Friday, August 8, 2014

Neck Pain and Massage Therapy

Neck pain is one of the most common yet in some cases one of the most debilitating ailments affecting a large segment of the population. The soreness may be located in the neck, the upper back, the side of the face, the chest, shoulder, arm, and may radiate down to the hand.  A person suffering from chronic neck pain may find his or her quality of daily life compromised if the problem is not addressed and properly treated. While everyone experiences the occasional stiff neck associated with something so basic as poor head-to-pillow positioning and generally while the stiffness and/or soreness will subside, there are situations when the problem might be more severe, with symptoms ranging from tenderness to a muscle tightness to extreme pain resulting from even the simplest movement of the head. In addition, the sufferer may experience headaches (including migraines), jaw pain or muscle spasms. The muscles of the neck, extending from the base of the skull to the upper shoulders, are known as the scalene muscle group and are a complex and delicate network vulnerable to injury and disease. There can be many causes for neck pain, ranging from trauma (including whiplash) to poor posture, stress or osteoporosis. Even everyday simple repetitive activities such as overuse at the computer or excessive sitting can put undo strain on the muscles of the neck. The good news is that massage therapy can help by not only reducing the pain but has also been shown to also prevent a recurrence of the problem.

While a person suffering from acute neck pain is likely to consult a physician, the usual prescription is to treat the problem with anti-inflammatory or pain medications. (In extreme cases surgery may be recommended). While effective on a temporary basis to relieve the pain and discomfort, pills merely alleviate the symptoms without addressing the underlying cause and therefore medication is not necessarily the best option for dealing with persistent pain. Academy Massage offers a drug-free alternative that focuses on the inflamed or irritated trigger points, or muscle knots, most often associated with neck pain.

Because of the delicacy and complexity of this nerve system, only a qualified therapist should be permitted to manipulate these trigger points. Academy Massage's licensed practitioners are trained in the correct procedures to offer the safest, most effective and long-lasting treatment for neck pain. Employing varying massage techniques our therapists pinpoint the location of the trouble spot to directly treat the discomfort. Massage therapy decreases pain and increases range of motion in the neck and shoulders by lengthening and softening muscles that have spasms. Releasing spasms in the muscles eases pressure on nerves in the neck and shoulders along with balancing the muscle. In addition, a properly performed neck massage will not only help to relax the muscles but also increases the circulation of blood to the upper back, increasing oxygen and nutrient flow and thereby providing a natural cure for pain.

Academy Massage recommends that if you suffer from neck pain you should get a massage on a regular basis. This will help keep the neck muscles loose and minimize the chance of a future injury.

There is no reason why your active lifestyle should be halted by a pain in the neck!

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