If you suffer from chronic neck pain, your journey to restore proper function will most likely lead you to massage therapy.
Massage therapy for neck pain can be very effective when used correctly.
A massage therapist specializing in neck pain will have additional training in the pathologies and postural distortions that affect the neck’s anatomy.
If you need a massage therapist in the Montreal area who specializes in neck pain massage therapy, Spa-Mobile offers massage therapy services without leaving your home.
Pain impacts daily life, affecting mood, sleep, and ability to be productive and alert all day long.
There are a range of problems that can lead to neck pain.
In this article, we’ll look at the symptoms of neck pain, when it’s severe, why it happens and how it can be treated.
What is neck pain?
Neck pain, sometimes called cervical pain, refers to any discomfort felt in the neck.
It can manifest as mild discomfort or severe pain.
It can also arise from a variety of causes.
In fact, non-specific neck pain caused by a mechanical or postural problem affects around two-thirds of the population at any one time.
It’s a widespread problem.
It’s also rare for neck pain to be due to something more serious, such as cancer or other illnesses.
Acute neck pain usually disappears in a few days or weeks.
However, it can develop into chronic neck pain.
In modern society, neck pain is often caused by bending over in front of the computer or looking at the telephone.
As the head moves forward, it puts unnecessary pressure on the neck and surrounding structures.
In some people, this creates a posture known as forward head posture.
This type of tension on the neck is noticeable by the forward position of the head about the neck.
In some cases, this type of posture can lead to a reduction in breathing capacity.
Neck pain can be aggravated at night by your pillow and sleeping position.
Sleeping on your side or back is better for your neck, especially if you suffer from neck pain.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach with your head turned to one side.
Inevitably, this will worsen neck pain, soreness and stiffness on waking.
It can also have an impact on the quality of your sleep.
If your neck pain is only present when you wake up and gradually improves over the day, you may need to consider getting a new pillow.
This could be the cause of your neck pain problems.
Try a foam pillow, and make sure it’s not too high to push your neck and head forward while you sleep.
When is neck pain severe?
If neck pain results from an injury, such as a road accident, you should seek immediate medical attention.
One study found that a large number of causes of chronic neck pain are attributed to the quick blow in a road accident.
Sometimes, neck pain can also be a sign of a more severe illness, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, infection or other underlying injury.
In general, if your neck pain persists for more than six weeks, is very intense and is associated with numbness or tingling, you should make an appointment with your doctor.
What are the probable causes of your neck pain?
Neck pain is something we all suffer from from time to time, and it can be disabling, leading to headaches, lack of concentration and inability to move correctly.
- The most common causes of neck pain are :
- Bad posture;
- Poor sleeping position caused by your pillow or bed;
- Working on a laptop or desktop ;
- Working too long seated ;
- Doing weights incorrectly or lifting weights.
The benefits of massage for neck pain
Neck pain is joint and has many causes that can disrupt your daily routine.
Neck pain can restrict your movements and cause unnecessary discomfort; sometimes, the pain can radiate to other body parts.
Muscle strains, herniated discs, arthritis and spinal problems can all cause neck pain.
Many of us have also experienced a stiff neck after sleeping poorly, which can often persist for several days.
But whatever the cause, getting treatment for your neck pain is essential, and that’s where massage comes in.
It’s one of the best ways to manage neck pain and associated symptoms, soothing the area and strengthening the underlying muscles to prevent further injury.
It has grown in popularity in recent years as more people seek alternative therapies, and further research into the benefits of massage for the whole body has also brought massage to the fore.
Here are the ways and benefits that neck massage can benefit you:
Relieves existing pain
You may feel a slight tenderness for a few days after your first massages, but don’t worry; this is a sign that your muscles are healing and strengthening.
You may feel pain similar to that after an exercise session, as your massage therapist is also working your muscles.
But thanks to massage’s combination of physical manipulation and mental relaxation, your body will release endorphins to relieve your neck pain.
Prevents future pain
Massage therapists are specially trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of injuries and can also strengthen your muscles to prevent future injury.
As neck pain is a widespread problem, techniques such as deep-tissue massage can help strengthen the underlying muscles in your neck, promoting faster recovery and increasing muscle tone to prevent future tension in the area.
Helps you relax
Stress can contribute to and increase neck pain, as stress physically affects your neck muscles.
In addition to physically treating your neck pain, massage can help you relax mentally and spiritually, reducing your stress, anger, and anxiety levels.
This, in turn, can help reduce the severity of your neck pain.
Improves flexibility
As we age, our neck joints and muscles become less flexible, which can interfere with the activities we want and need to do daily.
Regular, high-quality massages can help improve muscle flexibility and increase the range of movement in our neck.
Keeping your body flexible also has many other health benefits, such as better posture and coordination.
Acts holistically on your body
Studies have shown that regular massages have additional benefits.
They improve circulation, stimulate the lymphatic system, and increase alertness, ultimately improving overall quality of life.
Incorporating regular neck massages into your routine can improve your well-being and relieve pain.
How can I prevent neck pain?
The first line of treatment is always prevention.
If you can prevent pain before it occurs, you don’t have to worry about it interfering with your life or happiness.
Many types of neck pain are related to age and wear.
As such, they are often preventable.
It’s all about knowing what you need to know throughout your daily routine to prevent pain later.
So, I would like you to maintain a good posture throughout the day.
Setting alarms throughout the day can serve as quick reminders to check and adjust.
Take breaks, primarily if you work at a desk all day.
Stretch or go for a walk every hour or two.
If you smoke, quit.
Smoking can impact your health in many ways.
And it could be a contributing factor to neck pain.
It also makes it harder for your body to heal any injury or body problem, which could lead to chronic pain.
You can design your workspace ergonomically.
Your screen should be at eye level, and your backrest, armrests, and other parts of your chair should be adjusted to your preference.
Don’t carry heavy bags over one shoulder.
If you must carry heavy objects, distribute them evenly in a backpack and balance the weight on both sides to avoid neck strain.
Don’t hold your phone between your ear and shoulder.
This can also lead to neck strain and pain.
How is massage therapy used to treat neck pain?
Therapeutic massage is considered an effective tool in treating neck and shoulder problems.
Massage therapists use several techniques to relieve muscle tension, inflammation, spasm, stiffness and pain.
Additional benefits of therapeutic massage for neck pain include improved blood circulation, increased tissue elasticity, improved range of motion and assistance with the healing process.
Before beginning treatment, the massage therapist performs a thorough physical examination to assess the root cause of the problem.
A complete overview of the client’s medical history is also carried out to tailor a treatment plan to their needs.
Massage therapists generally use deep-tissue techniques to treat neck and shoulder muscles, releasing muscle tension and breaking up the tiny adhesions that accumulate in the tissues, often leading to neck muscle stiffness/tension.
Before resorting to therapeutic massage to treat neck pain, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor.
They will check that your neck pain is not something more severe before referring you to a massage therapist.
Effective massage therapy for your neck
Some studies have shown that neck massage can relieve neck pain and improve range of motion, mainly when performed by a qualified professional several times a week for several weeks.
These results tend to be temporary.
While some studies have found benefits in treating neck pain and stiffness with massage, others have not.
To complicate matters further, there are various types of massage therapy and challenges in measuring how massage therapy is applied, which can make it a problematic treatment to study.
Some research has indicated that applying a moderate massage is more beneficial than a light massage.
Further research is needed to determine whether neck massage reduces chronic neck pain and stiffness and whether the results can be sustained.
Although the benefits of massage may be temporary, it can nevertheless play a role in managing painful flare-ups and helping to improve quality of life.
Risks of massage therapy for your neck
Neck massage therapy is a relatively safe treatment.
Some people may experience increased neck pain and swelling shortly after a massage, but these side effects generally do not last long.
In rare cases, when massage is applied too forcefully, or in cases of pre-existing neck injury, massage can lead to severe complications, such as vertebral artery damage and stroke.
Most people don’t need a vigorous massage to feel the soothing effects of a neck massage.
If a massage is uncomfortable or too rough, it is best to let the massage therapist know immediately so that the intensity can be reduced.
