carjens / Pixabay
Necks are made of bones that connect your head to upper part of your body. Though these bones absorb much of the shocks that you encounter, the neck is highly vulnerable to pains and conditions that can restrict its very motion.
Most neck pains occur due to the following reasons:
- Trauma
- Poor posture
- Muscle strain
- Tumors
- Degenerative diseases
Fortunately, most of these causes are simple and can be reversed at home with the right massaging techniques.
If you have chronic neck pain, it’s best to go to a professional massage therapist as they know the right way to relieve the pain for you. On the other hand, if the pain is mild and does not occur frequently, you can try some self-massaging techniques at home.
Here are some massage moves you can do to relieve neck pain.
Braided massage
This massage move helps to relieve pain at the back of your neck, specifically at the area where the neck meets the brain. To do this, twist three of four scarves or a couple of towels together to make a thick braid. Put this braid behind your neck, and hold either ends with your hands. Slowly rub the braid at the back of your neck by gently moving the hands in opposite direction. This will release the tension locked in these muscles.
Tennis ball massage
If the pain extends from your neck to the upper part of your back, then stand straight against the wall and place a tennis ball between your left shoulder and spine. Press your back to the ball, and move left to right or front to back, depending on the exact location of your pain. Repeat the same procedure by placing the tennis ball between your right shoulder and spine. Make sure you don’t press your spine to the ball, as this can cause back pain.
Finger massage
If you experience pain on the side of your neck, take the opposite hand behind the neck and place your fingers in the area between your ears and the end of your skull. Apply pressure to this area gently using only your fingers without squeezing your palm. You can also do some simple neck exercises like rotation and tilts from the same position.
Squeeze massage
Sometimes, you may experience pain in the area where the neck meets your spine, and also on one or both sides of the upper shoulder. This pain is mostly caused by excess stress or workout, and can be best relieved with a tight squeeze from the palm. Use the same hand as the shoulder for a greater squeeze. Additionally, you can also roll your fingers over the muscle for additional relief. It’s a good idea to start at the base of your neck and move sideways until the pressure is relieved.
We hope the above massage techniques give you the much-needed relief from occasional neck pain. If you have any problems or if the neck pain persists, we recommend visiting a qualified healthcare professional.