Common Neck Cracking Habit May Lead To Dangerous Complications Like Stroke, Expert Warns

A neck cracking is a sound that makes when quick motions loosen the joints and ligaments in the neck. However, some chiropractors believe that cracking your neck incorrectly can outweigh the benefits of the method. All you need to know.

Cracking one's neck for some has become a habitual thing, while others do it to relieve tension or stress. Either way, experts believe that this innocent habit could result in serious consequences that include stroke. The practice of neck cracking is a very common method used by chiropractors, a process known as cervical spine manipulation. Although some chiropractors believe that this process is not high risk, cracking your neck on your own is not advisable because there are nerve and blood vessels that runs through the neck, which may be damaged.

What Is Neck Cracking? And Causes Of Neck Pain

A neck cracking is a sound that makes when quick motions loosen the joints and ligaments in the neck. According to Healthline, when you crack any joints in your body, including neck, the capsules that contain fluid around your joint are stretched. When this happens, it puts less pressure on the joint.

Some of the possible causes of neck pain maybe due to bad posture while sitting or sleeping causing muscle strain. The pain in neck joints are also often attributed to cervical disk degeneration or cervical spondylosis, a condition when your neck's vertebrae wears down. Cancer, miningitis, spinal stenosis, cervical radiculopathy and neck injury caused by motor vehicle sports, etc., are other possible causes for neck pain.

Why Self-Neck Cracking Is Not Recommended?

Neck cracking when it's done right can temporarily relieve joint pressure. However, some chiropractors believe that cracking your neck incorrectly can outweigh the benefits of the method.

Medical News Today reports that neck cracking may increase the risk of stroke. It states that although the risk of injury is low, neck cracking can tear your vertebral artery that supplies blood to the brain, resulting to stroke. It states, "Individuals who have a habit of neck cracking are more prone to having a stroke. This is particularly common in those under the age of 60."

The risk of injury is certain for older people when compared to young adults. This is because young people possess greater muscle, ligament and bone strain, whereas, blood vessels in older people gets harder which may have a greater risk of artery bursting.

Other Risks Of Neck Cracking

Some of the other risks associated with neck cracking include blood clots, osteoarthritis and lack of mobility. Cracking the neck puts pressure on the joints that may lead to blood clothing, and sometimes it can turn to osteoarthritis, which is a condition where the tissue at the end of your bones becomes weaker.

Should You Stop Cracking Your Neck?

Some individuals who are in favour of this practice, according to British Medical Journal (BMJ) 2012 study revealed that cracking the neck is more effective than any other treatments such as exercising the muscles that support the spine. The cervical neck manipulation from a chiropractor has proven to be more effective as it has shown to help migraine, lower back pain, and some joint conditions. It is important to keep in mind for those who choose this treatment should be carried out only by a qualified chiropractor.