(WKBN) – Many of us crack our necks to relieve some tension without thinking twice about it — but is that actually harmful to us?
When you crack your neck, the noise you hear is due to ligaments or tendons “rolling over each other,” negative pressure within a joint, or skin detaching from soft connective tissue called fascia, as explained by Cleveland Clinic chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC.
A little bit of cracking is fine as long as you don’t overdo it, Dr. Deborah Benzil, a neurosurgeon with the Cleveland Clinic, said last week.
“If your neck cracks once or twice during the day, that’s normal,” Bang noted. “However, if this cracking happens frequently, such as every hour or every few minutes, it’s time to reassess the situation.”
Too much neck cracking can lead to joint instability, pinched nerves, and other injuries.
Benzil recommends finding other ways to relieve that tension and encourages people to maintain good posture, especially if you have an office job.
“If you’re using a keyboard that is placed too low, it forces your posture forward. But by adjusting your chair and equipment to the correct height, you can maintain a posture that is best for you,” Benzil stated.
Bang also highlighted the impact of cellphone use. Holding your phone down in your lap can cause strain, so trying to keep it at eye level could alleviate neck pressure. If you feel like you need to crack your neck, Bang suggested trying some stretches first.
Benzil and Bang both noted that those who regularly experience neck or back pain should check in with their doctor to find out what’s causing it.
