When it comes to brain health, most people don’t realize that seemingly harmless everyday habits may quietly raise the risk of dementia, strokes, or even life-threatening brain hemorrhages. Dr. Baibing Chen, a neurologist at the University of Michigan, recently went viral on Instagram after sharing three habits he personally avoids in order to protect his brain and spinal health. His tips sparked concern—and even a bit of controversy—because some of the practices he warned against are commonly used in fitness and even healthcare settings.

The Hidden Dangers of Massage Guns

At the very top of Dr. Chen’s list is the use of massage guns on the neck. While these devices have become popular tools for athletes and gym enthusiasts, he warns that they may cause catastrophic consequences. The vertebral and carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain, run close to the surface of the neck. According to Dr. Chen, repetitive pounding from a massage gun can create dangerous “sheer forces” on these blood vessels, potentially causing tears in the artery wall. This condition, known as arterial dissection, can lead to blood clots that block blood flow and trigger strokes.

Even more concerning, massage guns may loosen plaques inside arteries. Once these plaques travel to the brain, they can cut off circulation and cause a stroke in seconds. Many commenters expressed alarm that chiropractors sometimes use massage guns on patients’ necks, with one ICU specialist noting he had seen several young people suffer catastrophic injuries from such treatments. The neurologist’s warning struck a chord with followers who thought they were using the device safely after workouts, only to learn that neck use could carry major risks.

Loud Music and Dementia Risk

The second habit Dr. Chen avoids may seem unrelated at first: blasting music through earbuds or headphones. He explained that loud noise damages hearing over time, which in turn increases the brain’s workload. When hearing is compromised, the brain must reallocate resources normally used for memory and cognitive functions just to process sound. Over the years, this strain can significantly raise dementia risk.

Research supports his claim: even mild hearing loss doubles the likelihood of dementia, while severe hearing loss raises the risk fivefold. Dr. Chen noted that sounds above 85 decibels—comparable to city traffic—can damage hearing gradually. Exposure to 100 decibels, such as the volume at live concerts or cranked-up earbuds, can cause permanent hearing damage in as little as 15 minutes.

For those already experiencing hearing difficulties, Dr. Chen strongly recommends hearing aids to reduce dementia risk. Some commenters admitted his warning hit home, with one follower saying they weren’t even 30 yet but were already dealing with hearing loss after years of blasting music during their teenage years.

Why You Should Never Hold in a Sneeze

The third and perhaps most surprising warning involved sneezing. While many people instinctively hold in sneezes to avoid embarrassment or spreading germs, Dr. Chen insists this is a dangerous practice. He explained that a sneeze generates internal pressure stronger than that of a car tire. If suppressed, this pressure can forcefully redirect into delicate areas of the body, rupturing eardrums, tearing throat tissue, or even pushing air into the chest cavity.

In rare but serious cases, holding in a sneeze can rupture blood vessels in the brain, causing a subarachnoid hemorrhage—a potentially fatal type of brain bleed. The risk is particularly high in individuals with aneurysms or weakened arteries. His advice was simple: never hold back a sneeze. Instead, release it naturally and cover your mouth and nose with your hands to protect others.

Netizens React to the Warnings

The neurologist’s Instagram post stirred strong reactions online. Many zeroed in on the massage gun warning, with several users reporting that chiropractors had used the devices on their necks during treatment sessions. One commenter cautioned, “Be careful about your neck with a chiropractor,” while another emphatically wrote, “I don’t let my chiropractor touch my neck!!!”

Others focused on the hearing loss point, admitting they were frightened to learn how early damage could lead to dementia later in life. Interestingly, another neurologist who joined the comment thread added more risks to the discussion, saying, “I would never smoke, I wouldn’t use a chiropractor on my neck, and I wouldn’t ride a horse.”

Final Takeaway

Dr. Chen’s message is clear: brain health is fragile, and everyday habits can have long-term consequences. Something as simple as blasting your headphones, suppressing a sneeze, or using a massage gun on the wrong part of your body may quietly raise the risk of devastating conditions like dementia, stroke, or hemorrhage. While his warnings may sound dramatic, his advice boils down to simple, preventative actions—protect your arteries, protect your hearing, and let your body do what it’s naturally meant to do.

By making small but mindful changes, you can give your brain the best chance at staying healthy for decades to come.