Could Improper Massage Techniques Lead to Nerve Damage?

Is there a possibility of nerve damage?

Hello, doctor.
During the pandemic, my mother felt unwell after carrying heavy objects and has been experiencing persistent headaches.
She used an old handheld massager for full-body massage (not a fascia massage gun), and during the massage, she felt a sudden sense of panic without knowing which point was pressed.
After that, if her shoulders, neck, and back become tense, she feels anxious and experiences a general sense of discomfort.
Sometimes, she also experiences shaking and weakness, and recently she has had difficulty breathing or chest pain.
I wonder if improper use of the massager could have caused nerve damage.
She has visited clinics (orthopedics, family medicine, psychiatry, and neurology) and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at an orthopedic clinic for lumbar misalignment, an injury to the lower rib, and a fracture at the junction of the shoulder and chest.
She has not undergone any nerve function tests.
I would like to ask you, since my mother has only had a general adult health check-up and is reluctant to go to the hospital, can she directly see a neurologist for diagnosis? Or does she need to see another department first? Thank you.

Ms. Hu, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/02

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology

Dear Ms.
Hu,
Your mother is likely over 65 years old, and if she is experiencing an atypical fracture at the junction of the shoulder and chest, it may be necessary to consider osteoporosis.
An evaluation for an elderly patient should include: bone density testing, metabolic syndrome assessment, and cancer screening, among others.
Additionally, treatment may involve consultations with orthopedic, family medicine, psychiatry, and neurology clinics, which can feel somewhat fragmented.
I recommend accompanying her to appointments for a comprehensive assessment, starting with rehabilitation, neurology, and cardiology.
Currently, major medical centers and regional hospitals have enhanced their protective measures in response to COVID-19.
The suggested principle for seeking medical care is to find a nearby hospital with an emergency department to consolidate medical information in one place.
Please ensure to implement self-protection measures, including cleaning and disinfecting, and adhere to the new preventive health practices before and after medical visits.
Thank you for your inquiry.
If you have further questions, feel free to discuss them! Wishing you and your mother good health and peace.
Dr.
Jiang Junyi, Taoyuan Medical Center

Reply Date: 2021/09/02

More Info

Improper massage techniques can indeed lead to nerve damage, especially if excessive pressure is applied or if the massage is performed on sensitive areas of the body. In your mother's case, the symptoms she is experiencing—such as feelings of unease, tremors, weakness, and even respiratory difficulties—could potentially be linked to nerve irritation or damage caused by the massage device.
When a massage is performed, particularly with a handheld device, there is a risk of applying too much pressure on certain areas, which can compress nerves or cause trauma to the surrounding tissues. This is especially true in regions where nerves are already vulnerable, such as the neck and upper back, where the brachial plexus (a network of nerves that innervates the arm) is located. If the massage was too vigorous or targeted the wrong areas, it could lead to symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms and shoulders.

Your mother’s symptoms of tightness in the neck and back, along with feelings of anxiety and tremors, could indicate that the massage may have exacerbated an underlying condition or caused a new issue. The presence of chest pain and difficulty breathing is particularly concerning and should not be overlooked, as these symptoms could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Regarding your question about seeing a specialist, it would be advisable for your mother to consult a neurologist, especially given her symptoms of weakness and tremors. A neurologist can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a neurological examination and possibly nerve conduction studies or electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function. These tests can help determine if there is any nerve damage and the extent of it.

Before seeing a neurologist, it may be beneficial for your mother to have a comprehensive evaluation by a primary care physician or a family doctor. This initial visit can help rule out any other potential causes of her symptoms and provide a referral to a neurologist if necessary. Given her reluctance to visit a hospital, starting with a family doctor or a general practitioner might be less intimidating and could lead to a more comfortable path toward receiving the appropriate care.

In summary, improper massage techniques can lead to nerve damage, and your mother's symptoms warrant further investigation by a healthcare professional. It is crucial to address her respiratory symptoms and chest pain promptly, as these could indicate a serious condition. Seeking a consultation with a neurologist, possibly after an initial visit to a primary care physician, would be a prudent next step in managing her health concerns.

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