Massage involves the manipulation of skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Neck massagers are automated devices designed to focus a massage on common areas of muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. The benefits of a neck massager may include alleviating pain and stress as well as being convenient to use. These benefits have not been proven. Due to limited scientific studies on massage, "scientists are not yet certain what changes occur in the body during massage, whether they influence health, and, if so, how," according to the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Pain Relief
Some studies suggest that massaging soft tissues can be helpful for alleviating pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to Jill Bielawski and Jerry Weinert, massage therapists and co-authors of "Head to Toe: A Manual of Wellness and Flexibility," neck pain can be acute or chronic and "the most predominant cause of pain is damage to the soft tissue of the neck and can occur because of overuse, or injuries such as whiplash." In addition, migraine headaches, while vascular in origin, are often triggered or exacerbated by hypertonic soft tissue in the cervical region," according to Bielawski and Weinert. There is no medical evidence that a neck massager is effective for pain relief.
Stress Relief
Stress is part of everyday life and may contribute to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders. The Mayo Clinic reports that some studies have found massage helpful for stress relief and managing anxiety. Although conclusions cannot yet be drawn about the effectiveness of massage for specific health conditions, the Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine cites an analysis of studies which suggests that a single session of massage can reduce state anxiety, blood pressure and heart rate and that multiple sessions can reduce trait anxiety and depression. There is no scientific support for reducing stress with a neck massager.
Convenience
Neck massagers are small, portable devices which commonly wrap around your neck and shoulders. They can provide a convenient means for massage at home, in your office or on an airplane. You can use a neck massager at any time of the day or night, which is especially useful when the assistance of a massage therapist is impractical. Affordably priced, neck massagers range from $20 to $100 and can be purchased at retail stores or through Internet sellers.
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