Is It Bad to Crack Your Neck?

We get asked this question in our centres a lot. Often just after someone cracks their neck in front of us during their initial appointment. So, is it bad? Yes and no.

It all depends on if you’re doing it intentionally or not and how often.

Some people are naturally more clicky or cracky than others. Sometimes just turning their head causes a popping sound. This isn’t going to cause any harm. Strengthening up the neck muscles around the neck and upper back can help stabilise the joints so they don’t’ click as often.

“Feeling the need to click your own neck on a regular basis can signify an underlying imbalance in your spine.”

If you are trying to click your own neck then this can be a problem. Feeling the need to click your own neck on a regular basis can signify an underlying imbalance in your spine. Although cracking your neck can provide relief, it rarely addresses the underlying issue. Over time people often find themselves cracking their necks more and more frequently; often we meet people who do it multiple times per day! And that’s not great.

Feeling the Urge to Crack Your Neck? Understanding the Risks and Alternatives

Do you often find yourself cracking your neck? This urge to crack your neck may stem from neck stiffness or a feeling of pressure in the joints. While cracking or popping your neck can make you feel good temporarily due to the release of endorphins, it’s essential to understand why it might be bad for you.

Why Do People Crack Their Neck?

The need to crack your neck usually arises from a build-up of tension within the joint capsules of the neck and shoulders. This is often due to prolonged periods in front of a computer or phone, leading to muscles around the neck tightening up. Over time, this can cause the facet joints in your spine to lock up, limiting your normal range of motion and leading to a feeling of stiffness in the neck.

Is Cracking Your Neck Dangerous?

When you crack your own neck, you might be moving your neck in ways that cause more harm than good. Often, the popping noise you hear is just the joint above or below the stiff one compensating, not the actual problem area being addressed. This might provide temporary relief but can exacerbate the underlying cause of your discomfort.

The Risks Involved

Cracking your neck frequently can lead to several issues:

• It may exacerbate an existing neck problem or even lead to chronic neck pain and stiffness.
• There’s a risk of causing instability or unusual swelling in your neck, potentially aggravating nerves in your neck.
• In some cases, excessive cracking might lead to conditions like osteoarthritis or hypermobility.
• Constant pain or discomfort in the neck, even if no pressure is applied, is a sign that it’s time to consult a professional.

Seeking Professional Help

Instead of popping your neck, consider seeing a chiropractor or a physical therapist. These orthopaedic specialists can treat your neck safely, addressing the underlying cause of your neck stiffness or discomfort. They can also provide exercises to improve the range of motion in your neck, reducing the urge to crack.

Prevention and Care

• Practice good posture, especially when using computers or phones, to reduce tension around the neck.
• Regular exercise and stretching can help maintain a healthy range of motion in every joint in your body.
• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy diet to support joint health.

When to Make an Appointment

Experiencing the need to crack your neck frequently, especially if accompanied by unusual symptoms like instability, constant pain or discomfort, or if you have a history of neck injury, signals that it’s time to consult a healthcare professional. Taking proactive steps to seek expert assessment and care is vital for maintaining the health and functionality of your neck and joints.

Why Choose a Chiropractor?

As a Chiropractor, I advocate for the unique benefits that chiropractic care offers. While there are various health professionals who can provide valuable care, my bias towards chiropractic treatment stems from its focused approach on addressing the root causes of joint issues. We’re not just about offering temporary relief; we aim to resolve the core problems.

The Role of a Chiropractor

A Chiropractor is specifically trained to identify and correct what we call ‘subluxations’ – essentially, misalignments or dysfunctions in your joints. By accurately locating and gently manipulating these stuck joints, we ensure they move correctly, addressing underlying issues effectively. This method goes beyond providing momentary comfort and works towards long-term wellness.

A Thought-Provoking Insight

Consider this profound observation by Tapio Videman, M.D., in Clinical Biomechanics, 1987: “When ‘immobilisation’ (a Chiropractic subluxation) occurs in a joint and remains there for more than 10-15 days, that joint begins to degenerate.” This highlights the importance of not delaying treatment and keeping your spine healthy and mobile.

Plan for Future Wellness

Seeking professional chiropractic care is an investment in your future health. The older version of you will certainly be grateful for the steps you take today to ensure a healthy, well-functioning spine.

Book an Appointment with Us

If you’re interested in address your neck cracking once and for all, we can help. To book an appointment, simply give us a call at 0808 503 7501, or click here to book an appointment online. Discover more about our range of chiropractic services and how we can help you achieve optimal spinal health.