A woman using a Wahl handheld massager to massage her upper back.

How to Use Massage to Manage Neck & Upper Back Pain

Massage can help reduce tension and stress in the neck and upper back.

Massaging Your Neck & Upper Back Step-by-Step

  • 1

    With a handheld massager , massage each shoulder toward the back of your neck to the point just behind and below your ear. Then, go back to your shoulder. Repeat several times. You can also use a specifcally designed back and neck massager .

  • 2

    When massaging the upper back, start from the spine and using short strokes to work your way outward towards the underarm. (Again, be careful not to come in contact with the spinal area.)

  • 3

    DO NOT use the massager over your spine, abdomen or below the rib cage.

What to use

Heated Neck & Back Massager

Heated Neck & Back Massager

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Heated Lumbar Massage

Heated Lumbar Massage

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Heated Deep Knead Shiatsu Massage Wrap

Heated Deep Knead Shiatsu Massage Wrap

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Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager

Deep-Tissue Percussion Therapeutic Massager

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Heat Therapy™ Therapeutic Massager

Heat Therapy™ Therapeutic Massager

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Hot-Cold Therapy Massager

Hot-Cold Therapy Massager

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Need help deciding what you need?

Where you hurt and why you’re hurting are two key factors in deciding which massager is best for your specific pain relief.

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Tips for Using Handheld Massagers

Prioritize Recovery

A woman using a Wahl handheld deep rolling shiatsu massager on her upper leg and thigh.

Rest and/or active recovery: First of all, ease into workouts. If you haven’t been working out on a regular basis, going full throttle right away, particularly with consecutive-day workouts, is going to result and aching muscles.

Hydration is Key

A man drinking water to keep hydrated during a workout.

Hydrate: Drinking water during and after exercise helps the body rid itself of toxins, while fighting off dehydration, which can result in painful muscles and excruciating muscle cramps.

Eating Properly

A man using a Wahl handheld massager on his quad or upper thigh.

Proper nutrition: Protein sources are necessary to rebuild muscle tissue and fuel the function of various cells, tissues and enzymes. Carbohydrates are vital, as well.

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