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Is using a massage gun for pinched nervesa good idea? Can it help? The simple answer is yes, it can. A massage gun is useful for managing pain related to a pinched nerve. The percussive mechanism of massage guns facilitates soft tissue relaxation by increasing circulation to the massaged area, reducing inflammation and pain.
I will explain everything in detail below, but first, let’s better understand what medical professionals mean when they say “pinched nerve.”
It is not a true medical term; rather, it is an umbrella term used by many physicians and other medical professionals to describe several conditions in which a nerve in the body endures sustained compression from structures such as tight muscles, bones, organs, or connective tissues.
The location of the pinched nerve dictates the more specific condition with which one might be diagnosed.
A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues.
For example, muscle tension compressing the sciatic nerve is often called sciatica.
NOTE: You may also come across the term Cervical Radiculopathy, which is more of the medical term for Pinched nerve.
Do I Have a Pinched Nerve?
Most people have experienced the symptoms of short-term nerve compression. Imagine the last time you sat cross-legged for a long period of time or were sitting during an hours-long car ride. Most of us know the sensation of our leg feeling numb, tingly, or weak. These are all symptoms of nerve compression.
The difference with a pinched nerve is that sustained compression is not readily within our power to correct. Pinched nerves are not uncommon and vary in seriousness and intensity of symptoms.
Generally, the symptoms of a pinched nerve are intense and often painful. Symptoms sometimes worsen while sleeping and can occur along the affected nerve’s entire route. This is why people with sciatica will often experience symptoms from the lower backall the way down to their feet.
Symptoms:
Let’s review the common symptoms of a pinched nerve:
Sharp, burning, or aching pain
Numbness, tingling, and/or pins and needles sensation
Muscle weakness in the affected area
Feeling like your limb is “asleep”
Usually, symptoms of a pinched nerve are intense and often painful.
How Does It Happen?
In some cases, nerve compression occurs due to aging, which includes changes to our bony structures, muscles, and connective tissues.
It can also occur as a result of the following factors:
Generally, conservative treatments like physical therapy, stretching, exercise, and OTC pain relievers are successful in treating pain associated with a pinched nerve. In instances where conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful, more invasive measures may be required.
A percussive massager is an effective and safe way to treat the symptoms
Pinched nerves not associated with anatomical changes may be prevented by maintaining a healthy weight, good posture, and engaging in regular exercise. In general, a pinch nerved that resolves quickly, either on its own or with medical intervention, is not cause for concern as it will not cause damage.
However, continuous compression of a nerve can result in permanent nerve damage and chronic pain.
How Will a Massage Gun Help a Pinched Nerve?
The use of a percussive massager is an effective and safe way to manage the symptoms caused by a pinched nerve if used correctly. However, a percussive massager will not solve the underlying issue that is causing the nerve compression.
For example, if muscle tension is the culprit, it is likely due to dysfunctional movement patterns or poor muscle coordination and strength deficits, which should be addressed with physical therapy.
You should always consult a physician or other qualified medical professional if you are experiencing the symptoms of a pinched nerve.
Massage guns’ percussion (vibration) facilitates soft and deep tissue relaxation by increasing blood and lymph circulation to the massaged area. This reduces inflammation and pain and a short-term increase in muscle length, allowing for improved joint mobility.
These short-term effects will allow you to complete daily activities with minimal interference. Reduced symptoms allow you to exercise and participate in other recreational activities to address any underlying health issues contributing to the pinched nerve.
A percussive massager is an effective and safe way to treat the symptoms of a pinched nerve.
Any form of massage performed incorrectly can worsen the symptoms, including the incorrect use of a massage gun. So, how can a percussive massager be used safely and effectively?
Follow the tips below to use it correctly.
Select the appropriate massage gun for your needs. Read our reviews about the best choices and buying guides to help you select the right one for you. In a hurry? Check out devices like Ekrin Kestrel or the B37, which are excellent choices.
Once you’ve selected your massager, familiarize yourself with it. Test the settings and find an intensity that you find comfortable.
Using a percussive massager should NOT be painful. It is okay for it to be intense but NOT painful.
DO NOT place the hand-held massager directly over the affected nerve. Doing so will likely make your symptoms worse.
DO begin by applying gentle pressure to the tissue surrounding the nerve causing symptoms or where the symptoms are felt. Increase pressure as tolerated.
You may apply increased pressure to areas of denser tissue (i.e., fat, muscle) for a deeper massage.
Avoid using it over bony areas like the elbow or spine.
Massage the area/s for about 1-2 minutes at a time. You may notice reddening of the skin or start to feel itchy. This is normal and is due to the increased circulation.
Remember, if you experience more pain while using the device, STOP!
Consult your physician if pain persists because there could be something more serious or complex than a pinched nerve causing your symptoms.
Using a hand-held massager (Ekrin 365) for pinched nerves around the neck and back.
Check out our upcoming post on Massage Guns for Pinched Nerves for help selecting the right device for you.
Common FAQ
What happens if you let a pinched nerve go untreated?
Leaving it untreated can lead to permanent nerve damage. The results of permanent nerve damage include some of the following: muscle atrophy, decreased sensation, decreased coordination, and chronic pain.
Will an EMG show a pinched nerve?
An EMG (electromyography) nerve test provides specific information about the extent of nerve and/or muscle injury. It can also determine the location of nerve injury and whether or not the damage is reversible.
How long does it take for a pinched nerve to heal?
It generally resolves in 4-6 weeks with conservative treatment such as NSAIDs, acetaminophen, gentle stretching, and physical therapy, depending on the severity of symptoms.
Conclusion
Is using a massage gun for pinched nerves a good idea? Let’s review:
Symptoms of a pinched nerve should always be assessed by a physician or qualified medical professional to rule out more serious conditions associated with nerve pain.
Physicians and other medical professionals use the phrase “pinched nerve” to describe several conditions where a nerve endures sustained compression from structures such as tight muscles, bones, or connective tissues.
Common risk factors for developing a pinched nerve can be avoided by maintaining a healthy weight, good posture, and engaging in regular exercise. However, in some cases, nerve compression results from natural aging, which includes changes to our bony structures, muscles, and connective tissues. In instances where conservative treatment methods are unsuccessful, more invasive measures may be required.
Massage guns provide short-term relief of symptoms associated with nerve compression by increasing circulation and reducing inflammation of the affected tissue. Correctly used, a massage gun is an effective and safe device for managing pain caused by a pinched nerve.
NOTE: We only use high-quality sources and rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations to support the facts within our articles.
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Elizabeth Falk
Elizabeth Falk
Liz is a licensed Physical Therapist Assistant in which she holds an A.A.S. degree from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Liz has advanced training in orthopedic physical therapy through NextGen PT and in movement analysis through Movement Links. She is also a certified NASM-Performance Enhancement Specialist.
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