Is cracking your own neck; safe or not?
Is it safe to crack your own neck or back? Generally speaking, yes, but also, NO! While the temporary relief may feel good, you should see a professional to ensure you aren’t doing more harm than good. Here’s why:
What happens when you crack your neck or back?
The “popping” sound you hear when you crack your neck or other joints in your body is the air being released by bursting bubbles that build up around joints. Ultimately, you are releasing pressure that is being placed on the joints.
Is it safe to crack your own neck?
This question usually leads one to ask, why are you wanting to crack your neck? It’s usually because it feels stiff and cracking makes it feel better for a short period of time, but this may indicate there’s an underlying issue that you should see a chiropractor for. If you are stretching and your neck cracks, it’s not likely a big deal but if you are intentionally trying to manipulate your neck then you could be worsening an underlying issue.
Chiropractors are doctors trained in spinal health. X-rays will show the exact cause of the stress on your spine that is causing pain. Your chiropractor will then perform specific spinal adjustments meant to return your spine to proper alignment. Cracking your neck or back may disrupt proper alignment, causing more significant problems later.
When you crack your neck, you are also stretching ligaments. If you do this continuously, you can cause joint stability issues, like slipped discs. Chiropractors are trained to effectively fix misalignments in the spine without causing other problems. While a twist every now and then is ok, you should never let someone walk on or pound your back, as this can lead to serious injury.
Benefits of Seeing a Chiropractor
While you do hear the familiar “popping” sound associated with cracking your neck, corrective chiropractic goes far beyond “neck cracking.” Chiropractic is a complete system of healthcare focused on restoring, preserving, and optimizing health by correcting abnormal spinal alignment. Seeing a chiropractor has many benefits, including:
- Improved posture
- Help with headaches
- Healing disc herniations
- Increased circulation
- Pain relief
- Better range of motion and flexibility
We hope this has helped share information on whether you should crack your neck or back yourself. If ever in doubt, or especially if you are feeling any pain when trying to work out a kink, you should always make an appointment with your local chiropractor.
Chiropractors in Oviedo, Florida
Leave it to our professionals! At ProCare Oviedo Chiropractors, our doctors are passionate about optimizing our patient’s quality of life. We focus on corrective chiropractic to help you find relief. Our office serves Oviedo, Casselberry, Winter Springs, and other areas around Central Florida. We are currently offering a new patient special and would love to introduce you to the many amazing benefits of chiropractic care.
