If you’re struggling with persistent neck pain or stiffness, you may try to crack the joint on your own. Although doing so may provide temporary relief, the long-term effects may be dangerous because you don’t have the education and training to manipulate joints correctly. Understanding the risks of self-treatment is crucial to ensure proper care and attainment of long-lasting comfort.

Why It’s Not Healthy to Crack Your Neck

The key to safely adjusting your neck is knowing how to move the joints into the right position with the right amount of pressure. If you twist your head with too much force, you could pinch the nerves, which will only exacerbate the stiffness and lead to joint pain and muscle tears. Furthermore, you could damage the arteries or puncture the blood vessels in your neck. Any impact on the flow of blood to the brain increases your risk for stroke. 

Additionally, if you crack your neck regularly, you could develop hypermobility in the joints. When this occurs, the ligaments become permanently stretched, causing instability and increasing your risk for osteoarthritis.

How to Relieve Neck Pain Instead

If you’re frustrated with neck pain or joint stiffness, the safest treatment option is an appointment with a chiropractor. During these professional medical sessions, a chiropractor will adjust the spine and neck to relieve pressure and the buildup of lactic acid, which irritates joints and nerves. They will also recommend lifestyle changes to prevent further discomfort, including exercises to strengthen and gently stretch the neck, pillows to improve sleeping position, and changes to desk setup and workstation posture. 

If you’re seeking professional help to treat neck pain, turn to Gateway Chiropractic Center in Crossville, TN. For over 30 years, they’ve provided accurate and effective evaluations and treatments to help patients quickly recover from injuries and discomfort. Call (931) 484-3135 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their services.