A massage is meant to make you feel relaxed and energized. However, there is a chance that this might not be the case following a neck massage.

Mild to severe headaches have been reported as after-effects of a neck massage. 

There are several reasons why this could be happening, which will be explored in the following paragraphs. Keep reading.

Most Important Reasons

1) Awkward Positioning Of the Head

If your shoulders and neck are not aligned properly during the massage, then chances are that you will have some discomfort, which could result in a headache. 

2) Poor Hydration before and after the Massage

It is possible to suffer headaches after a thorough and intensive massage of the neck muscles. This could be caused by poor hydration before and after the massage. 

You must stay hydrated before and after the procedure. This will help your body flush out any toxins that might have been stuck in the neck vessels.  

3) Change in Blood Flow

A neck massage may alter the blood flow in your blood vessels. As the blood vessels around your neck are massaged, they tend to contract and relax. This may impact the blood flow resulting in a headache.

4) A Drop in Blood Sugar

This is especially so for people with diabetes. A neck massage can lower ,sugar levels causing a condition known as hypoglycemia that triggers headaches.

Prevention of Post Neck Massage Headaches

Any activity that prepares your neck muscles for the massage is recommended. For example, it is best that you stretch your neck regularly or avoid activities that stiffen your neck muscles as much as possible. 

To avoid an unwanted drop in blood sugar, have a small snack before the session and another after the massage. 

To minimize the effect of changes in the blood flow, try to stay as hydrated as possible. Do this by drinking plenty of water before and after the massage. 

Get a massage from qualified therapists. This is the best way to prevent a massage with your neck or shoulders in a strenuous position that could result in a headache.

Using a neck massager is another effective way of preventing you having a headache after a massage. Because they are designed for these tasks, neck massagers provide the best neck massage without causing unnecessary strain.   

When having a manual massage, do not hesitate to speak up if you feel that the pressure is too much during the massage.  Be very clear with your therapist on the type of massage that you want. 

Accompany your neck-massage with some healthy post-massage stretches.