Necks are tricky, and picking out a good neck massager takes a bit of research. Hope this article will help.

Neck pain is a common complaint for many people, and massage therapy can be an effective way to alleviate discomfort and improve range of motion. However, it is important to understand that neck must be treated differently than other parts of body.

Neck is a complex and delicate part of the body that contains numerous muscles, tendons, and very important and delicate nerves and blood vessels. It also continuously holds head up, which means that it’s under constant strain and tension. Believe it or not, an average adult head weighs 11 lbs. – no wonder we’re having so much trouble with our necks!

With all those crucially important and easily injured parts, massage for neck pain must be approached with care in order to avoid further injury or discomfort. For example, if the neck pain is caused by a herniated disc or a pinched nerve, certain massage techniques and massagers may actually worsen the problem. Similarly, if the neck pain is caused by a sprain or strain, deep tissue massage may be too intense and cause further damage. If you’re experiencing ongoing, persistent pain, strong pain or new pain after an injury, consult your doctor before starting any treatments with neck massagers or other devices.

Types of neck massagers

With neck and upper shoulder problems so common, there are many, many massagers developed specifically for this area. They are commonly in the shape of cushions or half-circles that wrap around the neck and sometimes the shoulder area, some with hand straps to hold it in place, others attachable to chair backs or simply gravity assisted (you use them by lying down over them). In addition, you can use almost all of the general use massagers for neck massage as well, if you take common sense precautions and start slow and gentle. Just keep in mind that holding a general use massager to the back of your neck or upper back can be very awkward, and you might have trouble reaching the areas or tire out quickly. The good news is, even the high quality neck massagers tend to be fairly affordable.

Some common types of neck massagers specifically designed for the neck area:

• Shiatsu Neck Massagers: These massagers use rotating nodes that mimic the finger pressure of a shiatsu massage therapist to knead and soothe tight muscles in the neck. In addition to targeting the neck area, larger models can give you a full back massage too. Some come with heat, vibration or pulsing as well. If you like the feel of in-person massage therapy, you will like this type of neck massager.
• Percussion Neck Massagers: These massagers use rapid tapping or thumping movements to penetrate deep into the muscles, providing relief for tight and sore neck muscles. While percussion massagers that can be used for any part of the body can be used for neck too, the attachments meant for neck are generally somewhat softer, and percussion massagers you want to use on neck should be capable of lower, slower and gentler settings. If you’re using a percussion neck massager, you must avoid neck bones. Percussion massagers developed specifically for the neck area tend to be gentler and have a shorter stroke range.
• Vibration Neck Massagers: These massagers use gentle or more intense vibrations to relax the muscles in the neck and increase blood flow to the area. Many models are combined with heat as well. Vibrating contoured dual ball massagers such as Theragun Wave Duo are especially good at getting your neck and upper back back into alignment, avoiding the spine and gently stretching the area. The drawback is that this type of neck massagers is meant to be used by lying the painful area over it for best results, so it may not be as convenient.
• Electric Pulse Neck Massagers: These massagers use low-frequency electric pulses to stimulate the muscles and nerves in the neck, providing pain relief, improving circulation and reducing tension. You might be more familiar with the term TENS for this kind of device. Pulses act on nerves by interrupting pain signals and/or gently constrict and release the muscles for a kind of internal massage. But, if you have any kind of internal device such as pacemaker or metal plates, this kind of massager may not be for you. Stay on the safe side and consult your doctor.
• Manual Neck Massagers: These are simple handheld massagers that use your own strength to apply pressure to the neck, allowing you to control the intensity of the massage. Please note that manual neck massagers usually require a good range of motion and reach. They can be perfect to target precisely the painful area, but do require more work on your end and may not be as good at reaching deeply into the affected area.

Each type of neck massager has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and the choice will depend on your personal preferences and the specific issues you’re experiencing. It’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before using a neck massager, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or injuries.