A massage is meant to help you feel calm and relaxed. Most people feel better after a massage. They feel less pain, less stress, and more peace in their body. But sometimes, a person might feel strange after a massage. One thing that can happen is a headache after massage.
If you ever had a headache after spa, do not worry. You are not the only one. This happens to some people, and it is usually not serious. In this post, we will explain why this happens, what you can do about it, and how to stop it from happening again.
Is It Normal to Get a Headache After a Massage?
Yes, it is normal for some people. Not everyone gets it. Most people enjoy calmness and peace upon finishing a massage. But a few people get a small headache after massage. It may start during the massage or after the session ends.
It may seem strange. A massage is supposed to help you feel good. So why does a headache happen? The answer is simple. Your body is changing during a massage. Muscles are moving. Blood is flowing more. Tension is leaving. All these changes may cause a mild headache in some people. But the headache does not last long. It usually goes away by itself.
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Why Do Headaches Happen After a Massage?
There are a few reasons why people get a headache after spa. Let us look at the most common ones:
1. You Did Not Drink Enough Water
Your body needs water to stay healthy. When you get a massage, your body moves waste out of your muscles. If you do not drink enough water, your body cannot clear the waste. This can lead to a headache. So ensure hydrating yourself at the beginning and after the session
2. Too Much Tension Was Released at Once
If your muscles are tight, the massage may loosen them fast. This fast release can make your body feel strange. It may cause a light headache because your body is getting used to feeling relaxed.
3. The Massage Pressure Was Too Strong
Some people like deep pressure, but too much pressure is not good for everyone. If the therapist presses too hard on your neck or shoulders, it can cause pain or a headache later.
4. Bad Body Position
If your neck, back, or arms are not placed well on the massage table, it can cause stress in your muscles. Lying in the wrong position for a long time can lead to a sore neck or a headache.
5. Strong Smells
Some massage oils or candles have a strong smell. If you are sensitive to smells, this can give you a headache. The smell can be too much for some people, especially in a small room.
How to Stop a Headache After Massage
Even though a headache after massage is not dangerous, it is not fun either. Here are some simple tips to help stop it from happening again:
1. Drink Water
Always drink water before and after the massage. This helps your body eliminate toxins in no time. Try to drink at least 1-2 glasses of water before your appointment and again afterward.
2. Talk to Your Therapist
Before the massage starts, tell your therapist if you have had a headache after massage in the past. Let them know what pressure you like. Tell them if you have any pain or health issues. This will help them do a better job.
3. Choose Light to Medium Pressure
If you are new to massage or get headaches easily, ask for light or medium pressure. This is more gentle on your body and helps you relax without causing stress.
4. Make Sure You Are Comfortable
If your neck or lower back hurts while you are lying down, ask the therapist to fix your position. A pillow or towel can be used to help you feel better.
5. Avoid Strong Smells
If you don’t like strong smells, ask for unscented oils. You can also bring your own oil that you know does not bother you.
6. Rest After Your Massage
After the massage, give your body time to relax. Sit or lie down in a quiet place. Avoid noise, bright light, or hard work right away. Let your body stay calm.
Should You Be Worried?
Most of the time, a headache after massage is nothing to worry about. It goes away in a short time. You can rest, drink water, and feel fine after a while. But in some cases, you should talk to a doctor.
Go to a doctor if:
- Your headache is very strong or sharp
- The pain lasts more than one day
- You feel dizzy or confused
- You feel sick or have blurry vision
These could be signs of another problem. Do not ignore them. It is better to be safe.
Simple Ways to Feel Better After a Massage
If you get a headache after massage, you can try these things to feel better:
- Drink more water
- Rest in a quiet, dark room
- Avoid coffee or alcohol
- Place a cold cloth on your head
- Take deep breaths and relax
Most people feel better within a few hours.
Should You Stop Going for Massages?
No. You do not need to stop getting massages. Massages have many good effects. They help reduce pain, improve sleep, lower stress, and make you feel peaceful. A headache after spa is rare and often easy to avoid.
Just follow the tips in this post. Talk to your therapist, stay hydrated, and take care of your body. Most people who get a headache after one massage do not get it again if they make small changes.
Final Thoughts
A massage is a great way to feel good. It relaxes your body and your mind. But sometimes, you might feel a little strange afterward. One of those feelings can be a headache after massage.
This is not a reason to worry. Many people go through this, and the problem is usually small. By drinking enough water, telling your therapist what you need, and giving yourself time to rest, you can avoid the problem.
Now you know what to do if you get a headache after massage. You can take care of your body the right way and enjoy your next massage with peace of mind.