BANGKOK (ANN/THE NATION) – A Thai singer identified as Phing Chyada reportedly suffered severe complications following a neck-twisting massage in November, a Nation TV report revealed. The case has drawn significant attention after her death was highlighted on the popular Drama Addict Facebook page.
Chyada initially underwent the massage to alleviate shoulder pain but began experiencing discomfort two days later, including pain at the back of her neck. Over the following weeks, her condition worsened, resulting in weakness in her right arm and eventually leading to 50 per cent body paralysis.
The Drama Addict Facebook page, which brought the case to public attention on Sunday, issued a stern warning against massaging the neck or spine, stating that excessive pressure in these areas could damage blood vessels leading to the brain or spinal cord.
“People should avoid receiving a massage on the neck or spine. Those who experience symptoms such as headaches, vomiting, dizziness, or weakness in their arms or legs should seek medical attention immediately,” the post advised.
The page also emphasised that neck twisting is not a traditional practice in Thai massage and urged masseurs to discontinue offering such techniques to avoid further injuries.
Thai neurologist Dr Thiravat Hemachudha supported the warnings, cautioning that neck twisting or massages on the cervical spine could lead to paralysis. Writing on Facebook, Dr Thiravat referenced a US study involving 177 neurologists, which reported 55 cases of cerebral infarction-induced paralysis in patients aged 21 to 60 following cervical spine adjustments.
He also cited a personal case involving a patient who developed right-side paralysis and required a month of hospitalisation after undergoing neck-twisting massages three times a day.
Dr Thiravat warned that neck twisting could impact vision and balance, with the severity depending on the intensity and frequency of the massage. He added that individuals with obesity or high blood pressure face a heightened risk of stroke-related paralysis.
The incident has prompted renewed calls for caution in massage practices, particularly concerning the delicate cervical spine area, and underscored the potential health risks associated with unregulated or improperly performed massage techniques.
