Neck Massage By Barbers May Damage Nerves, Can Cause Stroke

Neck massage after a hair cut by the barber may damage nerves and in worse cases, can cause paralysis.

In India, a lot of local saloons have the practice of giving a neck massage after a hair cut. The massage often ends with a neck-crack, when the barber holds the chin and tilts the neck sharply to the left and right.

‘Neck crack at the end of the neck massage can damage the phrenic nerves that control the diaphragm, which controls breathing.’

The same happened to 54-year-old Ajay kumar, a resident of Delhi. After his usual haircut and neck massage, he became breathless. The neck crack damaged the phrenic nerves that control the diaphragm responsible for respiration. Ajay kumar was then put on mechanical ventilation.

Dr Anand Jaiswal, director of respiratory and sleep medicine at Medanta, said, "He has been put on non-invasive ventilation for breathing support and may continue to be on it."

Kumar's diaphragm was paralysed and he may need ventilator support throughout his life because the nerve rarely regenerates spontaneously. How Can a Neck Massage Cause Breathlessness?

Breathlessness is often associated with malfunctioning of the heart or lung. When Kumar went to the doctor with the problem, doctors said they conducted a series of tests to diagnose the problem while treating him for other suspected causes. When the problem persisted, they looked at medical literature for clues.

Kumar had a paradoxical breathing pattern. His chest was moving inward instead of expanding. This abnormal chest movement affected the breathing pattern and led to a drop in his blood oxygen levels,the doctors explain.

Dr. Jaiswal said, "As we investigated the possible reasons for the paradoxical breathing, a neurological examination revealed Kumar was suffering from a damaged phrenic nerve. Because he had no other existing illness to explain it, and literature had some examples about neck-crack causing such problem, we questioned Kumar and found that his neck massage had caused the condition."

Neck Cracks Can Also Lead TO Stroke

Dr Shakir Husain, director, stroke and neurovascular clinic at Neo hospital, said these neck massages can also lead to dissection of the vertebral artery.

"If the dissection or tear is minor, it heals naturally. Blood thinners have to be given for two to three months. But in some cases, surgery has to be done to clear the aneurysm caused due to the tear," he said.

Damage to the artery during neck manipulation is also seen in patients opting for chiropractic therapy for musculoskeletal problems. "It may lead to disabling stroke or fatality," the senior neurosurgeon said.

Source: Medindia