Harriet Wetton
Cracking and popping the neck can become a habit for those who are suffering from neck problems. Cracking your neck is very risky, so it is crucial to know how to crack your neck properly to escape your pain and what is neck crackle and popping.
Some research shows that cracking can provide you with psychological and mental relief. In such a scenario, this article will prove to be a helping hand in determining how to crack your neck.
What is neck cracking?
When we talk about neck crackle, the term “crack” is the popping sound that occurs when rapid movements loosen the neck joint and ligaments.
Any joint can be “cracked,” and it is common for people to break their knuckles, lower back, hips, ankles, and toes as well. To know how to crack your neck is quite important if you feel any stretching in your neck joint.
How to crack your neck safely?
You can crack your neck by simply turning your head. It may not be causing harm or damage by doing it irregularly. However, if you are forcing your neck to pop or crack suddenly, you will probably not do much good to yourself.
Cracking your neck yourself may not be the best option if you feel more than “a little stiff” or if you experience stiffness and pain in your neck for several days.
In this case, it will be beneficial for you to visit a chiropractor.
How to crack your neck yourself?
How to crack your neck is not as easy as it seems. There must be some factors that have been undermined in the whole scenario. But you have to follow some major steps for this.
- Begin by stretching your neck, looking down, and then slowly upward several times
- Crack your neck, then lie face down on the floor and roll your body up and down with a foam roller under your neck
- Alternatively, you can grab your jaw with one hand, the back of your head with the other hand, and turn your head
- If you prefer the second option, turn counterclockwise if your left hand is on your jaw and clockwise if your right hand is on your jaw
A physical therapist or chiropractor can advise you on the best-suited treatment plan for your pain or discomfort.
If you have a condition like scoliosis, arthritis, or spinal stenosis, talk to a doctor about the potential risks and benefits of cracking your neck.
What happens when you crack your neck?
When you crack your neck or any joint in your body, you will stretch the capsules that encompass your joints. These capsules hold a fluid, and pulling them allows the fluid to put less stress on the joint.
As the pressure drops, the fluids in the joint change into a gas. When the fluid becomes gas, it makes a popping sound. This method is known as either boiling or cavitation, and usually, it’s not harmful. Once the fluid turns into a gas, your neck joints pop. It is what makes neck cracking feel like it’s releasing pressure from your neck area.
Pros of cracking your neck
Cracking your neck can benefit you in several ways. Just doing it occasionally or gently won’t harm you, but doing it the wrong way, too often, or too forcefully can cause more pain or discomfort than you do.
- Cracking has a positive mental effect. At some point, free and relax your mind.
- Just hearing the creaking sound can make someone feel better, even without pressure.
- Just listening to the crunch can improve it and take the pressure off the joints.
- Cracking your neck also releases endorphins in the neck joint area and helps you control pain.
Cons of cracking your neck
Along with several benefits, some drawbacks are also associated with how to crack your neck. Like;
- Cracking the neck can tear the vertebral artery, which supplies blood to the brain. This tear can lead to a stroke.
- Those who habitually break their necks are more likely to have a stroke. It’s expressly common in those under the age of 60.
- Every time the neck can damage the connective tissue in the spine. Over time, this can reduce mobility and lead to arthritis.
To avoid all these problems, you need to know how to crack your neck; only in this situation can you avoid such issues.
Conclusion
Neck pain and inflexibility are not new or shocking. It can occur simply from spending too much time curled up in place, sleeping poorly, or picking up something too heavy. In such situations, you must have to learn how to crack your neck. Some crave brings comfort and relaxation from a quick crackle in the neck.
People usually do it themselves, although a professional can also do it. Typically, the practitioner performing this procedure is called a chiropractor in neck cracking.
Your friend may offer to give you a hand of help with a stiff neck. But if you want to know how to crack your neck, be aware they could put too much pressure and do more harm than good.
Just get a back or neck adjustment from a licensed chiropractor or physical therapist.
