Warning: Massage on Neck, Breasts & These Conditions May Cause Paralysis, Stroke or Cardiac Arrest

Massage has become an essential part of many people's lives. Whether after a long workday or post-exercise muscle soreness, massage helps relax the body and uplift the mood.

However, while massage offers numerous benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. For certain individuals, massage may not only be ineffective but could also pose serious health risks.

01

People who should NOT get massage

Massage is a technique that relieves muscle tension caused by prolonged desk work or stress. Yet the following groups must be extremely cautious.

■ Cervical spondylosis patients

For patients with cervical spine disorders, massage requires extreme care. Especially those with spinal cord compression (myelopathic cervical spondylosis), cervical instability, or developmental cervical spinal stenosis — the spinal cord already endures minor pressure.

In such cases, forceful spinal manipulation may deliver a brief yet severe impact, acutely compressing the spinal cord, leading to rapid neurological deterioration or even permanent high-level paralysis.

■ Middle-aged and elderly people

Beyond spinal cord risk, neck massage must consider carotid artery plaques — very common among elderly, particularly those with hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, or smoking habits. Neck manipulation may dislodge hardened plaques, which travel to the brain and cause a stroke, with devastating results.

For seniors, massage risks go further. With age, osteoporosis often develops, and its severity increases over time. Excessive force during massage can lead to fractures or joint dislocation.

Also, avoid massage chairs or automatic massagers, as they cannot adjust pressure to individual conditions.

■ People with certain specific diseases

Another overlooked issue: if the kidneys harbor an angiomyolipoma (a type of benign tumor), heavy pressure must be avoided.

While enjoying the relaxation that massage brings, people must also pay attention to its potential health risks, especially if they have specific medical conditions.

02

Body parts to be extra cautious with during massage

Apart from high-risk groups, certain body areas and techniques pose risks even for healthy individuals.

■ Neck massage

Beyond disease-related risks, neck massage harbors a hidden danger for everyone: the carotid sinus, located about three finger-widths from the midline on both sides, is extremely sensitive. Improper external stimulation may cause fainting, and in severe cases, cardiac arrest.

■ Breast massage

Breast massage should be approached with caution to avoid health hazards.

Many beauty salons use essential oils containing estrogen. This extra hormone exposure may increase the risk of breast cancer. If early-stage breast cancer already exists, such massage may stimulate tumor growth and accelerate progression to advanced stages.

Early breast cancer lumps can be very small or non-palpable and often asymptomatic. Sometimes even experienced breast surgeons cannot detect them by touch. If a tumor is present, improper massage techniques may promote metastasis.

In conclusion, massage as a relaxation method indeed offers many benefits. But before enjoying this therapy, it is vital to understand your own health status. Knowing the contraindications of massage will not only make your experience safer but also help avoid potential health risks.

Supervisor: Wang Yuan

Chief Editor: Zhang Zhida

Editor: Sui Bangke

Author: Jiang Yongyuan, Internal Medicine, Third Military Medical University

Reviewer: Tang Qin, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chinese Medical Association's Science Popularization Expert Committee, National Health Science Popularization Expert