Does Excessive Massage Result In Temporary Nerve Damage?

Posted on Sat, 29 Apr 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 29 Apr 2017 Answered on

Fri, 19 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I had brow surgery to brows. For a year I had bilateral pins and needles. Last Nov 2018 a pain clinic hit my supraorbital nerve. I eaw told it was scar tissue from smoking. For 2 months, I regularly massaged infratrochlear nerves and under eyebrows. Off meds, I get regular stabbing in bottom corners of eyes
Could I have massaged too long, hard enough to bruise or damage these nerves? I still smoke but less but meds covered real pain. Could I have damaged these nerves and will they heal? I stopped massaging. Im so scared as its so painful that this could be permanent. I need answer from a neurologist.

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Massage can induce temporary nerve damage

Detailed Answer:
Hello Madam

I can certainly understand your concern

Yes , indeed the possibility of a excessive and prolonged massage can contribute to temporary damage to infraorbital nerve.

This will gradually recover over a time period.

Also advisable to stop smoking and further massaging

Post your queries if any

Thank you

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy