Gently or occasionally cracking your neck may not cause any harm. But doing it incorrectly, too frequently, or too forcefully can actually cause more pain or discomfort.
Cracking your joints is a common habit. We crack our knuckles, fingers, toes, backs, and even our necks.
But not everyone does it for the same reason. Some do it to release the pressure in their shoulders or necks or as a reaction to stress. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of habit.
But is there actually any benefit to cracking your neck? The answer is yes and no.
Keep reading to learn more about the potential risks, what’s happening when you try to crack your own neck, and when to seek help.
When you crack your neck or any joint in your body, the capsules around your joint are stretched. These capsules contain fluid, and stretching them allows the fluid to put less pressure on the joint.
As the pressure decreases, the fluids in the joint turn to gas. When the fluid becomes a gas, it makes a popping noise. This process is known as boiling or cavitation, and it usually isn’t harmful.
In the case of your neck, you have several sets of joints called facet joints. These joints are located on each side of your neck.
When you crack your neck, the facet joints stretch, allowing fluid to spread out in the joint capsule. Once the fluid becomes gas, your neck joints pop.
This is what makes neck cracking feel like it’s releasing pressure from your neck area.
Neck cracking, especially when it’s done right and not too often, may temporarily relieve joint pressure.
Although cracking your neck can benefit you in a few ways, you should always talk with a doctor or chiropractor before doing so. They can advise you on whether it’s safe for you and recommend other options for relief.
One 2011 study showed that having your neck cracked by a chiropractor can have a positive mental effect. That’s because many people associate cracking sounds with the release of pressure and successful joint adjustment.
In some cases, just hearing the cracking sound can make someone feel better, even if no pressure was released or the joint wasn’t even fully or successfully adjusted. This is known as a “placebo effect.”
Cracking your neck also releases endorphins in the bloodstream. Endorphins are produced by your pituitary gland and are released by your body to help manage pain. When you crack your neck, endorphins are released. This gives you a feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.
Cracking your neck too forcefully can pinch the nerves in your neck. Pinching a nerve can be extremely painful and make it difficult or impossible to move your neck.
Cracking your neck too hard can also strain the muscles around your joints and the joints themselves. When your muscles or joints become strained, moving your neck can feel like a chore.
Feeling like you need to crack your neck a lot may be a result of hypermobility. This is when your joint has a larger range of motion than expected.
When you give in to the urge to crack your neck a lot, the ligaments in your joints can get permanently stretched. This is called perpetual instability. When this happens, your neck joints are more at risk of developing osteoarthritis.
Your neck is home to many important blood vessels. In some cases, cracking your neck too hard or too often can puncture one of these blood vessels. It can also cause blood clotting, which can be dangerous as it blocks blood flow to your brain.
If you crack your neck regularly but don’t feel any sort of constant pain or discomfort, you likely don’t need to seek chiropractic or any other kind of medical care.
But if you’re cracking your neck frequently and never seem to feel satisfied, you may benefit from chiropractic care. This can help you feel less of an urge to crack your neck all the time.
You should also consult a doctor if:
- You notice any unusual swelling in your neck, as this can be a sign of fluid buildup, injury, or infection
- You feel pain in your neck joint, especially chronic pain that doesn’t have any noticeable cause
- Your joints are starting to become less mobile because of age or a condition like osteoarthritis
A chiropractor can help manipulate your joints, which may prevent the feeling of pressure or pain that makes you want to crack your neck.
There’s mixed evidence regarding chiropractic care. Some find benefits in using it. However, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is inconclusive.
If it’s not done correctly, there can be
A chiropractor may also advise you on how to change your lifestyle, such as exercising or maintaining a moderate weight, to minimize neck pressure or pain.
They may also give you tips on how to treat your neck at home, such as using heat or cold to reduce pain or swelling.
Neck cracking may provide temporary relief for some people.
But if you’re doing it a lot and feeling constant pressure or pain, talk with a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose and treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your discomfort.
If you ask your healthcare professional how you can crack your neck properly, they can help you prevent long-term damage to your neck joints and the surrounding tissues, muscles, and nerves.