If you’ve ever moved your neck or turned your head and heard a loud “pop!” or cracking noise, you’re not alone. Many people experience this phenomenon when moving their neck naturally, or intentionally to cause the popping or cracking. In this post, we’ll be answering what is actually happening when this popping or cracking occurs.
What Causes Neck Cracking?
The sounds you hear usually emanate from tiny gas bubbles which build up within the actual fluid of your neck joints. When you move your head and neck, the pressure built up within from these gas bubbles changes and subsequently releases said bubbles, typically causing a feeling of relief for many individuals. This process is called “cavitation”, and in most cases it’s harmless.
With this being said, neck cracking may end up originating from ligaments or tendons snapping over bone material, especially if you do happen to have extremely tight or imbalanced neck muscle structure. Poorly framed posture, repetition in movements, or spending extended periods of time looking down at your phone or computer and craning your neck may end up exacerbating this condition.
When Should You Be Concerned with Your Neck Cracking?
Occasional neck cracking is completely normal in most cases, yet it’s still worth paying attention to if the following occurs:
- The cracking is followed by noticeable pain or stiffness
- You begin to notice numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or hands soon after the cracking or popping of your neck
- You’ve experienced a recent injury or trauma to your neck area
These could ultimately be signs of an underlying medical issue such as arthritis, disc degeneration, or nerve compression which needs prompt medical attention to avoid further issues down the line.
How to Keep Your Neck Healthy
- Try your best to maintain good posture throughout the day, especially when working at a computer
- Take regular breaks to stretch your neck and shoulders, allowing circulation and movement to break up stiffness and discomfort
- Strengthen your core and upper back muscles for better spinal support and strength
- Avoid forcing your neck to crack, as this can possibly cause strain or injury over time if it becomes a habit
Contact Us Today if Your Neck Cracking is Beginning to Bother You
If frequent cracking or discomfort in your neck is starting to bother you and become an issue, you’ll want to schedule an appointment at Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants using the form below. We can evaluate your condition and determine the underlying cause. From there, we’ll recommend a safe, effective treatment plan to have you feeling your best. We look forward to hearing from you soon and we’re eager to begin helping you restore your health.
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.