SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Massage, most often associated with visions of stress relief, spa days and relaxation, could at times be the cause of considerable discomfort and physical disability. According to researchers at Mayo Clinic, a potential complication can arise from massage, resulting in a local compression nerve injury in the shoulder area. Their report examines the clinical and electromyography (EMG) issues related to spinal accessory nerve injury caused by massage. The spinal accessory nerve is a small nerve traveling in the back side of the upper shoulder area that is vulnerable to injury from local compression. Spinal accessory nerve injury is not common, but is known to occur as a complication of surgical procedures or trauma in the upper shoulder region. Massage, it should be noted, has not been previously recognized as a cause of injury to the spinal accessory nerve.
