Cracking your neck isn’t necessarily good or badit depends on how you do it.
However, cracking that causes pain can indicate an underlying injury or medical condition.
A forceful neck-cracking technique (also calledspinal manipulation) can also affect the joints between the spinal vertebrae.
Klaus Vedfelt / Getty Images
Having your neck cracked at thechiropractoris different than cracking your own neck.
Other medical professionals, such as physical therapists or osteopathic doctors, sometimes perform spinal manipulation.
Safer Alternatives
Occasional and gentle neck cracking is generally considered harmless for most healthy individuals.
That said, it should not be done frequently or forcefully.
Cracking your neck can have benefits.
Simply hearing the sound can make your neck feel better due to the placebo effect.
However, the safest way to crack your neck is to see a healthcare provider who performs spinal manipulation.
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