Danger Dust

How could a trip to the hairdresser turn into a health emergency? Research suggests that sitting at an awkward angle at the backwash basins used for hair washing in many salons can cause neck pain, injury and – on very rare occasions – even a life-threatening stroke.

During the shampooing process, clients are usually asked to sit down and hang their head back over the edge of the washbasin. Research suggests that overextending the head and neck over the rigid rim of the sink is the primary cause of BPSS.

The unusual neck position, neck rotation or sudden jerking movements during vigorous shampooing can cause the backbones of the higher spinal column around the neck area to push against one of the major blood vessels that supply blood to the back and bottom of the brain. Some cases of BPSS have also been caused by bone spurs – tiny bone fragments from lumps on the spine – that can either compress or tear the artery next to them.