Steps to follow
Dr Anup Khatri, senior consultant, orthopaedics, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai (India) - said that if you work in an office, there is a high chance that you will have experienced neck pain, fatigue, headaches and dizziness.
“Just a few minutes of neck massage can provide significant pain relief. All you need to do is put one hand behind your head and gently rub each side of your neck, following a few simple techniques,” Dr. Anup Khatri instructs.
Step 1: Sit or stand up straight, relax your body.
Step 2: Use your fingers (or your entire hand) to gently press on both sides of your neck. Move from the nape of your neck to the muscles around your neck.
Step 3: Apply gentle and slow pressure, then move up behind the ear or along the cervical spine.
Step 4: Do this for about 2 - 3 minutes, remember to relax your hands when you feel the muscles are softer.
Benefits of neck massage
Neck massage may provide a number of health benefits, including:
Stress Relief: Neck massage can help relieve tension and muscle stiffness, relieve discomfort and promote relaxation.
Headache Relief: Neck massage can relieve tension in the neck muscles that can cause headaches.
Improved blood circulation: Neck massage increases blood flow, which can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to muscles and tissues.
Increased flexibility: Regular neck massage can improve the range of motion in your neck and shoulders, helping to prevent stiffness.
Stress Relief: Massage triggers the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety levels.
Neck Pain Relief: For people with chronic neck pain, massage can provide temporary pain relief by improving blood circulation and relaxing tense muscles.
Better Posture: Regular massage can help you become more aware of your neck and shoulder posture, promoting better alignment and reducing stress.
Relieve nerve compression: Neck massage also helps relieve pressure on nerves that can cause discomfort or pain.
According to Dr. Anup Khatri, regular neck massage can improve circulation and lymphatic drainage (a method of rhythmically pressing on the lymph nodes under the skin to remove waste, reduce swelling and boost the immune system), while also reducing inflammation and muscle soreness.
This activity helps you feel rejuvenated and energized. Additionally, it can relieve neck discomfort, get rid of headaches, and also get the much-needed relief from neck pain.
Taking advantage of the benefits of regular neck massage will also help relieve nerve compression by releasing nerve pressure and helping you feel better.
