Why does my neck hurt more after cervical massage?

Neck pain worsening after cervical manipulation may be caused by excessive manipulation force, neck muscle tension and spasm, neck muscle strain, cervical facet joint disorder, or cervicobrachial fasciitis. Symptoms can be improved through rest, immobilization, posture adjustment, and medication. If pain persists for more than three days or is accompanied by dizziness or arm numbness, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Excessive manipulation force: When the force applied during manipulation exceeds the tolerance of neck muscles, it can cause soft tissue injury, leading to increased pain, especially during movement. It is recommended to immediately stop manipulation, allow the neck adequate rest, avoid strenuous activity, and apply local cold compresses to relieve pain.

2. Neck muscle tension and spasm: After manipulation, already tense neck muscles may undergo protective spasms, increasing pain and limiting neck mobility. It is advised to correct sitting and standing posture, avoid prolonged head-down positions, and perform gentle neck stretching exercises to relax the muscles.

3. Neck muscle strain: Overstretching during manipulation can cause muscle strain, resulting in local swelling, tenderness, and worsened pain with movement. Under medical guidance, medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, or Yunnan Baiyao aerosol may be used to alleviate symptoms.

4. Cervical facet joint disorder: Improper manipulation techniques may dislocate or disrupt small cervical joints, stimulating surrounding nerves and soft tissues, causing pain along with neck stiffness and restricted movement. Under medical supervision, drugs such as celecoxib capsules, eperisone hydrochloride tablets, or Huoxue Zhitong capsules may help improve symptoms.

5. Cervicobrachial fasciitis: Manipulation may trigger an acute episode of fasciitis in the neck and shoulder area, causing diffuse local pain, tenderness upon pressure, with symptoms worsening in the morning or after exposure to cold. As directed by a physician, medications such as loxoprofen sodium gel patches, etoricoxib tablets, or compound chlorzoxazone tablets may be used to manage symptoms.

Daily care should include keeping the neck warm to prevent chilling, using a pillow of appropriate height to support the cervical spine, reducing time spent looking down at electronic devices, and performing mild neck exercises to promote recovery.