Neck and back pain are common amongst all age groups and occupations, but if you spend long periods in front of computers or complete repetitive sedentary tasks then you may be more likely to experience pain in these areas.
This isn’t necessarily the result of having ‘bad posture’, but rather because of holding your neck in the same position for a prolonged time, without giving your muscles and joints a break.
Although most neck pain isn’t serious, it can feel particularly grim because your neck is involved in so many daily movements, from turning your head to listen to someone to looking down to eat. It can affect sleep, drain your energy and disrupt your concentration at work, so it’s not surprising that you might be looking for a solution, and fast.
So, if you’ve woken up with a stiff, sore neck and you’re wondering whether a targeted massage would help relieve pain, here’s why it might be recommended for you.
What are the benefits of having a massage for neck pain?
In the short-term having a neck and upper back massage will:
- Relax tight, overworked muscles and the surrounding tissues
- Promote better circulation
- Calm your nervous system circulation
- Improves flexibility and neck mobility
What type of neck pain responds well to massage?
Massage is particularly effective if you have muscular pain, tension or strain. If your neck pain has been triggered by poor posture, stress or muscle spasm then massage is really likely to be helpful.
If you have injured your neck because of an accident of some kind, you have radiating arm pain, numbness or tingling in one arm, or you have a headache associated with your neck pain or other symptoms like a fever or chills then it’s important to seek medical advice first.
Are there any exercises which will help in between massages?
A combination of hands-on treatment to relieve the short-term symptoms and exercises (or advice) addressing the underlying causes of the neck pain will definitely give you better results and a better outcome for the longer term.
Try this simple 10-minute programme in between your appointments:
As part of your long-term strategy to prevent future episodes, you might decide to invest in a regular massage. Many of our patients find this beneficial but it’s most effective when combined a consistent exercise routine, postural awareness and stress management. So, it’s important to view massage as part of a comprehensive plan, rather than the magic bullet.
Get in touch if you have any questions at all and if you live in Cambridge and would like to book a massage, then don’t hesitate to give us a call on 01223 914140.
Blog post written by: Fran Ammann. Fran is a highly experienced Remedial Massage Therapist and Clinical Pilates Instructor. She has treated hundreds of patients with neck pain and loves to teach them ways to strengthen and move better, so they don’t have to see her as often.