WellnessCouncil We all love the heavenly feeling that a complimentary neck massage gives. It’s one of the best ways to soothe your nerves after a long day.
Some people prefer to have the massage after a shave. Probably what you don’t know is that the same soothing massage could have some dire health-related consequences.
Read on to find out some of the possible dangers that neck therapy exposes you to, how you can prevent it and what to do just in case.
Basics of a Neck Massage
Sometimes, the muscles around the neck feel fatigued due to strain, stress, or sleeping or sitting in a bad posture. A relaxing neck massage session is a solution many people turn to. If done properly, a neck massage should help relieve the fatigue and tension.
Many beauty therapists and masseuses give neck massages by hand. They also use special lubricants such as olive oil to fine-tune the procedure.
The massage session involves short and long strokes, pinching, some constant rubbing and light kneading here and there. The pressure, speed and intensity vary depending on the type of massage you want.
Neck Massage Dangers
The neck is a vulnerable structure. It is home to fragile veins and arteries. The neck contains a pair of blood arteries that are responsible for blood supply to the head and brain.
Having an incompetent masseuse or a poorly trained one lay hands on your neck can result in damage or adverse health effects.
Most complications that can arise from a neck massage emanate from the destruction or injury of the blood vessels that are channelled to your heart through the neck.
Common side effects of a massage gone wrong are:
- Stroke
- Paralytic brain
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- New injuries
- Bruising
- Skin redness and heat
How the Dangers Happen
As already mentioned, the neck is home to arteries and veins. These arteries are responsible for blood supply to the brain and back. Four large blood vessels flow through your neck.
When you receive a massage, these veins can be damaged or injured. Any poor movement or pressure (pushes and pulls) around the neck can twist the vessels.
If this happens, the blood supply can be reduced or stop altogether, causing complications. Wrong positioning or dissection the blood supply vessels also can expose one to strokes.
Headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and vomiting are other health complications that one may suffer if the blood vessels around the neck suffer dissections.
What to Do in Case of a Neck Injury uring or aftAer a Neck Massage
Stroke and paralysis are the most severe complications one may suffer if a neck massage goes wrong. These complications are characterized by headaches, unclear speech, and a spinning sensation. Quite often, symptoms start as soon as the injury has occurred.
In the event of a stroke, every minute counts and it is very important that you rush to the hospital as soon as you experience any of the symptoms above. It is possible to recover from a stroke but recovery depends on how fast you receive treatment after the attack.
Preventing Neck Massage Dangers
It’s evident that, in the worst scenario, a neck massage can end your life or cause you dire health consequences in less than a minute. If you experience any sort of pain after a massage, you should consider consulting with your healthcare provider to help you assess the side effects and give you a proper diagnosis.
As a personal safety measure, refrain from receiving massages from unqualified people. There are many cases of injuries such as neck cracks with many victims suffering unwanted complications.
You should also try to avoid any rapid movements or extensions of your neck. Try and avoid all movements that cause pain to the neck area.
Using a Neck Massager for Neck Massages
Using a neck massager is also an effective way of avoiding neck massage dangers. Neck massagers are specifically designed to provide relief to your neck muscles. A neck massager is an ideal option if you are looking for a safe alternative that will provide relief to your neck muscles.
In addition to safety and effectiveness, neck massagers are highly portable and economical. Portability comes in handy if you are looking for something lightweight and economical, as you do not have to pay for a massage every time you need one.
