Can You Break Your Neck from Cracking It? Safety and Risks

Can You Break Your Neck Cracking It?

Cracking or popping your neck is a common habit for many people. But can cracking your neck lead to more serious injuries like a broken neck? Here's a look at the facts and safety concerns around neck cracking.

What Causes the Cracking Sound?

When you crack your neck, you are manipulating the cervical spine to stretch the joints and release trapped gas bubbles or pockets of fluid. This produces an audible "pop" or cracking noise.

Specifically, the sound comes from gas bubbles forming in the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints. When the joint stretches, so does the bubble until it eventually bursts, creating the cracking sound.

Can Neck Cracking Break Your Neck?

There are no documented cases of someone breaking their neck simply from cracking it. The vertebrae of the cervical spine are held together by very strong ligaments and muscles.

So cracking your neck alone without any extreme twisting force or trauma will not cause bones, ligaments or muscles to tear or fracture. Neck manipulation alone is highly unlikely to break your neck.

Dangers of Forceful Neck Cracking

While a typical neck crack poses little danger, trying to aggressively crack your neck in ways that over-stretch the cervical joints can increase injury risk.

Twisting the neck too far side to side places excessive strain on the stabilizing ligaments. Overextending the neck backward also risks overstretching and damaging ligaments or facet joints.

Using too much self-manipulation force also raises the chances of muscle strains or sprains in the neck area. Overall, quick light neck cracks do not present much risk.

Risks of Chiropractic Neck Manipulation

While neck cracking alone is unlikely to cause injury, having your neck cracked by a chiropractor has some additional risks in rare cases.

A small number of serious injuries from chiropractic neck manipulation have occurred. However, the overall incidence rate is extremely low at around 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 400,000 treatments.

The most serious risk is damage to arteries supplying the brain, potentially leading to a stroke. Other injuries can include herniated discs, nerve damage, and hematomas.

Can Cracking Your Neck Lead to Arthritis?

There is a widespread misconception that cracking your neck can cause arthritis. However, current research has found no evidence that neck cracking leads to degenerative arthritis.

No Link Found Between Neck Cracking and Arthritis

Multiple studies have looked for a connection between neck cracking and the development of cervical arthritis. But no research to date has found any correlation.

In one study, radiographic imaging showed people who frequently cracked their neck had no difference in onset of arthritis compared to those who didnt crack their neck.

There were also no associations between neck cracking and reduced bone density or disc degeneration. Available data suggests neck cracking does not cause or worsen arthritis.

Neck Cracking Does Not Damage Bones and Cartilage

Cracking the neck does not actually place any direct force or strain on the cervical bones and cartilage. Thus, it does not cause the types of architectural changes or damage linked to arthritis.

The manipulations involved in neck cracking also do not create enough force to tear ligaments or put pressure on nearby nerves. Overall, routine neck cracking appears benign to joint health.

Habitual Neck Cracking Unlikely to Be Harmful

While more research is still needed, most doctors believe that occasional neck cracking is not harmful or likely to cause future issues. There are no clear orthopedic or neurologic complications.

However, habitual forceful neck manipulation that puts strain on the cervical joints could potentially cause problems over many years. Moderation is key.

When to Avoid Neck Cracking

While neck cracking is generally safe for most people, certain conditions may make it more hazardous.

Recent Injuries or Surgeries

You should avoid neck cracking if you've recently injured your neck, such as a muscle strain or ligament sprain. Cracking could worsen the injury and delay healing.

Also avoid neck manipulations if you've had any recent neck or upper spine surgeries. Discuss with your surgeon when it is safe to resume neck movements like cracking.

Herniated Discs

People with herniated discs in their neck should use caution or avoid neck cracking altogether. The manipulation and twisting could potentially worsen or aggravate the disc protrusion.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis, which is an age-related narrowing of the spine, may also make neck cracking risky. The twisting motion involved can compress nerves, possibly causing numbness and tingling.

Osteoporosis

Individuals with osteoporosis or weakened bone density have an increased chance of fractures from neck manipulations. The compression forces generated could potentially break a vertebra.

Connective Tissue Disorders

People with connective tissue disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affect joint stability and healing may be at greater risk of injury from neck cracking.

When to Seek Medical Care for Neck Cracking

In most cases, you do not need to see a doctor simply for cracking your neck. However, you should seek medical evaluation for certain symptoms after neck manipulations.

Severe or Persistent Pain

If cracking your neck causes severe sharp pain or aching that does not resolve within a few days, consult your physician. This could signify an injury that needs treatment.

Muscle Weakness

Sudden muscle weakness or numbness after neck cracking may indicate a nerve issue or disc injury. Seek emergency care for symptoms like difficulty lifting your arms or loss of dexterity in your hands.

Loss of Bladder or Bowel Control

Loss of bladder or bowel control after neck manipulation requires urgent medical care. This can occur with severe spinal cord injuries.

Headaches

New onset of headaches or migraines following neck cracking may be a warning sign. See your doctor to rule out issues like vertebral artery dissection.

Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded or dizzy after cracking your neck could stem from irritation of arteries or cervical instability. Seek care if symptoms do not quickly resolve.

Overall, talk to your doctor if any concerning or prolonged symptoms arise from neck cracking. Prompt evaluation can determine if any treatment is needed.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.