Neck Cracking: Harmful or Helpful?
We’ve all done it—twist the neck, hear a pop, and feel instant relief. But what’s really going on when you crack your own neck?
That sound you hear is gas being released from the joint—kind of like opening a soda can. Cracking your neck may give you a quick sense of relief, increased mobility, less pain, and reduced muscle tension.
But here’s the catch . . . Over time, self-adjusting can lead to issues like:
Joint hypermobility
Pinched nerves
Muscle spasms
Further joint jamming
And the need for professional care when things really get stuck
So… helpful or harmful? It can be both. But it becomes more harmful, especially when done repeatedly or improperly.
What’s safer? Try these at home instead of popping your own neck:
Chin tucks – Gently draw your head straight back like you’re making a double chin. This helps improve posture and take pressure off the neck.
Side-to-side neck stretches – Slowly tilt your ear toward your shoulder and hold for 15–30 seconds on each side. This releases tension.
Upper trap and levator scapulae stretches – Sit tall, grab the bottom of your chair with one hand, tilt your head to the opposite side, and slightly forward to stretch the back and side of the neck.
These movements can help relieve tension and improve mobility—without the risks of self-adjusting.
When in doubt, let us as your chiropractor assess and adjust your spine properly. With the right care, there’s no reason for your neck to keep hurting. If you've been cracking your own neck multiple times a day with no relief in sight... book an appointment at the link below and lets get you back to feeling your best!
