If you’re like many people, you may crack your neck without thinking to relieve neck pain. However, this seemingly innocent activity could be putting you at risk for serious injury. Find out why you should leave this task up to a chiropractic care professional with the guide below.

Why Does Your Neck Crack?

The cracking noise you hear when you put tension on your neck occurs when joints and ligaments are loosened by quick or forceful motions. The same can happen with other joints, including knuckles, knees, hips, and ankles. Sometimes, a snapping noise may occur when a tendon moves slightly and then returns to its proper place. In other cases, the sound is caused by escaping gas.

Joints have fluid that allows tissue and bone to move without friction. The fluid is comprised of gases, which can be released if the joints of the neck are manipulated. This is responsible for the temporary relief in neck pain you may feel. 

What’s the Risk of Doing It Yourself?

Although your cracking habit may temporarily relieve your neck pain, it could leave you vulnerable to serious injury. Untrained cracking may tear the vertebral artery, which transports blood to the brain. There’s also a possibility that cracking could cause blood clots. Cracking your own neck can also damage connective tissue and put pressure on the joints in the neck, which can lead to issues like diminished mobility and instability.

If you’re experiencing neck pain and want to get relief the right way, turn to Mountain Spring Chiropractic in Augusta County, VA. The practice’s experienced chiropractor, Dr. Elizabeth Kautz, knows how to perform adjustments carefully and effectively to relieve tension without putting pressure on your joints, thereby minimizing the risk of cracking your neck on your own. Explore their services and techniques online or call (540) 943-0022 to schedule an appointment.