A top neurologist has gone viral for warning the public about three everyday habits that could pose serious risks to brain health—including one that’s become popular in gyms and homes around the world: using a massage gun on your neck.
Dr. Baibing Chen, a neurologist from the University of Michigan, issued the warning in a video shared with his 163,000 Instagram followers. The clip, which has already racked up over 8 million views, outlines three activities he personally avoids to protect his brain: using a massage gun on the neck, blasting loud music through headphones, and holding in sneezes.
“I would never use a massage gun on my neck,” said Dr. Chen. “The vertebral and carotid arteries in the neck are vulnerable to repetitive shear forces from massage guns, which can damage them.”
These arteries are crucial for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the brain. According to Dr. Chen, repeated use of massage guns in this sensitive area could increase the risk of arterial tears, blood clots, and ultimately, ischemic stroke—a type of stroke that occurs when blood flow to the brain is blocked. He also noted that direct pressure could dislodge plaque buildup in arteries, sending clots to the brain.
Strokes are a major cause of death and disability worldwide. In the UK alone, more than 100,000 people suffer from strokes each year, with around a quarter caused by blocked carotid arteries. Common symptoms include facial drooping, arm weakness, and slurred speech—often appearing suddenly. Emergency services should be contacted immediately if a stroke is suspected.
Dr. Chen also cautioned against suppressing sneezes. “Sneezing creates internal pressure higher than that of a car tire,” he explained. “Holding it in can force that pressure into sensitive areas, potentially causing eardrum ruptures, torn throat tissues, or even rare but serious brain hemorrhages.”
This type of bleeding in the brain, known as a subarachnoid hemorrhage, can occur without warning and is often triggered by physical strain such as coughing, lifting heavy objects, or suppressing a sneeze. Symptoms include a sudden, severe headache, neck stiffness, nausea, and even loss of consciousness.
The third brain-health hazard Dr. Chen highlighted was loud music through headphones. He advised always turning the volume down before plugging in. “It’s not just your ears at risk—loud music can affect your brain too,” he warned.
Emerging research has linked untreated hearing loss to a greater risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Experts now believe hearing loss may contribute to up to one-third of dementia cases. Dr. Chen explained that when the brain struggles to process sound, it reallocates mental resources away from memory and thinking, which can accelerate cognitive deterioration.
Exposure to sounds over 85 decibels—comparable to city traffic—can cause damage over time, while levels above 100 decibels, like those from concerts or earbuds at maximum volume, may result in permanent hearing loss in just 15 minutes.
With these everyday risks in mind, Dr. Chen urged people to be more cautious with their daily routines, especially when it comes to protecting their brain health.
