WHEN YOUR NECK IS STIFF, THERE IS ONLY ONE THING YOU WANT: RELIEF.
Neck stiffness is common. It may follow long periods at a desk, an awkward sleeping position, or heavy lifting. A quick neck crack can feel relieving, but that sensation does not confirm that the underlying problem has improved.
BUT IS CRACKING YOUR NECK ANY GOOD FOR YOU?
It depends. An occasional painless sound during normal movement is often harmless. Forceful or repeated neck cracking is different. Sudden pressure can irritate joints and surrounding tissues.
Avoid cracking your own neck when stiffness comes with pain or lasts for several days. A professional evaluation can help identify the cause and suitable next steps.
LEAVE IT TO THE PROFESSIONALS
A friend may apply too much pressure while trying to help. That can cause more harm than relief. Only a licensed and qualified professional should perform a neck or back adjustment.
SO, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU CRACK YOUR NECK?
Several processes can create a popping sound. One is cavitation. Joints contain fluid and dissolved gases that support smooth movement. A change in joint pressure can create the familiar pop. The sound alone does not prove that a joint needed adjustment.
Ligaments and tendons can also move across a joint and create noise. Ligaments connect bone to bone. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Tight or irritated tissues may make these sounds more noticeable during movement.
Joint popping may provide a brief sense of relief. That temporary feeling can encourage a person to repeat the habit. Repeated cracking does not address the cause of ongoing stiffness.
This popping or cracking noise does not necessarily indicate there has been any positive readjustment.
WHEN IS NECK CRACKING BAD FOR YOU?
Neck cracking should not hurt or require force. Stop if it causes pain. Significant stiffness, swelling, weakness, numbness, dizziness, or a severe headache requires prompt medical attention.
Repeated forceful neck manipulation carries risk. Important blood vessels pass through the neck and supply the brain. Seek urgent medical care after neck manipulation if you develop sudden dizziness, vision changes, weakness, trouble speaking, or an unusual severe headache.
Another danger of forceful cracking is overextending your ligaments and tendons, which can weaken their ability to support your head throughout your life.
CAN NECK CRACKING CAUSE ARTHRITIS?
Many people don’t like to hear someone else’s joints popping, and most of us have heard someone tell us that cracking your joints will cause arthritis. But does it? There is no research showing direct links between arthritis and cracking joints.
STIFF NECK? NECK CRACKING ALTERNATIVES
Hold a stretch for at least 20 seconds, release, and repeat until you feel better.
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU NEED TO SEE A PROFESSIONAL?
See a professional when neck stiffness or pain keeps returning. An evaluation can check for an underlying problem and guide appropriate care. Contact Canada Chiropractic to book an appointment.
