Cracking the neck and back joints can cause joint hypermobility, sprains, strains due to taking the joint too far beyond the range of motion, and even stroke.
Many people have the habit of cracking their back or neck joints to relieve fatigue and relieve tension. According to Dr. William Kemo, a neurosurgeon at the Virginia Spine Institute, USA, when a person stretches or bends the spine, the pressure in the joints will change. This causes air bubbles in the joints to be suddenly released, resulting in a cracking sound. This is the sound of a tight joint.
Tori Hartline, a chiropractor at Sunlife Chiropractic, says the act of cracking a joint can release endorphins (feel-good chemicals in the body) to temporarily relieve pain. However, it does not address the source of the tightness. If you crack your joints too hard, some people can even get injured.
Typically, a trained chiropractor can look for restrictive joints in the spine to make specific adjustments to reduce stress and improve range of motion. When a layperson cracks their back or neck, the joints that release air bubbles are often hypermobile. At that time, the joints in the restricted area are forced to move to compensate. Thus, air bubble cracks do not solve the core problem. It can also lead to many other injuries.
Dr. Hartline says the habit of cracking the back or neck can lead to joint hypermobility, sprains or strains by taking the joint too far beyond the proper range of motion. In rare cases, people can even break bones if they use too much force.
Dr. Kemo warns that cracking your back can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your life. The habit leads to strain on the muscles and ligaments around the spine, potentially causing injury or exacerbating existing bone and joint problems.
Illustration of a neck cracking movement similar to the habits of many people. Image: Adobe Stock
According to Dr. Todd Sinett, a chiropractor at Tru Whole Care, cracking the neck joint is especially dangerous. This can impede blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke.
If you feel neck strain, experts recommend that people choose other forms of relaxation that do not cause potential problems with the spine. Dr. Kemo suggests doing daily stretches, looking at core exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.
“Check your daily habits to see if they easily cause your body to tense, such as slouching when sitting in a chair or in a car, looking down for long periods of time, or sleeping in a certain position,” said Dr. Doctor Kemo said.
If pain persists, he recommends that people consult a medical professional for appropriate treatment.