The cervical area is a very sensitive area, and many tasks can cause us to feel heaviness or load in the area: driving, working with the computer in a bad position, studying, paying attention in class, stress or heavy tasks and Can cause us to have these feelings.
Benefits of a cervical massage
A good relaxing massage can help us increase our sense of well-being by reducing the overload we can feel in this area. But beware: the massage in the cervical area must be performed correctly, since there are very sensitive structures and we must know, for example:
Major occipital nerve or Arnold’s nerve, a very sensitive nerve that poorly manipulated can generate more neck pain and headaches.
Cervical vertebrae, especially the 1st and 2nd vertebra (also called atlas and axis), vertebrae whose balance influences the correct posture of the entire spine (if there is balance there is a correct posture, otherwise the spine begins to deform).
Important nerve packs such as the brachial plexus, which originates in large part from the nerve roots emerging from the vertebral foramina of the last cervical vertebrae.
Among other structures.
Keep in mind that the knowledge of this video will not make you a certified physiotherapist to treat problems of the cervical spine with the massage. We just try to relax, not fix all the disorders of the spine. If the problem is greater the best solution will be to go to a good physiotherapist, who can help us with different pathologies that do not give up with a simple massage, such as:
Tension headaches
Headache, tension headache or migraine is caused by the muscular tensions of muscles such as the trapezius, sternocleidomastoid, splenius or suboccipital muscles. These headaches can be greatly benefited by the treatment of manual physiotherapy (treatment of trigger points, cervical vertebra mobilizations, stretching exercises, etc.).
Dizziness and dizziness
Sometimes dizziness (sensation that we are about to fade or faint) may have as origin the tension of the muscles and the lack of Motor coordination between the musculature of the eyes and the muscles that perform the fine adjustments of the upper cervical spine. Through the treatment of manual physiotherapy we can greatly improve these symptoms.
Trigger points
They are hyperirritable nodules in the muscular fibers that produce, among other consequences, a characteristic referenced pain pattern. Trigger points need to be removed, and in physiotherapy multiple techniques and tools are used for this, such as dry puncture (use of acupuncture needles on the trigger point), local stretching or inhibition techniques.
Joint problems
The cervical spine disc disorders such as osteoarthritis are often the result of altered posture, altered motor patterns or excessive tension and muscle tone. Through manual physiotherapy techniques such as massage, traction or stretching we can improve this excessive compression by improving the symptoms of these joint pathologies.
How to perform a good neck or cervical massage?
After having seen the video you will have a very clear idea of how to perform the massage in the cervical spine, but here we leave the guidelines for you to note more easily:
Ideal posture for cervical massage
The work of the neck musculature can be performed both lying on your stomach and lying on your back, of course depending on the muscles to work. The back musculature of the neck is the most heavily loaded musculature, so working upside down is ideal (if you have a bed or stretcher with a face hole it is much more comfortable for the person who will do the massage, but not Is exclusively necessary), however the anterior musculature of the neck should not be forgotten and should be worked upside down.You can work with the neck straight or in rotation, what will change is the sensation of the massage.
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Four basic maneuvers for cervical massage For a massage you must have some knowledge of the maneuvers that exist and can be performed in the neck. In the video we teach you:
- Landslides
- Kneading
- Mobilizations and
- Circundations
- The maneuvers, performed correctly, are very effective to relax the neck. Do not get nervous @, practice a little technique and you will see how you will receive alerts for your massages.
Rhythm, intensity, breathing and intention of a cervical massage
We must always keep in mind the purpose of the massage that we are performing, if we perform aggressive movements fast or strong we will not have the desired effect and we can even stress more to the person receiving the massage. It makes smooth movements, that progressively increase the intensity and that at the end of the massage they return again to diminish in intensity. Monitor the person’s breathing, if you perform a sudden or not very pleasant maneuver, the breathing will let you know.
Can I use relaxing oil or cream for neck massage?
A good oil or cream with active ingredients that are relaxing and improve circulation for example may be very suitable, in addition this will improve the sliding on the skin providing a more pleasant sensation. However do not overuse, as you will need to have control over the tissues you manipulate.
Golden rule for a good massage: nothing to cause pain!
The body’s response to pain is to increase its tension and defend itself, so our massage should not be painful. We seek only the stimulation of relaxation and pleasure.There are many ways to perform a relaxing massage on the cervical vertebrae, but the most important thing is to always be clear about our purpose, and observe the person receiving the massage. Success in our work is in the sensations of the person.Everything you need to know and much more you can find in our Physiotherapy-Online portal.
