If your neck is hurting, you should consider getting a massage. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of massage therapy.
Over 90% of chiropractors noticed worsening neck and back pain in patients during the pandemic. In fact, neck pain is one of the most common reasons people seek care, following close behind lower back pain. If you’re struggling with neck pain, consider getting a massage.
What are the benefits of massage therapy on different types of neck pain, exactly? Read on to find out.
After reading this guide, you can determine if massages as neck pain treatment are right for you. Ease the pain with this helpful guide today!
Relieve Existing Pain
If you’re struggling with aches, pains, and soreness in your neck, don’t worry; massage therapy can help relieve different types of neck pain. However, it is normal to feel a little tender in the days following your first massage. This slight discomfort indicates your muscles are beginning to heal and grow stronger.
The discomfort is usually similar to the soreness you might experience during a gym session. In other words, your massage therapist can give your muscles a small workout!
Over time, your muscles will grow stronger, which could help you avoid pain symptoms in the future.
Massage therapy combines both mental relaxation and physical manipulation. During a massage, your body releases endorphins, which can help ease the neck pain you’re experiencing.
Massaging sore muscles in the neck can also help encourage oxygen and blood to flow throughout your body. As a result, helpful nutrients are able to reach injured areas, soothing pain and reducing inflammation.
Inflammation is the body’s natural response to illness, injuries, and invaders. Too much inflammation, however, could cause your neck pain. Massages can work as a natural painkiller, allowing you to avoid costly medications and harmful side effects.
Using massages as a form of neck pain treatment could even help you avoid surgery and a long recovery time.
Massages could help remove built-up lactic acid, which causes stiffness in muscles. As a result, massages can help improve your range of motion. You won’t have to struggle to check your blind spot anymore!
Prevent Future Pain
An experienced massage therapist is trained and licensed to diagnose and treat a range of injuries. They can assess your neck pain to determine the type of injury you’ve sustained. Then, they can determine the types of massages most likely to ease your symptoms.
In addition to easing the pain you’re feeling now, massage therapy can also help strengthen your muscles, preventing further injury in the future.
Talk to a licensed massage therapist about the different types of massages they offer. For example, they might recommend a deep tissue massage to build underlying muscles in your neck. This type of massage can help increase muscle tone while promoting a faster healing process.
As muscle tone increases, you could reduce the risk of a future sprain.
Reduce Migraines
Taking over-the-counter medications for your migraines could make them less effective over time. There are also side effects to consider, including ulcers, bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, and headaches. Some medications can make migraine-related vomiting and nausea worse, too.
Instead of relying on medications, consider getting a massage. Massage therapy could help relieve your migraine and reduce migraine frequency.
Appointments can also relieve muscle spasms while encouraging blood circulation. Increased blood circulation will reduce pressure in your head.
In one study, patients with chronic migraines noticed a dramatic reduction in headache pain with massages to the neck and shoulders.
As a natural alternative, massages can help ease your pain without side effects.
Relax and Ease Stress
Your mind and body can both benefit from massage therapy.
We often carry anxiety in our shoulders, leading to tension in the neck and spine. Massages can help increase serotonin and dopamine levels to help ease your stress and anxiety.
Otherwise, cortisol (the stress hormone) can have a detrimental effect on the mind and body, causing:
- Muscle weakness
- Severe fatigue
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Difficulty concentrating
- Acne
- Thinning skin
- Weight gain
- Easy bruising
- Flushed face
- Slowed healing
- Irritability
Long-term excess cortisol and stress can increase your risk of heart disease, obesity, anxiety, and depression, too.
When your body is relaxed, your nervous system will relax, too. Massages can help realign the body while keeping you calm and stress-free.
Reducing stress and anxiety levels can help reduce the severity of your neck pain in the future.
Improved Flexibility
The joints and muscles in your neck will become less flexible as you grow older. You might find it more difficult to enjoy the activities you used to as a result. If you’ve noticed a change in your range of motion, consider scheduling a massage.
Massage therapy can help improve your muscle flexibility over time. It can also increase your range of motion. Improving your body’s flexibility could help improve your posture, coordination, and quality of life.
Holistic Improvements
Regular massages can improve your circulation, heighten your awareness, and stimulate the lymphatic system. Massages could help increase white blood cells and lymphocytes, which fight off illnesses and diseases.
In other words, massage therapy could also strengthen your immune system, potentially extending your longevity.
Ensuring these processes are all functioning properly could improve your quality of life.
Look for a massage therapist with years of experience and expertise. They can determine which types of massages best suit your needs. In addition to easing your pain, they can use massage therapy to improve your overall health.
Goodbye, Neck Pain: Experience the Benefits of Massage Therapy Today
You don’t have to let your neck pain impact your mobility, range of motion, or quality of life. Instead, consider experiencing these benefits of massage therapy firsthand. With regular massages, you can improve your overall health and minimize your neck pain.
Consider visiting an experienced massage therapist to experience these benefits today.
Eager to get started? It’s time to find relief.
Book your appointment today.