How To Stop Neck Cracking All Of Your Faqs Answered

Your neck contains delicate nerves and blood vessels, so it’s important to always be gentle!

Natural cracks and pops can also occur when a ligament or tendon moves around a bone in the neck. This is more likely if the muscles and tissues in the neck are too tight, but it can also occur as the muscles and tissues in the neck become less elastic with age. In some cases, neck cracking can be the result of bones rubbing against each other due to osteoarthritis or disc degeneration.

Some research has shown that people associate the sound of their neck cracking with a feeling of relief, even when there isn’t actually any tension being released. [13] X Research source That could be why many people feel temporary relief when they crack their neck on their own.

A doctor might suggest that you wear a soft neck collar for short periods of time to help immobilize your neck. Your doctor might also suggest steroid injections to help you manage the pain. In physical therapy, your therapist may coach you on good posture habits, teach you neck-strengthening exercises, and help you manage your pain with applied heat or ice.

Your neck might be supplying more stability than it should be if you’re feeling really stiff. [16] X Expert Source Eric Christensen, DPTPhysical Therapist Expert Interview. 17 March 2021. Exercise like the chin tuck can help lower this pain around your neck and upper back muscles. [17] X Research source

Painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen may also help you manage the pain—just be sure to follow the correct dosage instructions on the bottle. [19] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source

Good posture doesn’t just help with neck pain—it also helps prevent back pain. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

For instance, acupuncture may not be a good option if you take an anticoagulant. [24] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source