4 types of massage to help with neck and back pain

osteopath, chiropractor, neurologist, fitness school expert Evotren

What kind of massage will help with neck and back pain?

Discomfort and pain in the cervical or back area is extremely common nowadays. Different massage techniques can only briefly eliminate unpleasant sensations, but without working with the cause itself (usually muscle imbalance) it will not be possible to get rid of the painful symptom.

If we talk about the nature of painful sensations, there can be several options, the main ones:

1. Problems of an “internal” nature. They may be related to diseases of the organs, nervous system, bones or spinal column (including protrusions or herniated discs).
2. Problems of a “motor” nature. These discomforts are caused by muscular abnormalities ranging from overuse to incorrect movement habits. The cause can be and incorrectly placed TV, and the wrong training program, and carrying a backpack on one shoulder, and much more.

Before choosing a way to solve the problem, I strongly recommend you to consult a doctor, who, among other things, will make an analysis of your musculoskeletal system.

Let’s talk more about which massage options will help you relieve your condition and forget about pain or discomfort for a while.

Classic and sports massage

It seems like everything is familiar, but there is an important nuance. Nowadays, the aesthetic and sports medicine industry is bursting with an abundance of massage techniques. You can see a huge number of techniques with a variety of names: Balinese massage, Polynesian, Brazilian, Spanish massage, classical and many other words and expressions.

There seems to be a huge number of masseurs nowadays, but I am often approached by clinic owners who cannot find a good specialist because many of them do not have the right training.

It is important to outline what quality massage techniques have in common. It does not matter what exactly it is called, and it does not matter in which country the master studied. There is a single logic that all massage techniques should obey. And it consists of several techniques that must be adhered to.

Stránkafirst block of any procedure is called neurosedative or relaxing. His task is to adapt pain and tactile receptors of the skin and musculature to the massage procedure and apply a massage remedy. At this stage, soothing movements and compression strokes are used.

Stránkasecond block is hemolymphatic drainage. It is aimed at releasing the skin, subcutaneous fat and muscle from metabolic products, phenomena of lymphatic and venous stagnation.

Waste fluid should be removed from the tissue, making room for fresh arterial blood, rich in oxygen and nutrients.

Stránkathird block is kneading. It is aimed at working with muscles, fatty fiber and improving blood supply.

Stránkafourth block is mobilization. It is a passive movement. It is performed in the joint by the masseur without the active participation of the client.

Further, all blocks follow in reverse order.

Myofascial release

A suitable way to quickly eliminate painful sensations. You can use MFR techniques on your own, you only need the proper equipment and knowledge of the technique.

Finding videos on the internet and using them to start doing the release is not only an incorrect approach, but also quite dangerous. For both the back and the neck, there are many limitations to release techniques.

The best way would be to ask a knowledgeable fitness trainer to teach the right techniques in 2-3 workouts for later use at home. Don’t forget to check that the trainer has been trained in this area and has the appropriate certificate. In addition, remember that a really competent instructor will not refuse your request. Whereas a charlatan may start telling you that it is impossible and you need to go to him for six months to learn myofascial release.

Read more about myofascial release in the article at the link.

Percussion massage

A relatively new method suitable for pain relief at home. It will require a special percussion massager.

In order to adequately apply this type of massage, it is recommended to undergo a little training to avoid hurting yourself. Fortunately, manufacturers of quality massagers have it available online and it is relatively inexpensive. Percussion massage has a deep effect on the muscles and has a good effect on the movement of blood and lymph.

The main difficulty in working on the neck and back with a percussion massager is that it is almost impossible to reach some areas yourself. In this case, it is worth seeking help from someone close to you. In addition, you can go to certified professionals (masseurs and trainers) who will carry out the procedure qualitatively.

As mentioned in the beginning, massage is a way to take away the pain for a short while. If you don’t address the cause of the pain, you will have to resort to massage very often, wasting time and money.

Therefore, if after a week, a month or six months the pain has returned, it is better to contact a specialist who will help you to start working with the source of the problem, not with its consequences.

By the way, massage is not for everyone. Who is better to refrain from this procedure, read in the material at the link.