Which Area Should I Massage for Neck Pain?

One of the most common causes of cervical pain is cervical spondylosis. Patients with cervical spondylosis should take special care to keep their necks warm as cervical pain is often caused by exposure to cold. Proper treatment should be administered based on the type of cervical spondylosis, and regular neck exercises should be performed to promote blood circulation in the neck. Massage therapy can also be used to alleviate cervical pain, but it is important to know where and how to massage.

Firstly, when experiencing cervical pain, it is crucial to actively identify the underlying cause before proceeding with massage treatment. Some cervical conditions may not be suitable for massage due to the risk of bone damage or nerve damage. Severe cases may even lead to paralysis. However, for pain caused by neck-type cervical spondylosis or muscle spasms in the soft tissue surrounding the neck, gentle massage can be applied to the painful areas using the thenar and hypothenar muscles of the palm, avoiding excessive pressure or the use of elbows or bony areas.

For pain caused by nerve root-type cervical spondylosis, it is important to maintain correct neck posture, and massage therapy is generally not recommended. Instead, intravenous mannitol injection can be used to reduce swelling and relieve pressure within the vertebral canal. Surgical treatment may be necessary for cervical pain caused by vertebral artery-type or spinal cord-type cervical spondylosis, as conservative treatments are often ineffective.

There are several methods that can help alleviate cervical pain:

1. Keeping the neck warm: Ensuring adequate warmth for the neck is essential as neck and shoulder pain can be caused by cold exposure. It is important to maintain warmth and gently massage the cervical area to promote local blood circulation, reduce pain symptoms, and alleviate muscle stiffness.

2. Effective and timely treatment: Patients with cervical spondylosis should actively cooperate with their doctors' treatment plans, adopt appropriate treatment measures based on their condition, and engage in comprehensive care to minimize the harm caused by the disease. They should adopt suitable methods to alleviate their condition and promote faster recovery.

3. Regular neck exercises: Regular neck and shoulder exercises can help relieve pain, improve muscle tissue condition, promote blood circulation in the neck, and accelerate metabolism. It is important to regularly move the neck and shoulders, as prolonged sitting or poor posture can exacerbate the condition.