Is cracking your neck and making a ‘crack’ sound harmful?

According to structure, the body’s joints consist of an outer layer called the joint capsule, reinforced by ligaments and tendons. Inside and between the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones is the synovium, whose function is to secrete synovial fluid or synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. Synovial fluid also carries nutrients from the blood to nourish joint cartilage. Articular cartilage creates a smooth surface that helps joints move easily.

The metabolic process between articular cartilage cells and the synovial fluid environment produces metabolic products, including gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and CO2. When you rotate your neck or bend other joints in the body, the joint capsule relaxes, reducing pressure in the joint and leading to the release of air in the synovial fluid.

The “crackling” sound when cracking the neck or knuckles is due to the following causes.

Air bubbles in the synovial fluid in the joint burst. During the time these air bubbles re-form, you may feel more comfortable than before, like the pressure in your joints is reduced.

The muscles are stretched to the limit, tight, rubbing around the bones. When the joint moves, the position of the tendons changes and moves slightly. When they return to the correct position, they may make a sound. In addition, muscle tendons rubbing against bones can also make cracking noises.

Quickly stretches the ligaments of the joint, breaking adhesions in the joint.

As the body ages or suffers from arthritis, the articular cartilage that covers the ends of the bones peels off in some places, the joint surface becomes rough and makes a noise when the two ends of the bones rub against each other.

The habit of cracking or shaking the neck or cracking the knuckles incorrectly, creating cracking sounds can cause many ominous consequences.

Causes joint instability: Bending the joint with too much force stretches the ligaments surrounding the joint area, especially the neck joint area. This can sometimes cause ligaments to be stretched and permanently damaged, leading to osteoarthritis, osteoarthritis, and damaged and worn cartilage.

Spinal syndrome: Applying force incorrectly or twisting the neck to create sound can cause misalignment of the spinal system, and in some cases cause pressure on nerves leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Spinal cord compression: Self-rotating, twisting, or cracking the neck can dislocate or deform the disc, causing spinal cord compression. Common symptoms include pain and numbness in the neck and back spreading to the arms or legs.

Affecting the arteries in the neck can increase the risk of stroke.

You should stand up, walk around, and exercise for a few minutes every 45 minutes of work to relax your bones, joints, and muscles. You can rotate your neck to reduce fatigue, but do it slowly and gently. You also need to have a nutritious diet, get enough sleep and practice exercise, nutrition, yoga… to keep your musculoskeletal system flexible and strong.