
- Re-Boot, Soft-Tissue Manipulation
Reviewed By: Dr. Govinda Raju Srinivas, BPt, Msc, PhD
Pain in the neck? A massage gun seems like the solution, doesn’t it? Hold tight! Many people put them on their necks, according to a recent survey, but is that safe? Let’s explore the reasons why a massager may not be an ideal choice and find more secure ways to relax!
A health report of a neurological spine surgeon at Och Spine suggests that massaging your neck with a massage gun could cause more “ouch” than “feeling wow” The post references a situation similar to the one in the TikTok viral video(user Sophie Dolce) in which the user(she) of the massage gun on their neck developed a lump and increased pain. The unusual possibility of affecting the blood supply to the brain and resulting in symptoms akin to a stroke is also mentioned by experts in the report.
Neck pain is a common enemy that affects both office workers and fighters. It may appear quickly following a restless night or gradually develop as a result of incorrect posture. However, let’s first grasp our rival before unleashing the high-tech weapons of massage guns (as in that viral video!). Let’s explore the actual use of massage guns and precautions when you are using these techniques.
Any soreness or pain in your neck’s muscles, ligaments, nerves, or bones can be referred to as neck pain. It might be anything from a minor irritation to a crippling discomfort that prevents you from going about your regular business. Although neck pain is common, it can appear in a variety of ways, so it’s essential to determine the type of pain you’re feeling.
The Neck’s Vulnerable Landscape
The neck is a delicate and sensitive part. Compared to the bigger muscle groups in the spine or limbs, the chain of essential structures in your neck is as follows:
- Vertebrae: Your spinal cord, which carries nerves throughout your body, is made up of the seven cervical vertebrae.
- Signals from your brain are sent to other parts of your body through the spinal cord, a network of nerves.
- Major veins and coronary arteries: These blood vessels ensure that your brain functions properly by transferring blood to and from it.
- Nerves: Your head, neck, and arms are controlled by many nerves that emerge from the spinal cord.
In your neck, these structures are located far more near the outer layer than in other places. With its intense vibration therapy, a massage gun may be impacted:
Damage soft tissues: Your neck’s sensitive ligaments and muscle tissues may sustain tears, bruises, or swelling as a result of the fast vibrations that cause neck pain.
Block blood flow: Excessive pressure applied to important arteries and veins may momentarily cut off blood supply to the brain, resulting in symptoms such as feeling dizzy or lightheaded and, in rare instances, stroke-like signs.
Irritated nerves: Massage guns have a risk of worsening pre-existing nerve disorders in the neck, leading to elevated discomfort, paresthesia, or numbness.
