SIf you scroll through social media platforms like TikTok, you will undoubtedly come across a ton of health information and warnings. But it can certainly be difficult to know which one to believe.
The latest claim is that massage guns should never be used on the neck, with warnings about constricting blood flow and stroke symptoms. At first glance, it may sound like social media theatrics, but there are some truths involved along with important nuances.
So is using a massage gun on your neck actually dangerous? Here's what the experts say and how to soothe your muscles safely.
Is it safe to use a massage gun on my neck?
Can I use a massage gun on my neck? In short, it depends on where you are. exactly I'm talking about your neck.
“To minimize the risk of injury when using a massage gun on the neck, avoid the front and sides due to vital structures such as veins and arteries,” says Dr. Gendai Echezona, anesthesiologist and pain management specialist at Premier Pain. Practice in Norwalk, Connecticut. “Reports indicate potential problems such as headaches, dizziness or stroke-like symptoms.”
For example, the April 2023 case report World Journal of Clinical Practice A 49-year-old woman developed a blood clot in her carotid artery (an artery on either side of her neck) after using a neck massager, resulting in stroke-like symptoms, including leg weakness and difficulty speaking. After taking it for about a week, my symptoms improved.
Meanwhile, the journal published a case report in May 2022. Clinical practice and cases of emergency medicine detailed a 27-year-old woman who experienced headaches, neck pain, and dizziness after repeated use of a hand-held massage gun. The cause of the patient's vertebral artery dissection, rupture of the lining of the neck blood vessel, and stroke in patients under the age of 45 was also revealed. However, after she was admitted to the hospital she was discharged without surgery.
“Portable massage guns have become more popular and more accessible to the average user,” the authors say. Clinical practice and cases of emergency medicine Case report. “Unfortunately, despite its growing popularity, its proper use has not been clearly demonstrated.”
The report noted that a website image search for these devices showed many ads showing models inappropriately using the devices on the sensitive area of their necks.
However, when used correctly, a massage gun can be a helpful addition to your wellness routine.
“There are concerns circulating on social media about potential risks, but it’s important to remember that massage guns can be safe and effective when used correctly,” says Jamie Costello, CPT, vice president of fitness at Pritikin Longevity Center. In Miami, Florida.
Secrets on how to use a massage gun safely
When using a massage gun, never aim at the front of the neck.
“Avoid direct contact with the spine, neck, and front half of the neck and focus on the muscles toward the back half,” says Anjali Agrawal DC, a chiropractor and functional medicine specialist at Back in Balance Health in Los Altos, California. “You should never massage the front of your neck,” she said. “This area contains delicate structures and important blood vessels, so applying shocking pressure can be dangerous.”
You should also avoid direct contact with the vertebrae. Start with a gentle setting, making sure you are using the correct attachment.
“Some massage guns come with attachments specifically designed for use on the neck, which are typically softer and gentler than attachments for larger muscle groups,” says Agrawal.
Also limit your massage sessions, especially if you are new to massage. Short sessions of 2 to 10 minutes are usually sufficient. Use gentle circular or sweeping motions with light pressure.
Experts agree that when used properly, a massage gun can be a really helpful tool for neck muscle tension, including delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) that occurs after using the neck muscles for long periods of time.
“This can happen after exercise, prolonged computer use, or smartphone surfing,” says Dr. James Murphy, an orthopedic surgeon at OSF HealthCare in Urbana, Illinois. “The muscles around the scapula or scapula are closely related to neck movement, such as the trapezius and levator scapulae muscles. It responds well to percussion therapy.”
The trapezius muscle is located in the upper back and back of the neck, and the levator scapulae muscle extends from the top of the shoulder to the neck.
Massage guns are generally designed to be used on areas with a lot of muscle. If you have any questions about which muscles to target with a massage gun, ask your health care provider.
“Although concerns about the potential risks are spreading on social media, it is important to note that massage guns can be safe and effective in resolving muscle tension when used correctly.” —Jamie Costello, CPT
Are there any other body parts where you shouldn't use a massage gun?
Massage guns can be useful tools, but they are not suitable for every part of the body.
“When using a massage gun, different areas of the body need attention,” says Agrawal. “These areas tend to be more sensitive or have underlying structures that can be easily affected by the impact force of a massage gun.”
In addition to the front of the neck and the front of the neckTurn on the massage gun:
- Bone areas such as the spine, ribs, elbows, knees, and shins
- Joints such as wrists, ankles, and shoulders
- Head and face (sensitive areas such as eyes, ears, sinuses, etc. may be injured by the massage gun)
- Areas above the heart, abdomen, or pelvic organs (abdomen and lower back should also be avoided during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester)
- open wounds or infections
- genital area
If you are unsure whether it is safe to use a massage gun on a particular area, use caution and avoid the area or consult your health care provider for guidance.
How to treat sore neck muscles without a massage gun
Our experts agree that neck muscle pain can be greatly relieved by adjusting your lifestyle throughout the day. Stretch to stay flexible and relieve tension, keep moving with activities like yoga or Pilates, maintain good posture, and stay hydrated to prevent muscle tightness.
If you still have muscle pain, you can try heat therapy instead of a massage gun.
“Applying heat to sore muscles can increase blood flow and help tense muscles relax,” says Agrawal. “Using a heating pad, warm towel, or taking a warm bath or shower for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help relieve discomfort.”
However, if pain or discomfort persists, contact your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
“A thorough evaluation of your neck pain is important to create a personalized treatment plan,” says Dr. Echezona. “Muscle pain may be just one aspect of pain or it may be a symptom of a more serious cause.”
Your doctor may refer you to a licensed physical therapist, massage therapist, or chiropractor to safely address your muscle pain.
—Medical Review by Jennifer Gilbert, MD, MPH
Well+Good articles reference scientific, credible, recent and robust research to support the information we share. You can trust us on your wellness journey.
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Pan J, Wang JW, Cai XF, Lu KF, Wang ZZ, Guo SY. Intracranial aortic embolism secondary to carotid artery thrombosis caused by a neck massager: a case report. World J Clean Case. 16 Apr 2023 11(11):2489-2495. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i11.2489. PMID: 37123320; PMCID:PMC10130990.
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Sulkowski K, Grant G, Brodie T. Case report: Vertebral artery dissection after use of a hand-held massage gun. Clin Practice Cases Emerg Med. May 2022;6(2):159-161. doi:10.5811/cpcem.2022.2.56046. PMID: 35701359; PMCID: PMC9197740.