21 Dec 2023
A Clicking Neck: Self-Manipulation vs. Chiropractic Care – What’s the Difference?
Lots of people click their own necks; sometimes for relief, sometimes for dramatic effect, sometime just because they can, often without trying to. But what is the difference between clicking it yourself and a Chiropractor doing it?
The need to click one’s own neck is potentially a sign of an underlying problem. Often the need to do it is down to poor posture putting excess stress on the joints in the cervical (neck) spine. Due to the stresses on the spine, the joints become restricted and uncomfortable. If an on-going problem, it may get to the stage of a trapped nerve! When you click your own neck (self manipulating) you are mostly ‘clicking’ either the joint above or below the restricted one that needs to move properly. Chiropractors train over 4-5 years to adjust the right joint in the right way (see picture below). This relieves the restricted joint and frees up any trapped nerves.
Is it Safe to Crack My Own Neck?
The risk in attempting self-neck manipulation is the potential for targeting the wrong joints. While self-adjustment may produce the familiar ‘popping’ sound (caused by the release of trapped air in the joint) similar to a chiropractic adjustment, offering temporary relief through the natural release of pain-relieving endorphins, it can also pose risks.
When a joint is already restricted, the joints both above and below it are working harder to compensate for the limited movement in the stiff joint. Self-adjustment forces these joints to move even more (as illustrated), potentially leading to the stretching of the ligaments supporting the spine. This can result in instability and potential future issues.
Keywords: crack, neck pain, crepitus, neck crepitus, neck cracking, spine, grind, disc, cervical, cracking sound, pain management, spinal, facet joint, arthritis, vertebra, ligament, causes of neck, popping noise, cervical spine, possible causes, cause neck.
So what should I do if I’m always clicking my own neck?
If you find yourself often cracking your own neck, it might be a sign of an underlying issue that could harm your spine’s ligaments. To help, begin by checking your posture to ease stress on your neck and shoulders. Consider getting a thorough evaluation from a chiropractor to assess your spine’s joint movements and functionality. Following their assessment, they might suggest stretches, provide posture tips, and, if necessary, offer a series of chiropractic adjustments to improve your spinal mobility.
To sum it up, it’s important to know the difference between cracking your own neck and seeking chiropractic care for a healthy neck. While DIY neck cracking might give you temporary relief, it can be risky in the long run if you’re not hitting the right spots. Chiropractors, with their specialised training, can offer a safer and more effective solution for your neck concerns. So, if you often catch yourself trying to crack your own neck, consider reaching out to a chiropractor for a professional evaluation and care to keep your neck and spine in top shape.
Written by Bristol Chiropractor – Charles Herbert
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16 Comments
Great article – I love how short and simple you were able to explain why it’s bad to self adjust. The drawing does a great job of summarizing it all!
From one chiropractor to another – keep up the good work!
Dr. Derek Ng
Markham Chiropractic +Rehab
5293 Highway 7, Suite 204
Markham, ON L3P 7M7
MarkhamChiroRehab.com
I’m impressed always new something wasn’t gud bout self adjusting so lesson learnt
Great article with importany information that the public should understand.
I would, however, reserve the word “adjustment” for the spinal corrections that Chiropractors effect. If an individual “cracks” his own spine that is NOT a self adjustment. That just confuses the issue again. The point here is that ONLY a Chiropractor can adjust the spine. Any spinal procedure that is initiated by yourself or someone else for the sole purpose of “clicking or
cracking” should be termed a manipulation.
Is there some research based articles that show the biomechanics behind self-adjusting? I would like to have this support/evidence to turn to when trying to explain to others the faults of this. Thank you!
Thank you for your comment. I have made the necessary tweaks.
In all honesty I wrote this blog in half an hour not expecting it to go viral. I appreciate everyone enjoying and sharing it.
I’m not aware of any research other than this attached. The main emphasis is not that it’s specifically bad, it’s that the need to self manipulate suggests an underlying sublation that takes the Chiropractic adjustment to resolve.
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/crack-research/
I have been asking this question for YEARS, finally an answer more than just, “you can mis-align your spine.” I know I’m out of alignment. Simple, great explanation, and a picture is worth a thousand words.
Thank you.
Great informative article. My husband looks like the third picture (the 42lb one) and he has too much flexibility in the spine. What could help him, readjusting the spine? Thanks again about excellent explanation about self clicking!
It may also suggest the early stages of an underlying movement disorder. have a look at the underlying associated functional neurology relating to the basal ganglia and mesencephalon as a starter.
I love the drawing, I’m going to use it for our patients if you don’t mind.
Cheri
James C. Neumayer, D.C.
Presque Isle, ME 04769
I’ve been cracking my own neck for over 10 years every half hour. It’s so routine and painful if I don’t I’d basically have to live at the chiropractors. Maybe there’s a chance I can get some training by now…even though it’s probably too late.
Fantastic information material. Just what I was looking around for!
All the best
In my very pro-chiropractic family, we call self adjusting “Chirobation”
Yes sir, Dr. Neil! My first chiropractor taught me that… 😉
I always wondered what was happening when I crack my neck – I do it all the time!