How to Crack Your Neck Safely (& When Not To)

We’ve all done it. You roll your neck back, then to the left, then to the right. It feels good. You stretch it out. You may even hear a subtle popping or cracking sound. What’s actually happening when you hear those pops is that gases between the joints are being released. And with that release, you feel a sense of relief.

So, does this mean we should be cracking our necks any time we like at home? The short answer: No. Learn more about why getting support from a professional chiropractor is best practice. Chiro One doctors are here to help you start feeling better and stay healthy longer!

5 Alternative Ways to Relieve Neck Tension

While waiting for relief from a professional, consider these alternative methods to help provide short-term comfort.

1. Stretch neck, back, and shoulders throughout the day: Take time out of your day to stretch. Concentrate on gently moving your neck, back, and shoulders to alleviate tension and keep the blood flowing to the muscles.Chiro One doctors can adjust your neck safely. They use skilled techniques that promote alignment combined with active, in-clinic therapies that provide long-lasting results to reduce your pain and improve muscle memory. 
2. Treat muscle tension with heat or ice: If you’re swelling or experiencing inflammation, apply an ice pack to where the pain radiates. Or, if your neck is feeling stiff or sore, try applying heat to the affected area. A warm towel or heating pad are great tools to apply heat.
3. Apply gentle massage and movement: A gentle neck massage has shown evidence to alleviate chronic pain caused by stress and anxiety. Massages relax and muscles and can even stimulate the release of endorphins.
4. Use anti-inflammatory medicine or supplements: Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can help you find immediate pain relief. Daily supplements such as vitamins can also help prevent further injury and keep your muscles relaxed and healthy.
5. Move regularly throughout the day: Going for a walk or doing yoga helps relax your muscles, supporting flexibility. Getting out into nature and concentrating on breathing relieves tension and pressure.

What are the Benefits of Cracking Your Neck?

Under the right conditions, cracking your joints, including your neck, has numerous benefits. If you’re struggling with pain, cracking your neck can help ease headaches, lower back pain, and other joint injuries. With each pop, synovial fluid bubbles are under less pressure and reduce friction, helping you move more freely. Cracking your neck also helps release endorphins, giving you an immediate satisfaction boost.

What are the Risks of Cracking Your Neck at Home?

While there are potential benefits to cracking your neck, if done improperly at home, negative side effects can occur.

Damage to Surrounding Nerves and Ligaments

One wrong turn or one wrong twist and you could cause damage to the surrounding nerves, muscles, and tissues. The joints in your neck, called facet joints, need to move in a specific way, and if you push them incorrectly or with too much force, you could strain the ligaments in your neck. This could result in problems later in life that need attention.

Damage to Blood Vessels

Essential blood vessels are housed in the neck joints. If too much force is applied, these vessels can become injured. Abrupt force on the neck can even potentially lead to cervical artery dissection, raising your chances of developing blood clotting disorders, which can stimulate a stroke.

Postural Strain

Spinal misalignment can occur, adding pressure or tension to your neck and back. These misalignments causing stress on nearby nerves and tissues should be diagnosed by chiropractic doctors who can help you regain optimal function in the nervous system and spine and support your overall health.

5 Signs You Need to See a Doctor After Cracking Your Neck

Cracking your neck shouldn’t result in new pain or unusual side effects. Symptoms that should result in you going to see a doctor include:

1. Numbness or tingling throughout the body
2. Muscle weakness
3. Ongoing headaches
4. Balance issues
5. Pain or swelling

Learn How to Crack Your Neck Safely With a Chiro One Chiropractor!

Get the relief you need from Chiro One. Instead of relying on yourself to release pressure and gas from your neck joint, see a chiropractor and get a neck adjustment.

Chiro One doctors can adjust your neck safely. Our doctors use skilled techniques that promote alignment combined with active, in-clinic therapies that provide long-lasting results to reduce your pain and improve muscle memory. We can even recommend specific lifestyle changes, customized stretches, targeted exercises, and give you posture advice to help decrease postural misalignments and reduce the stress on your neck and back. 

So, are you ready to start feeling better and stay that way? Schedule an appointment now! Find a chiropractor near you or schedule a consultation online.