Improper neck massage can negatively impact the motor functions and sensations in the areas governed by the nerves, potentially leading to paralysis, spinal injury, or even death.
According to Dr. Calvin Q. Trinh, Director of the HMR Rehabilitation and Physical Center, the neck is a vital part of the body in the literal sense; it is both important and delicate. The cervical spine is the pathway for nerve signals from the brain to the entire body.
Some individuals, whether untrained or even trained, often apply excessive force to create cracking sounds in the joints or apply deep pressure to relieve pain for patients, using wooden hammers to strike the spine. Such methods can cause damage to the vertebrae, including misalignment, fractures, compression, bleeding, and swelling, leading to spinal cord injury. This is particularly serious for individuals with underlying conditions such as degenerative spinal disorders, osteoporosis, or mild spinal injuries, as these impacts can result in severe spinal cord damage.
The consequences include impaired motor functions and sensations in the areas governed by the affected nerves, which can lead to paralysis, including quadriplegia or total body paralysis. If the injury occurs in the upper spinal cord (C3 and above), it can harm the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, potentially resulting in death.
Patients suffering from neck and shoulder pain should seek medical attention for proper treatment. (Photo: Provided by the doctor).
According to the doctor, neck and shoulder pain is primarily caused by muscle imbalance in the upper body, leading to muscle spasms, tension, and overload in the neck and shoulder area, resulting in discomfort and pain. This often causes the head to jut forward, altering the natural curve of the cervical spine and triggering the body’s self-protective mechanisms. Consequently, the muscles in the spine contract to maintain structural stability, increasing pressure on the discs, leading to herniation, reduced range of motion, and joint misalignment, which in turn results in spinal degeneration.
This condition is commonly seen in individuals who sit for extended periods, frequently use computers or smartphones, and is related to posture and lifestyle habits. In severe cases of muscle imbalance, patients may struggle to raise their arms, even for activities like brushing their hair, and may experience pain radiating down the arms or numbness in the fingers, along with discomfort in the neck and shoulder muscles. Neck and shoulder pain can also stem from various causes, including degeneration, cervical disc herniation, or lung apex tumors.
Massage can help relax and alleviate discomfort due to muscle relaxation. However, this therapy cannot treat the underlying conditions causing neck and shoulder pain due to muscle imbalance or other physical injuries. Treatment should focus on correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, coupled with adjustments to poor posture and simple exercises performed at home.
Dr. Calvin Q. Trinh recommends seeking medical advice to restore muscle balance in the neck and shoulder area and to reinstate the natural curvature of the cervical and thoracic spine, which is essential to addressing the root cause of the problem. When receiving massage for relaxation, it is advised not to discuss treatment or healing with the massage therapist, and one should refrain from requesting excessive pressure that could lead to unpredictable risks.
Preventive measures include maintaining proper posture, keeping the back straight, and the head aligned, aiming for a 90-90-90 position. When standing, the back and head should be aligned in a straight line. Avoid lying down with the head elevated and refrain from frequently maintaining a bent posture.
