Research Looks at Massage for Neck and Shoulder Pain

Clients seeking relief from simultaneous neck and shoulder pain probably have experienced a sprain originating in the neck or the shoulder. Or the pain could be the result of a pinched nerve, which is one of the most common types of neck and shoulder pain.   With a pinched nerve, pain comes from compression or irritation of spinal nerve roots {the part where the nerve splits off from the spinal cord), which travel between the neck vertebrae, through the shoulder, and down the arm. [1]

 

Other underlying causes of neck and shoulder pain are:

 

·         Broken collarbone

·         Shoulder bursitis

·         Shoulder blade injury

·         Rotator cuff injury

·         Poor posture or sleeping condition

·         Whiplash

·         Herniated disk

 

In the most serious circumstances, neck and shoulder pain can be a sign of a heart attack or stroke, which requires immediate medical attention.

 

Neck and shoulder pain can range from mild to severe, and include:

·         Tingling in the neck, shoulder, arm and hand

·         Shooting pain

·         Stiffness

·         Numbness

·         Spams

·         Soreness

·         Headaches in the back of the head

·         Impaired reflexes

 

 

Home remedies for neck and shoulder pain

 

Common treatments to relieve neck and shoulder pain include:

 

Ice pack: An ice pack or cold compress applied to the painful area for 20 minutes several times a day will help reduce swelling and inflammation

 

Rest: Taking a break from sports or other activities that may aggravate the area

 

Heat: Use of a heating pad or a warm bath to loosen tight muscles

 

Nonprescription pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Advil or Motrin help reduce pain.

 

Stretch: Certain simple stretches, such as rolling shoulders forward and backward or slowly moving the head from side to side, may help reduce pain

 

Other common treatments for more severe pain can include corticosteroid injections as well as physical therapy. In more severe cases where there is a decrease in functionality, neurological symptoms in arms and legs and problems with balance and walking, surgery may be required for neck and shoulder pain relief.

 

Complementary therapies for neck and should pain relief

 

Among the many pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches that have been incorporated into pain management strategies are complementary health approaches, such as acupuncture, chiropractic treatments and massage therapy, as well as self-care approaches such as relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation), and meditative movement-based approaches (e.g., yoga and tai chi), as well as natural products such as glucosamine and herbal medicines. National surveys going back more than 25 years have consistently found that these complementary approaches are used by about 30% to 40% of the US public each year. ^[2]

 

Research about massage for neck and should pain

 

A 2016 review was conducted of four randomized controlled trials that included patients with chronic neck pain to determine whether massage therapy is a viable complementary and alternative treatment. The review found massage therapy may provide short-term benefits from neck pain. [3]

 

A 2013 review of 12 studies of massage for neck pain, which included 757 total participants, was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of massage therapy for neck and shoulder pain relief.  Massage therapy in the studies included Chinese traditional massage, common Western massage, traditional Thai massage, slow-stroke back massage, soft tissue massage, manual pressure release, classical strain/counter strain technique, and myofascial band therapy.  

 

The review found massage therapy is an effective intervention that may provide immediate effects for neck and shoulder pain. However, massage therapy does not show better effects than other active therapies on pain relief. Additionally, massage therapy only showed short-term effects for shoulder pain in follow up. No evidence suggests that massage therapy was effective in improving functional status – an individual's ability to perform daily activities and tasks – related to neck and shoulder pain.[4]

 

A 2014 randomized controlled trial involving 228 individuals from an integrated health care system and the general population with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomized into 5 groups receiving various doses of massage (a 4-week course consisting of 30-minute visits 2 or 3 times weekly or 60-minute visits 1, 2, or 3 times weekly) or to a single control group (a 4-week period on a wait list). After 4 weeks of treatment, researchers found multiple 60-minute massages per week were more effective than fewer or shorter sessions for individuals with chronic neck pain.[5]

 

Massage treatments for neck and shoulder pain relief

 

Benefits of different massage treatments to relieve neck and should pain include:

 

·         Swedish massage: Long slow, gentle strokes and kneading motions can relieve tension and stress, which may be causing the pain.

 

·         Trigger point: To treat the muscle knots that are causing pain

 

·         Myofascial release: Loosening up the fascia to increase flexibility and relieve soft tissue pain and tension

 

·         Deep tissue: Target the deep structures that are causing the pain

 

·         Assisted stretching therapy: Therapist assisted stretching can improve range of motion and muscle flexibility

 

If pain persists, lasts for months or weeks and limits motion and causes weakness or numbness, clients should see their doctor.