Neck Pain and Massage Therapy
Massage therapists might view neck pain differently than other alternative healthcare practitioners.
Neck Pain
Neck pain and discomfort and neck injuries are fairly common. The neck is quite susceptible to injury, partly because of its flexibility, but also because it has to support the heavy weight of your head.
Common Causes of Neck Pain
It is thought that typical, everyday activities cause neck pain. Our sleep habits, posture, work habits and even leisure activities can affect the state of our necks. Do you sit at the computer for long hours without stretching? Do you find yourself slouching when you are relaxing on the couch? Is your pillow firm enough to support your neck while you sleep?
Neck Pain from Injury or Wear and Tear
Neck pain may also result from injury or overuse of the soft tissues (muscles, ligaments, and nerves). It can also be the result of actual changes in the bones or joints of the upper spine. The normal wear and tear of the neck can result in a degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis. Injury due to a fall or a motor vehicle accident can bring about more severe neck problems such as a pinched nerve, whiplash, a herniated disc, fracture and even paralysis.
Alternative Theories on Neck Pain and Treatment
Depending on who you asked and what their particular belief system was, you might find out that neck pain has other possible causes and other possible treatment options. It is possible that your neck pain will go away on its own, but sometimes you may need to find ways to ease the pain and discomfort. Consider the following:
Louise Hay, a self-help teacher, would say that what you think and believe really does have an effect on your body. If you have neck problems, Louise might suggest you meditate on being more flexible or you might ask what is this pain trying to tell me?
Dr. John Sarno, in his book, "The Mindbody Prescription: Healing the Body, Healing the Pain," proposed a controversial theory about the correlation between physical pain and unconscious repressed emotions. The purpose of pain, says Sarno, is "to divert attention from what's going on emotionally and to keep you focussed on the body." His solution: deal with the emotions and your pain will go away.
A chiropractor might suggest that your neck pain is the result of a vertebral subluxation where one or more of the bones in your spine move out of position and puts pressure on or irritates the nerves. A chiropractic adjustment ought to, therefore, relieve your neck pain.
Most massage therapists would say that if you have neck problems you might have tight muscles and poor blood flow to the area. When the muscles (and you) relax, the pain goes away.
A reflexologist would examine your big toes and press the reflexes for the head, neck and shoulder region to ease your neck pain.
And, finally, an acupressure massage therapist or acupuncturist might suggest you have a blockage in one of your meridians. An acupuncturist will try to open up this blockage to let your Qi flow by inserting little tiny needles into very specific points on your body, whereas an acupressure massage therapist will use their fingers and hands to locate and put gentle pressure on these very same points.
As you can see, there are many ways to view neck pain and neck problems, and fortunately many solutions.
Related Thoughts:
Reflexology and Migraine Headaches
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
