Why Does My Neck Crack When I Roll It?

Why does my neck crack when I roll it?” Cracking joints is a very common habit, and nearly all of us have done it at some point, whether it’s our knuckles, fingers, or toes. But joints aren’t limited to just hands and feet — any joint can crack, including those in your cervical spine or neck. So, what causes that cracking or popping sound? When our joints move, it affects the tendons and ligaments, which are the fibers that connect our bones and muscles in the joint. If a tendon is moved slightly out of place, it may make a snapping or cracking noise when it returns to its proper position. When joints are affected by arthritis, the cartilage typically loses its smoothness. There are a few ways that cracking your neck joints may benefit you, but you should always talk to your chiropractor beforehand. Sometimes just hearing the cracking sound creates a placebo effect. Cracking your neck with too much force can pinch the nerves in your neck, causing a great deal of pain and making it difficult or near impossible to move. So, how do you stop your neck from cracking? The first thing you can do is stretch your neck muscles. You should also mobilize your neck in all directions. If your neck is stiff and has a poor range of motion, the problem is likely more joint-related. To schedule your free consultation with an expert chiropractor at the Arrowhead Clinic, call 800-961-PAIN.