By Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants – San Antonio, TX
Many people will choose massage therapy as a resource to relieve tension, ease muscle tightness, or even unwind after a stressful week. While massage therapy is generally regarded as safe and beneficial in most cases, some individuals will end up experiencing the opposite effect; painful symptoms in the neck area after a massage therapy session. Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we’ll hear from patients who end up being surprised or concerned when they are experiencing soreness, stiffness, or even sharp pain after a massage therapy session. The good news with all of this is that pain or discomfort after a massage therapy session is usually temporary and can be resolved with a few basic remedies in most cases. It’s still very important to understand why neck pains after massage can occur, how to best relieve said neck pain, and when your neck pain may be a sign of something more serious. Read on to learn more.
Why Your Neck Might Hurt After a Massage
Mild soreness after a massage is completely normal. When you’re being massaged, a massage therapist will apply pressure to your muscles, tendons, and connective tissues. This may temporarily irritate the muscles, especially if they are already tight or inflamed. If the massage was a deep tissue massage, targeted knots or trigger points may have been massaged with greater levels of precision and pressure. All of this may cause delayed-onset muscle soreness, which is very similar to how you feel after an intense workout. In most cases, this soreness caused by a massage is usually resolved on its own within 24-48 hours. However, in certain cases, the pain is not your everyday average soreness. When a massage therapist applies too much pressure, uses an improper technique, or massages an area of your body which is already injured or recovering from an injury, it may contribute to lingering discomfort and pain. This can be especially true in the neck area, as the neck muscles are delicate and sensitive to any unnecessary form of pressure.
What You Can Do to Ease Post-Massage Neck Pain
The first step to take is to give your muscles the rest they need and adequate time to recover. After your massage, light movement throughout the day will help promote greater levels of circulation without adding additional strain to your body. Gentle neck rotations, slow shoulder rolls, and mild stretching may all help reduce stiffness and tightness. Maintaining adequate levels of hydration is important post-massage.
Try to avoid any activities which strain the neck, such as heavy lifting, craning your neck in front of a screen, or awkward sleeping positions. By providing the neck a chance to settle down after a massage, you reduce the chances of prolonged pain and discomfort after your massage.
Understanding When Pain Might Indicate a Problem
While mild levels of soreness and discomfort are completely normal, what is abnormal is when the pain and discomfort persists beyond a few days, worsens over time instead of improving, or is accompanied by any form of numbness, tingling, or weakness. In rare cases, aggressive forms of massage may end up worsening conditions such as herniated discs, cervical stenosis, or underlying muscle strains. This does not mean massage therapy is unsafe. It means that if you are aware you have a neck condition, you should work with a massage therapist who specializes in recovery-focused massage or sports massage to have the best results possible. If you experience any form of sudden, sharp pain during your massage or feel significantly worse immediately after, it may be a good idea to have your neck evaluated by a medical professional.
When to Seek Professional Care
You should reach out for medical evaluation if you notice:
- Pain lasting longer than 72 hours
- Radiating pain down your arms
- Tingling or numbness
- Muscle weakness
- Severe stiffness, limiting your ability to turn your head
- Headaches following neck movement or pressure
All of these symptoms may further indicate irritation of the cervical spine or surrounding nerves. When you proactively address these issues early on, it can prevent further issues from developing over time. Here at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants, we’re able to fully assess your symptoms, provide diagnostic imaging if necessary, and create a custom treatment plan for your condition. Many patients will improve with conservative treatments such as physical therapy, stretching routines, pain management, or posture correction.
Protecting Your Neck During Future Massages
If you plan to receive massages in the future, always communicate your needs to your massage therapist. Make your massage therapist aware of any neck issues you may have or past injuries which may be sensitive to massage therapy techniques and pressure. You can always request lighter forms of pressure during your massage, or ask your massage therapist to avoid any specific areas which are sensitive or still recovering from a past injury. A skilled massage therapist will always be willing to accommodate your requests and adjust their techniques accordingly to make you feel comfortable and safe. As mentioned above, seeking out a sports massage therapist or other niche-focused massage therapist can help you have a better experience than going to a general massage therapist.
Contact Us if You’re Experiencing Neck Pain After a Massage
Neck pain after a massage can be the opposite of what you’d expect, yet in most cases it’s temporary and manageable with at-home care. Being able to understand why it may have happened and how to best relieve it can help you gain the full benefit of any future massage you may have while also avoiding unnecessary discomfort. If your pain does not go away, or worsens, our team of experts at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants is here to help you find relief and protect your long-term neck, back, and spine health. Feel free to contact us using the form below and we’ll be sure to have you seen by one of our amazing medical staff as soon as possible.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.