#1 What happens when you crack your neck?
When you crack your neck, the cracking noise originates from synovial fluid inside the joint.
#2 When you crack your neck, or a different joint, the joint capsule stretches.
When the joint stretches, the fluid inside the joint, called synovial fluid, releases a bubble of air.
#3 When the bubble pops and an audible crack is produced.
But cracking your neck to relieve pain and pressure is only a temporary fix and can lead to problems down the road.
#4 Problems associated with cracking your neck:
At worst, a small tear could form on the vertebral artery, which could one day lead to stroke.
#5 Cracking joints too often can stretch ligaments.
Stretched ligaments are weaker and cause more pain because they cannot offer proper support.
#6 Cracking your neck at home is not the same thing as seeing a chiropractor.
At the chiropractor you will receive a spinal adjustment. Cracking your neck at home will only releases an air gas bubble in the synovial fluid, providing temporary relief.
