Throat cancer, neck pain

Hello GlennS,

Thanks for getting in touch. My name is Megan, I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses on the Macmillan Support Line.

Welcome to the online community. I can see you have yet to join any of our forums. You might be interested in exploring our head and neck cancer forum for further information and support.

We have information on the late effects of head and neck cancer treatment where we explain that stiffness in the neck and shoulders can take time to develop.

We further discuss managing neck and shoulder changes in our information neck and shoulder problems after head and neck cancer treatment.

Although we speak about the benefits of fingertip massage within this information, rather than proceeding with a massage gun, as per our advice I would recommend speaking to a physiotherapist, cancer doctor or nurse first as they may be able to show you appropriate exercises to improve movement and pain.

Complementary therapies including massage may also be available through your local cancer support services. But as the cancer support charity Maggie’s explains you should still speak with your hospital team before you start using them.

As it has been a while since you finished your treatment, you may not have regular contact with your hospital team as you once did. If you can no longer contact them, you can also speak to your GP for further advice and for referral to a physiotherapist.

I hope this information is useful. Please don’t hesitate to get back in contact by email, webchat or phone, if you need further information or support.

The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.

Best wishes, Megan

Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

Ref MD/LA

Thank you Megan