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“Why does my neck hurt more after a massage? Uncover the causes and remedies in this informative article.” What could be better than a massage after a stressful day? Massage is a source of relief, especially when long-standing chronic neck pain demands muscle relaxation for good. However, too aggressive massage techniques can cause post-massage neck aches. In this article, we will answer the question why does my neck hurt more after a massage? 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%, 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 uses 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.
Why Does My Neck Hurt More After a Massage 2023?
Casting or splinting could be another reason for experiencing pain after a 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.
5 Reasons Why My Neck Hurts More After a Massage
Sometimes, your neck might hurt more after a massage. Here are five reasons why:
- Muscle Soreness: When a massage works on tight muscles, it can hurt a bit before it gets better.
- Inflammation: Your body might react to the massage by making the area a bit swollen, causing pain.
- Too Much Pressure: If the massage is too hard, it can hurt your neck muscles.
- Stiffness: If your neck was really stiff before the massage, the massage might make it hurt more at first.
- Healing Process: Sometimes, pain after a massage is part of your body’s way of getting better, like taking one step back to take two steps forward.
Is it normal to hurt worse after a massage?
Sometimes, more vigorous massage can lead to neck pain getting worse. If you are experiencing neck soreness after a massage, it is a common occurrence for first timers and regular massage goers. Allow the body to create muscle memory by getting more frequent massages. Massage techniques with greater manipulation include sports massage, tuna, 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 the 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. Certain areas that are contradictory in massage, like open cuts and wounds, open skin, healing wounds from recent surgery, skin infections, and injured areas, should be avoided.
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 can come from various things like arthritis, tumors, bad posture, stress, injuries, and more. If your pain is because of a pinched nerve in the muscles, a massage therapist can help. They use massage to ease the pressure and pain from the pinched nerve. Sometimes, turning or straining your neck can make the pain worse. But a gentle massage can relieve this. However, if you feel numbness, tingling, or unbearable pain in your arms or hands during the massage, you should stop. It’s best to stick to soft massages like Swedish massage and avoid deep tissue massage.
Can massage therapists feel knots?
Yes, massage therapists can feel knots in your muscles, and they’re often called trigger points. These are sensitive spots in your muscles. When you have knots in your neck, therapists are very careful. They use their knowledge of the body to figure out where these knots are. They might talk about “freeing up adhesion” or “removing knots,” which can sound a bit mysterious, but they can still feel the knots in your muscles. If you hear a pop sound during a massage, it’s usually your joints moving, not the muscles. Chiropractors do more with these adjustments.
Conclusion
Neck and back injuries, along with some health conditions, can cause neck pain. But there are times when you shouldn’t get a neck massage like if you’re on blood thinners, have cancer, are pregnant, or have certain health issues. If your neck pain is really bad and won’t go away, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to figure out what’s going on. Also, it’s important to talk to your massage therapist before the massage. Tell them how much pressure you want, how long the massage should be, and if you have any concerns. If you’re wondering why your neck hurts more after a massage, you can come to Next Level Massage. Our experts will figure out what’s causing the pain and give you a massage to help.
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Sources:
http://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/article/view/505
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