Pain Management and Migraine Relief: Massages for Blackberry Thumb?

It never ceases to amaze me how gullible people can be. I was reading an article recently about spas earning big money treating things referred to as "tech neck" and "blackberry thumb" and I had to laugh. What will people think of next for marketing gimmicks? Sure, folks that use technical products may remain in various postures for extended periods of time. And in the case of using Blackberries, the thumbs get a real workout...but so what!

It is obvious they are making big bucks so for them that is a good thing, but what about the person who is spending their money at these spas? Could they receive the same treatments packaged under a more plain name and for a lot less money? Most probably so -- why not do so???

If a good hand massage were being performed all the time, then the there should be no difference between a simple hand massage and a "Blackberry thumbs" massage. The thumbs would be a part of both massages. Is it worth $10-15 or so more just to have your thumbs rubbed for a couple minutes more?

Same thing with a neck massage. A good massage will incorporate areas of the head and shoulders as well as the neck. What would be the main difference with a techie neck massage? The main posture used by techies is to have their head down with chin close to chest--right? Folks who read in bed may obtain that same posture perhaps...and the same muscles would be involved regardless of the cause.

Packaging of products and services has a lot to do with how they sell and this is what I am referring to here. Packaging of spa treatments is really no different than the packaging of common OTC pain relievers. One drug is called one thing and a manufacturer will take that same drug, add a couple of letters or a buzz word onto its name and all of a sudden that product is "stronger" and/or "lasts longer" -- amazing isn't it?

People who suffer pain syndromes often spend a lot of money in their quest for relief. I can appreciate that. Been there, done that myself, but over the years I have become a bit more savvy as a consumer and a bit more careful about where my hard-earned money goes.

So beware and take care not to waste your money on gimmicks that are out there and around every turn... Be sure to read labels. Find and use only reputable businesses. Ask questions regarding services and know the differences before deciding what to purchase.