Anyone with massage gun told 'don’t you dare' use on one body part - Yahoo News UK

[Andrew Nuttall]

At-home massage guns are popular around the globe. People find the gadgets great for easing muscle aches from exercise or any existing injuries.

However, a recent TikTok video that went viral has caused experts to issue a stark warning. Everyone should steer clear of using these devices on their necks, or they could land themselves in the hospital.

After her doctor's sharp caution, one woman shared her experience, saying she was told: “Don’t you dare, ever, use a massage gun on your neck.” Dr Joe elaborated on the warning, adding: "Using a massage gun on your neck is particularly risky due to the proximity of critical arteries, including the carotid and vertebral arteries.

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"These arteries supply vital blood flow to the brain, and the intense vibrations from a massage gun can potentially lead to dissection or damage of these vessels. Such injuries can significantly increase the risk of stroke. Therefore, it’s crucial to avoid using percussion therapy devices on the neck area to prevent any potential vascular injuries."

In another video, a neurosurgeon known as @ladyspinedoc detailed how there are correct ways to achieve relief via neck massages, stressing that massaging the sides of the neck offers "no benefit from massage" and warning that it might lead to severe outcomes like a stroke if blood vessel integrity is disrupted.

She explained: "When you have tension in the muscles of your neck, it's always going to be these [holding just below the back of her neck] posterior muscles. This includes the trapezius and various other smaller muscles that help support the spine."

"Applying the gun directly on these muscles is generally pretty safe. You want to use the opposite arm [to massage] because, if you use the same arm, you're actually tensing up those muscles you're trying to massage, meaning you're not gonna accomplish much."

Neck pain is a common complaint in the UK - but it will often get better on its own -Credit:Getty


Neck pain is nevertheless a widespread issue globally, with figures suggesting that between 40% and 70% of UK residents will suffer from it at some point. But, most neck pain tends to be short-lived and often resolves within a few weeks.

People are recommended to take pain medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage the pain. It's also a good idea to apply heat or cold packs to provide further relief.

When to see a GP about your neck pain​

• 
  neck pain or stiffness does not go away after a few weeks
  
  
• 
  painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen have not worked
  
  
• 
  you're worried about the pain
  
  
• 
  you have other symptoms, like pins and needles or a cold arm – this could be something more serious