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A member asked:
Will deep tissue massage/myofascial release work on the occipital region, neck and shoulder help heal or worsen occipital neuralgia ?
6 doctors weighed in across 3 answers
Either: May go either way. No harm in trying it. If worsens, wait a day, try it a second time. If again worse, you can stop. But if the following day better, you have found a simple solution. Would consider taking an anti-inflammatory medicine too as long as your kidney fine, no high blood pressure, or allergic. Judge massage effect next day. Drink water after massage.
Answered 3/13/2020
5k views
Help: The greater occipital nerves run in between the neck muscles and ligaments. Muscle relaxation should help minimize pressure on the nerve.
Answered 3/13/2020
4.9k views
Help in short term: Massage / myofascial release does help in short term. Fascia is the tight tissues surrounding the muscles which is often implicated. The greater occipital nerve is typically compressed within muscle and fascia causing pain. The release is a temporary relaxation of the tissues causing nerve compression. The duration of relief is variable and depends on many factors.
Answered 3/13/2020
4.8k views
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