Is your go-to for neck relief putting your health at risk? Find out why a neurologist says you should think twice before using a massage gun.
Topics covered
Hey, friends! 🌟 So, you know those massage guns we’ve all been buzzing about for relieving neck tension? Well, hang on a minute! A prominent neurologist just dropped some serious knowledge that might make you rethink your next massage session.
Dr. Baibing Chen from the University of Michigan has thrown out a warning about these devices that might make you raise an eyebrow. Let’s unpack what he said and how it affects us!
Understanding the Risks of Massage Guns
Okay, but can we talk about this? Dr.
Chen, who’s got a following of over 163K on Instagram (major influencer vibes, right?), recently shared a video that has gone viral with over 8 million views. In it, he cautioned against using massage guns on your neck, and honestly, it’s giving me serious pause.
😳 He explained that the vertebral and carotid arteries in our neck are super delicate and can easily be harmed by the intense pressure these devices apply.
So, what’s the deal? Using a massage gun repeatedly can create shear forces that might not only damage these arteries but can also lead to tearing. This could result in blood clots, which, spoiler alert, can trigger a stroke. And we all know that’s a serious medical emergency that could lead to permanent brain damage or worse. Yikes! 🧠💔
Dr. Chen emphasized that the risk is even higher if you’re using a muscle gun with direct pressure. Imagine dislodging hidden plaques inside your arteries — that’s just terrifying. These clots can end up traveling to the brain, causing an ischemic stroke, which happens when blood flow is blocked. Can you say scary? 😱
More Surprising Health Warnings
But wait, there’s more! Dr. Chen didn’t stop at just the massage guns. He also urged us to turn down the volume on our headphones. 🎧 Loud music isn’t just an ear issue; it’s a brain problem, too! It turns out that when our ears struggle to process sound, our brain reallocates resources away from memory and thinking. This could lead to cognitive decline over time. And let’s be real, nobody wants to deal with memory loss or dementia.
In fact, studies suggest that a staggering 40% of dementia cases might be preventable if we tackle hearing loss early. So, before you blast those tunes at full volume, think about the long-term effects on your brain health. Sounds over 85 decibels can cause damage over time, while anything above 100 decibels can lead to permanent hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes. That’s equivalent to being at a concert! 🎶
And speaking of sudden health hazards, Dr. Chen also warned against holding in sneezes — yes, really! 🤧 The pressure created can be higher than what’s found in a car tire! When you hold a sneeze, it can force air into delicate areas, potentially leading to ruptured eardrums or even bleeding in the brain in extreme cases. How wild is that?
Recognizing Stroke Symptoms
Now, let’s talk about strokes. They’re one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, and the NHS points out that about a quarter of strokes in the UK stem from issues with carotid arteries. It’s crucial to be aware of the symptoms: facial weakness, difficulty lifting both arms, and speech problems can all occur suddenly. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, don’t hesitate — call emergency services immediately! 🚑
Other signs include numbness, blurred vision, confusion, and even severe headaches. If you’re noticing any of these, don’t ignore them. It’s always better to be safe than sorry! Remember, a stroke can happen during physical effort or straining, so keep an eye out for those sneaky warning signs.
In conclusion, let’s prioritize our health and think twice about our everyday habits. From using massage guns to cranking up the music, we have the power to protect our brain and body. Who else is going to start treating their neck with a little more care? 🙋♀️ Let’s chat about it — what’s your go-to method for relieving tension? Share your thoughts below!
