- My spine cracks a lot and with fairly easy movement why is this(no pain occurs by the way)? Is cracking my back the cause? 1 doctor answer Dr. Chris Faubel answered.
- Movement around Bones – Tendons and ligaments move around the muscles and bones in the neck region. They may create a snapping sound while moving and result in cracking of the neck. Problems in the Joints – Diseases like arthritis and osteoporosis have a degenerative effect on the bones and lead to roughening of the joints.
- Just below the lumbar spine, lies the weight-bearing joint known as sacroiliac joint. Problems are most likely to arise, if the lumbar vertebrae or the sacroiliac joint are strained beyond tolerable limits. Popping or clicking sounds could sometimes be a sign of excessive strain on the lumbar region.
It's easy to think back pain is just part of getting older. If you're nearing age 60, it may be a sign that you have tiny cracks in the bones called vertebrae that form your.
One of the first things many people do when they wake up in the morning, or after a long day at work, is twist their neck or spine until they feel those familiar, relieving pops running down their back.
Does this sound like you?
Well, you're not alone.
As a matter of fact, studies have shown that up to 45% of people crack at least one of the joints in their body on a daily basis.
But anyone who has cracked their back, knuckles, ankles, toes, etc. for a long time has likely heard the rumor that the habit can do some terrible things to your joints, including causing arthritis.
But are those rumors actually true?
Is cracking your back bad for you?
In moderation, the answer is no. Studies have shown that occasionally cracking your back can help relieve pressure in your spine without adverse effects. However, when done habitually, popping can cause excessive wear on your joints and potentially lead to premature breakdown.
Okay, so you have our official answer, now here's how we got to the conclusion:
It turns out that many smart, and a few reckless, people over the years have wondered what the effects of habitually cracking joints are. This being the case, there has been a lot research done on the topic.
But before we get into the nitty-gritty of cracks and pops, we thought it would be helpful to help shed a little light on a few things:
We wanted to make sure that everyone knows what a joint actually is. Simple enough.
We wanted to explain why joints actually crack.
What are joints?
Every time two or more bones in the body come together, they are connected by a joint. There are approximately 360 joints located throughout the human body and their primary responsibility is to connect the bones and, depending on the type of joint, allow smooth movement at the point of connection, much like a hinge connects a door to the wall.
There are three main types of joints in the body:
Fibrous Joints: Fibrous joints are the only joints in the body that don't move. They are made up primarily of collagen and are used to unite two different, immovable bones together. For example, the cranium portion of your skull is made up of eight bones. These bones are connected by fibrous joints.
Cartilaginous Joints: Cartilaginous joints allow for limited movement and hold bones together with (surprise, surprise) cartilage! Cartilaginous joints are the ones responsible for holding the vertebrae in the spine in place.
Synovial Joints: Synovial joints are probably what you think of when you hear the word 'joint'. They're the joints that make up the shoulders, elbows, knees, toes, etc. and allow for the most movement between bones. It's also important to note that these joints contain synovial fluid which helps ensure smooth movement.
Not so hard, right?
Now, let's talk about why your back cracks:
Why does your back crack?
There are a number of a reasons that your back can crack, but it's believed to typically the result of gases like nitrogen and carbon dioxide being put under pressure in the joints of your spine and forming bubbles.
Notice we said 'typically'. Here's the thing: no one is exactly sure why your joints pop when you put pressure on them.
Way back in the day (aka 1947), two doctors at St. Thomas Hospital in London tried to figure out why joints crack. To do this, they tied a string around the fingers of several volunteer's fingers and pulled until they heard the knuckle crack and captured it all using x-ray images.
In the end, they found that a popping sound occurs when two joint surfaces are pulled apart with enough tension to cause a rapid drop in pressure within the synovial fluid and forms a gaseous bubble in the cavity.
This conclusion has been hotly disputed over the years because, 24 years after it was reached, researchers performed a second study using similar methods and decided that it was the gas bubble in the joint bursting, not forming, that made the tell-tale popping sound. The devil is in the details, right?
In the name of science, Gregory Kawchuk, a bioengineer and rehabilitation-medicine specialist at the University of Alberta in Canada decided to finally put the debate to rest. However, unlike the researchers before him, Kawchuck had the power of technology on his side. He used a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI) to record a test subject's finger being slowly pulled until it cracked.
The results? Kawchuck said his findings '[supported] the original 1947 study.'
Why?
Well to put it simply, your joints make a cracking sound when a bubble forms. Typically, this happens when tension mounts in a joint to the point where synovial fluid rapidly accumulates and cavitation occurs.
Cavitation is, by definition, the formation of bubbles in a liquid or fluid due to an outside force acting upon it. For example, a boat propeller creating bubbles in water would be an example of cavitation.
When cavitation occurs within a joint, the gases found in the synovial fluid form a bubble and create a cracking sound. This bubble can last up to 20 minutes in the joint and the joint will not be able to crack again until it disperses.
Here's an MRI image of exactly what happens in your joint when you crack your knuckles taken by Gregory Kawchuk in his study:
Did you notice the black orb that appears when the joint is pulled apart? That's the gas bubble forming and what makes that popping sound.
Here's another, closer look at a joint cracking using ultrasound technology:
Do you see the bright object end of the video that appears between the two bones that were pulled apart? Once again, that's the bubble forming and when the cracking sound is emitted.
Now, a forming gas bubble is certainly the most common reason you hear a cracking sound coming from your joints, but it isn't the only way it can happen.
The movement of tendons, ligaments and joints can also produce a similar snapping sound when they move out of place and return to their original position. Additionally, rough joint surfaces typically caused by arthritis can make grinding sounds when they rub together.
The Research: Is cracking your back bad for you?
As we mentioned above, studies have shown that cracking your joints really doesn't have any adverse or beneficial effects on your bones or joints; unless it's causing pain.
For years, the idea has been circulated that if you pop your joints frequently, you'll end up with arthritis. It's unclear when, how or why this myth started circulating, all we know is that, despite growing amounts of research to the contrary, people still believe the old wives tale.
Still not convinced?
Well, to prove it, we're going to dive into some of the research that has been compiled on this topic over the years, starting with a brave man named Dr. Donald Unger.
Dr. Unger took science into his own hand (literally) after he grew tired of the renowned authorities in his life, '(his mother, several aunts and, later, his mother-in-law) [informing] him that cracking his knuckles would lead to arthritis of the fingers.' He popped the knuckles in his left hand at least twice for 50 years, comparing the difference between the knuckles he cracked and those he hadn't.
At the end of his five-decade-long experiment, Dr. Unger found that there was 'no apparent difference' in the knuckles of his hands and that 'there is no apparent relationship between knuckle cracking and the subsequent development of arthritis of the fingers.'
In another study by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, researchers looked at 250 people ages 50-89, 20% of whom popped their knuckles on a regular basis.
They found that, of the knuckle poppers, 18.1% had arthritis in their hands compared to the 21.5% found in people who didn't crack their knuckles.
This study showed that the chances of you developing arthritis in your joints are virtually the same, regardless of whether you crack them or not.
I think we can say with confidence that there is no link between cracking your joints, whether it be your knuckles or your back, and arthritis.
That said, there are other factors that come into play when you pop the joints in your spine. Many chiropractors will argue (correctly) that the elements in your spine are far more complicated and vital than than those in your knuckles. This being the case, it can be dangerous to put unnecessary pressure on the joints. One study even found a link between spinal manipulation and strokes.
Of course, cases this extreme are very few and far between and typically only occur in older patients whose bones are more brittle.
More commonly, spine specialists will argue that problems can occur if you crack your back in a habitual manner or multiple times a day.
The problem is not with cracking itself, but with the pressure that you're putting on the ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that make up your joints. These structures can wear out over time, producing pain and other potential problems within the spine.
However, the general consensus from doctors is that occasionally cracking your spine isn't a problem and can even provide positive mental relief from back pain. That said, there is little evidence to suggest that cracking your back yourself actually provides any real health benefits.
So why does it feel relieving when you crack your back or joints in general?
Well, since scientists aren't exactly sure why joints crack in the first place, research as to why it feels good is pretty limited. However, there are a few theories on the matter:
One reason could be that movement in general helps reduce pain. Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall developed what is now known as the Gate Control theory in 1965 which, in a nutshell, argues that non-painful input (such as movement) closes that 'gates' to painful input and keeps it from traveling through the central nervous system. Some have argued that simply moving a specific location of your back that's hurting could be enough to block pain signals from reaching your brain; providing temporary relief.
Lumbar Spine Movement
Another reason could be that people interpret the popping sound that comes from joints as a sign that what they're doing is helping. In a 2011 study, researchers found that, when people hear an audible sound coming from their joints, they typically associate the crack with a physical feeling of release and relief, even if the adjustment didn't do much.
That said, stretching your back in order to crack it can provide a real feeling of relief for many people who spend much of their day sitting. This is because many of the muscles that support the spine can grow stiff and tense after long periods of inactivity and stretching them, even if it's done to inadvertently crack your back, can feel really good.
This can lead your brain to interpret and associate the feeling of cracking your back with a looser, more flexible spine, even though it was the stretching of the muscles that actually provided the feeling.
Finally, there have also been some claims that endorphins are released when joints are popped, providing a pleasurable feeling and temporary relief. However, there hasn't been enough research on this hypothesis to say definitively whether it's true or not.
CONCLUSION
Like most things in life, balance is key. It's okay to crack your back every once in awhile, but if you do it habitually, you could be setting yourself up for potential problems.
It's also important to note that, if you feel the need to crack your back multiple times a day to help relieve pain or stiffness, you may not be addressing the root of your problem. Daily back pain is not normal and if it's something you experience you should with your spinal professional.
Do you occasionally feel like impressing your friends and neighbours through neck cracking? Or do these sounds or crepitus occur on their own without you playing any active role in making them happen? Well, neck cracking can be both safe and dangerous, depending on the actual cause.
If you are consciously clicking the neck and it does not cause you any pain, you may not be in danger. But whereby the sound comes on its own, especially when accompanied by pain, you could be at risk. However, no matter the cause of the problem, the good news is that the problem has a cure and therefore, it should not cause you any fears. In this post, we shall be talking about neck cracking, its causes, whether the condition is good or bad, treatment, pain relief, and when to see a doctor.
What is neck cracking?
Neck cracking or ‘clicking neck' is the audible sound which occurs when you tilt (lateral flexion) or rotate (turn) the head. Majority of the sounds are generated when the tight neck muscles cause the vertebrae (bones of the neck) to rub against each other when some movements are performed.
Apart from the cracking or clicking sound produced upon certain movement, the sufferer may be symptomless, meaning that there is usually no pain. But in some cases, the condition may lead to headache, upper back or neck pain, or swelling as a result of the continual spasms of the muscles.
Causes of Neck Cracking
Neck cracking is caused by several factors. We shall be taking a look at the various causes, one after the other.
Changes in pressure of the synovial joint fluid
There have been contradictory reports as to the actual cause of crepitus or popping that occurs with movement of the head. Several experiments were conducted by cracking the synovial joints of the fingers in order to determine the actual cause of the noise.
While a study result published in 1971 posited that the noise was created by bursting the gaseous bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints, another study made in 2015 counteracted this opinion by saying that the clicking noise was from the bubble being created in the synovial fluid.
Herniated vertebral disc
Another possible cause of the popping or grinding sound is when two neighboring bones of the spine (vertebrae) lie too close to each other and rub against themselves when there is movement. When there is poor lubrication of the joints and poor flexibility as seen in certain conditions, the articulating vertebral facets (the rubbing point of two vertebrae) could also produce the clicking sound.
Ligament or Tendon moving round the bone
One other possible cause of the crepitation or clicking sound on the neck is the snapping sound produced by ligaments and tendons as they rub over the bones in the course of movements. This happens mostly when there is enough force in the opposite direction (this can be from spasm of the muscles).
Bone on bone grinding
This is possible if one bone grinds against another one due to a worn-out cartilage. This is common in osteoarthritis, a condition which sets in as one gradually ages. The condition can also be aggravated by traumatic injuries like sports-related injury or whiplash.
Adhesions
When there are adhesions on the joint, it can lead to a clicking sound otherwise known as grating, when the head is turned or twisted (as a result of impairment of movement).
Cavitation
The thick synovial fluid which surrounds the seven joints of the neck lubricates the bones and makes movement easier and free. The fluid is made up of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases capable of forming bubbles. Pressure within the bubble can increase as a result of movement, leading to popping or bursting of the bubbles. This is heard as cracking sound and is one of the major reasons why there is neck cracking.
When undergoing chiropractic adjustment, the cracking sound is produced due to a temporary vacuum created within the joint, which eventually collapses to create the clicking sound.
Neck Muscle Spasm
Spasms of the neck muscles contribute in no small measure to clicking neck. Spasms lead to involuntary movement and stiffening of the muscles of the neck, especially the Sternocleidomastoid and the Trapezius (muscle of the back) thereby leading to a cracking sound as one tries to move the head in certain directions. The different causes of neck muscle spasm include:
Whiplash
When there is a trauma to the muscles of the neck (as seen in whiplash injury), the muscles go into spasm, leading to a pull on the cervical vertebrae (bones of the neck) thereby causing an abnormal curvature of the cervical vertebrae (a condition known as Lordosis).
Spine Cracks With Movement Around
Poor posture
Stooping over a desk and hunching when sitting or walking can lead to neck muscle spasm especially when done for a long period. Adopting a bad position when sleeping (like sleeping on an uneven surface or sleeping on too many pillows) can also cause spasm of the muscles of the neck.
Dehydration
Excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes such as calcium and magnesium can also bring about spasm of the muscles. This may continue until the deficiency and the electrolyte imbalance are corrected.
Muscle strain
Excessive strain or overexertion of the muscles especially when you exercise without first stretching the muscles before the workout can lead to neck muscle spasm and consequently to neck cracking. Excessive exercise of the muscle may give rise to reduced oxygen and a build-up of lactic acid in the muscle. These factors combine to reduce the muscles ability to stretch properly and relax.
Stress
Psychological stress sometimes causes cramping of the muscles of the neck. This has been linked to the propping up of the shoulders during periods of anxiety and psychological stress. With prolonged psychological stress, the muscles experience some cramping.
Is Cracking neck good or bad?
Cracking neck is simply a situation where you experience some popping sound as you roll your neck after sitting in the same position for a long time. Those who crack their necks do so mainly to relieve the stiffness in the neck joints.
It is a bad and risky practice to crack your neck. This is because the practice can cause further damage to the muscles that are already overstretched from whiplash injury, for example.
Cracking the neck repeatedly can also produce more stiffness and pain on the neck rather than creating the relief you seek. With the stiffness and pain, movement could be further restricted on the neck.
Besides, for those below the age of 60 years, repeated cracking can cause some blood vessels to rupture and produce a blood clot which eventually hinders adequate supply of blood to the brain. This can lead to stroke. However, if the cracking is occasional and unforced, the possibility of complications is minimal and remote.
In a nutshell, neck cracking can result in neck pain, headache, stroke, joint degeneration or osteoarthritis, and some other problems. Therefore, it is not advisable to crack your neck for any reason.
Treatment
Neck cracking can be treated in various ways, including treating the underlying cause of the problem. In the light of the foregoing, the problem can be treated in the following ways:
See an osteopath or a chiropractor
Seeing a spinal doctor who specializes in establishing the normal motion of the neck and putting the neck back to it normal function is a good place to start. Adjustment (manual manipulation) of the joint would be performed to loosen those stiff muscles of the neck. The osteopath or chiropractor may even apply the traction or massage techniques in relieving the problem.
In the end, they found that a popping sound occurs when two joint surfaces are pulled apart with enough tension to cause a rapid drop in pressure within the synovial fluid and forms a gaseous bubble in the cavity.
This conclusion has been hotly disputed over the years because, 24 years after it was reached, researchers performed a second study using similar methods and decided that it was the gas bubble in the joint bursting, not forming, that made the tell-tale popping sound. The devil is in the details, right?
In the name of science, Gregory Kawchuk, a bioengineer and rehabilitation-medicine specialist at the University of Alberta in Canada decided to finally put the debate to rest. However, unlike the researchers before him, Kawchuck had the power of technology on his side. He used a magnetic resonance imaging device (MRI) to record a test subject's finger being slowly pulled until it cracked.
The results? Kawchuck said his findings '[supported] the original 1947 study.'
Why?
Well to put it simply, your joints make a cracking sound when a bubble forms. Typically, this happens when tension mounts in a joint to the point where synovial fluid rapidly accumulates and cavitation occurs.
Cavitation is, by definition, the formation of bubbles in a liquid or fluid due to an outside force acting upon it. For example, a boat propeller creating bubbles in water would be an example of cavitation.
When cavitation occurs within a joint, the gases found in the synovial fluid form a bubble and create a cracking sound. This bubble can last up to 20 minutes in the joint and the joint will not be able to crack again until it disperses.
Here's an MRI image of exactly what happens in your joint when you crack your knuckles taken by Gregory Kawchuk in his study:
Did you notice the black orb that appears when the joint is pulled apart? That's the gas bubble forming and what makes that popping sound.
Here's another, closer look at a joint cracking using ultrasound technology:
Do you see the bright object end of the video that appears between the two bones that were pulled apart? Once again, that's the bubble forming and when the cracking sound is emitted.
Now, a forming gas bubble is certainly the most common reason you hear a cracking sound coming from your joints, but it isn't the only way it can happen.
The movement of tendons, ligaments and joints can also produce a similar snapping sound when they move out of place and return to their original position. Additionally, rough joint surfaces typically caused by arthritis can make grinding sounds when they rub together.
The Research: Is cracking your back bad for you?
As we mentioned above, studies have shown that cracking your joints really doesn't have any adverse or beneficial effects on your bones or joints; unless it's causing pain.
For years, the idea has been circulated that if you pop your joints frequently, you'll end up with arthritis. It's unclear when, how or why this myth started circulating, all we know is that, despite growing amounts of research to the contrary, people still believe the old wives tale.
Still not convinced?
Well, to prove it, we're going to dive into some of the research that has been compiled on this topic over the years, starting with a brave man named Dr. Donald Unger.
Dr. Unger took science into his own hand (literally) after he grew tired of the renowned authorities in his life, '(his mother, several aunts and, later, his mother-in-law) [informing] him that cracking his knuckles would lead to arthritis of the fingers.' He popped the knuckles in his left hand at least twice for 50 years, comparing the difference between the knuckles he cracked and those he hadn't.
At the end of his five-decade-long experiment, Dr. Unger found that there was 'no apparent difference' in the knuckles of his hands and that 'there is no apparent relationship between knuckle cracking and the subsequent development of arthritis of the fingers.'
In another study by the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, researchers looked at 250 people ages 50-89, 20% of whom popped their knuckles on a regular basis.
They found that, of the knuckle poppers, 18.1% had arthritis in their hands compared to the 21.5% found in people who didn't crack their knuckles.
This study showed that the chances of you developing arthritis in your joints are virtually the same, regardless of whether you crack them or not.
I think we can say with confidence that there is no link between cracking your joints, whether it be your knuckles or your back, and arthritis.
That said, there are other factors that come into play when you pop the joints in your spine. Many chiropractors will argue (correctly) that the elements in your spine are far more complicated and vital than than those in your knuckles. This being the case, it can be dangerous to put unnecessary pressure on the joints. One study even found a link between spinal manipulation and strokes.
Of course, cases this extreme are very few and far between and typically only occur in older patients whose bones are more brittle.
More commonly, spine specialists will argue that problems can occur if you crack your back in a habitual manner or multiple times a day.
The problem is not with cracking itself, but with the pressure that you're putting on the ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that make up your joints. These structures can wear out over time, producing pain and other potential problems within the spine.
However, the general consensus from doctors is that occasionally cracking your spine isn't a problem and can even provide positive mental relief from back pain. That said, there is little evidence to suggest that cracking your back yourself actually provides any real health benefits.
So why does it feel relieving when you crack your back or joints in general?
Well, since scientists aren't exactly sure why joints crack in the first place, research as to why it feels good is pretty limited. However, there are a few theories on the matter:
One reason could be that movement in general helps reduce pain. Ronald Melzack and Patrick Wall developed what is now known as the Gate Control theory in 1965 which, in a nutshell, argues that non-painful input (such as movement) closes that 'gates' to painful input and keeps it from traveling through the central nervous system. Some have argued that simply moving a specific location of your back that's hurting could be enough to block pain signals from reaching your brain; providing temporary relief.
Lumbar Spine Movement
Another reason could be that people interpret the popping sound that comes from joints as a sign that what they're doing is helping. In a 2011 study, researchers found that, when people hear an audible sound coming from their joints, they typically associate the crack with a physical feeling of release and relief, even if the adjustment didn't do much.
That said, stretching your back in order to crack it can provide a real feeling of relief for many people who spend much of their day sitting. This is because many of the muscles that support the spine can grow stiff and tense after long periods of inactivity and stretching them, even if it's done to inadvertently crack your back, can feel really good.
This can lead your brain to interpret and associate the feeling of cracking your back with a looser, more flexible spine, even though it was the stretching of the muscles that actually provided the feeling.
Finally, there have also been some claims that endorphins are released when joints are popped, providing a pleasurable feeling and temporary relief. However, there hasn't been enough research on this hypothesis to say definitively whether it's true or not.
CONCLUSION
Like most things in life, balance is key. It's okay to crack your back every once in awhile, but if you do it habitually, you could be setting yourself up for potential problems.
It's also important to note that, if you feel the need to crack your back multiple times a day to help relieve pain or stiffness, you may not be addressing the root of your problem. Daily back pain is not normal and if it's something you experience you should with your spinal professional.
Do you occasionally feel like impressing your friends and neighbours through neck cracking? Or do these sounds or crepitus occur on their own without you playing any active role in making them happen? Well, neck cracking can be both safe and dangerous, depending on the actual cause.
If you are consciously clicking the neck and it does not cause you any pain, you may not be in danger. But whereby the sound comes on its own, especially when accompanied by pain, you could be at risk. However, no matter the cause of the problem, the good news is that the problem has a cure and therefore, it should not cause you any fears. In this post, we shall be talking about neck cracking, its causes, whether the condition is good or bad, treatment, pain relief, and when to see a doctor.
What is neck cracking?
Neck cracking or ‘clicking neck' is the audible sound which occurs when you tilt (lateral flexion) or rotate (turn) the head. Majority of the sounds are generated when the tight neck muscles cause the vertebrae (bones of the neck) to rub against each other when some movements are performed.
Apart from the cracking or clicking sound produced upon certain movement, the sufferer may be symptomless, meaning that there is usually no pain. But in some cases, the condition may lead to headache, upper back or neck pain, or swelling as a result of the continual spasms of the muscles.
Causes of Neck Cracking
Neck cracking is caused by several factors. We shall be taking a look at the various causes, one after the other.
Changes in pressure of the synovial joint fluid
There have been contradictory reports as to the actual cause of crepitus or popping that occurs with movement of the head. Several experiments were conducted by cracking the synovial joints of the fingers in order to determine the actual cause of the noise.
While a study result published in 1971 posited that the noise was created by bursting the gaseous bubbles in the synovial fluid of the joints, another study made in 2015 counteracted this opinion by saying that the clicking noise was from the bubble being created in the synovial fluid.
Herniated vertebral disc
Another possible cause of the popping or grinding sound is when two neighboring bones of the spine (vertebrae) lie too close to each other and rub against themselves when there is movement. When there is poor lubrication of the joints and poor flexibility as seen in certain conditions, the articulating vertebral facets (the rubbing point of two vertebrae) could also produce the clicking sound.
Ligament or Tendon moving round the bone
One other possible cause of the crepitation or clicking sound on the neck is the snapping sound produced by ligaments and tendons as they rub over the bones in the course of movements. This happens mostly when there is enough force in the opposite direction (this can be from spasm of the muscles).
Bone on bone grinding
This is possible if one bone grinds against another one due to a worn-out cartilage. This is common in osteoarthritis, a condition which sets in as one gradually ages. The condition can also be aggravated by traumatic injuries like sports-related injury or whiplash.
Adhesions
When there are adhesions on the joint, it can lead to a clicking sound otherwise known as grating, when the head is turned or twisted (as a result of impairment of movement).
Cavitation
The thick synovial fluid which surrounds the seven joints of the neck lubricates the bones and makes movement easier and free. The fluid is made up of carbon dioxide and nitrogen gases capable of forming bubbles. Pressure within the bubble can increase as a result of movement, leading to popping or bursting of the bubbles. This is heard as cracking sound and is one of the major reasons why there is neck cracking.
When undergoing chiropractic adjustment, the cracking sound is produced due to a temporary vacuum created within the joint, which eventually collapses to create the clicking sound.
Neck Muscle Spasm
Spasms of the neck muscles contribute in no small measure to clicking neck. Spasms lead to involuntary movement and stiffening of the muscles of the neck, especially the Sternocleidomastoid and the Trapezius (muscle of the back) thereby leading to a cracking sound as one tries to move the head in certain directions. The different causes of neck muscle spasm include:
Whiplash
When there is a trauma to the muscles of the neck (as seen in whiplash injury), the muscles go into spasm, leading to a pull on the cervical vertebrae (bones of the neck) thereby causing an abnormal curvature of the cervical vertebrae (a condition known as Lordosis).
Spine Cracks With Movement Around
Poor posture
Stooping over a desk and hunching when sitting or walking can lead to neck muscle spasm especially when done for a long period. Adopting a bad position when sleeping (like sleeping on an uneven surface or sleeping on too many pillows) can also cause spasm of the muscles of the neck.
Dehydration
Excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes such as calcium and magnesium can also bring about spasm of the muscles. This may continue until the deficiency and the electrolyte imbalance are corrected.
Muscle strain
Excessive strain or overexertion of the muscles especially when you exercise without first stretching the muscles before the workout can lead to neck muscle spasm and consequently to neck cracking. Excessive exercise of the muscle may give rise to reduced oxygen and a build-up of lactic acid in the muscle. These factors combine to reduce the muscles ability to stretch properly and relax.
Stress
Psychological stress sometimes causes cramping of the muscles of the neck. This has been linked to the propping up of the shoulders during periods of anxiety and psychological stress. With prolonged psychological stress, the muscles experience some cramping.
Is Cracking neck good or bad?
Cracking neck is simply a situation where you experience some popping sound as you roll your neck after sitting in the same position for a long time. Those who crack their necks do so mainly to relieve the stiffness in the neck joints.
It is a bad and risky practice to crack your neck. This is because the practice can cause further damage to the muscles that are already overstretched from whiplash injury, for example.
Cracking the neck repeatedly can also produce more stiffness and pain on the neck rather than creating the relief you seek. With the stiffness and pain, movement could be further restricted on the neck.
Besides, for those below the age of 60 years, repeated cracking can cause some blood vessels to rupture and produce a blood clot which eventually hinders adequate supply of blood to the brain. This can lead to stroke. However, if the cracking is occasional and unforced, the possibility of complications is minimal and remote.
In a nutshell, neck cracking can result in neck pain, headache, stroke, joint degeneration or osteoarthritis, and some other problems. Therefore, it is not advisable to crack your neck for any reason.
Treatment
Neck cracking can be treated in various ways, including treating the underlying cause of the problem. In the light of the foregoing, the problem can be treated in the following ways:
See an osteopath or a chiropractor
Seeing a spinal doctor who specializes in establishing the normal motion of the neck and putting the neck back to it normal function is a good place to start. Adjustment (manual manipulation) of the joint would be performed to loosen those stiff muscles of the neck. The osteopath or chiropractor may even apply the traction or massage techniques in relieving the problem.
Acupuncture
This involves relieving the pain, tension and swelling in the muscle by sticking very thin needles into specific points of energy at the muscle/skin level. Acupuncture can be used as a primary or auxiliary management for the problem. This can be carried out by naturopaths, physicians, massage therapist, physical therapists or chiropractor. The acupuncture point that would provide the relief may be located at far away areas of the body, not necessarily on the neck.
Professional neck massage
Clicking neck can also be treated through professional neck massaging that helps to lessen spasm, minimize inflammation and promote muscle relaxation. Such result can be achieved by massaging the deep tissues of the neck to handle the original muscle strain that could have resulted from whiplash, sports injury, etc.
Spine Cracks With Movement Muscles
Change your work
Neck cracking sometimes results from minor injuries from physical activities or repetitive motions in the course of work. You can make a few adjustments in your work environment if it is contributing to your problem. If the position of your computer is making you strain your neck, change its position to a friendlier one. However, if your job is such that you can't change the environment, suggest to your supervisor to move you to another environment that is free from the same challenges.
Reappraise your sleeping position
Your sleeping position could be responsible for the strain on your neck. Sleeping on an excessively hard/high pillow or extremely soft mattress could cause a strain on your neck and upper back. If these are responsible, readjust them. Try an orthopaedic pillow or mattress that keeps your body on a straight alignment.
Use a neck collar
When the stiffness becomes uncomfortable, then there is the need to consider using a neck collar especially if there is spondylosis. This will help to minimize unnecessary movement of the affected muscles and reduce pains and further degeneration of the joints.
Exercise
Some forms of exercise are helpful in treating this condition. Since the pain is usually caused by neck muscle spasm, you have to apply an exercise that assists in reducing or easing the spasm. Bend your head forward and allow your chin to touch your chest. This will help to stretch the muscles of the back of the neck and also strengthen the neck. In addition, bend your head sideways to help in easing the strain on the neck muscles. Do the exercises up to 2 to 3 times daily.
Joint movement
Since joint stiffness contributes to clicking neck, a gentle range-of-motion exercise can help release the stiff muscles and reduce pain and improve free movement. Stretch your neck muscles gently to ease the tension in the muscles of the neck. Exercise the weak muscles in order to increase the supply of blood to the area and reduce pain.
Neck Cracking and Headache
Neck cracking can sometimes lead to a nasty headache. While some people believe that cracking is a way of relieving the tension built up in the neck joint, it is good to understand that cracking itself builds up pressure in the neck joint. Occasionally, as you try to crack your neck you get the muscles overstretched and injured. This can manifest with headache.
Besides, cracking can lead to trapping of nerves around the neck. When this happens, you are sure to receive a warning that something has gone wrong. This comes in form of severe headache.
Pain relief for neck cracking
The pain that comes with neck cracking can be relieved in any of these ways:
- Warm fomentation: Applying warmth with a hot water bottle or heat bag can help in relieving the pain caused by muscle spasm, by improving blood supply to the area and causing the muscles to relax.
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: These are potent drugs that perform two major functions of reducing inflammation/swelling and relieving pain. Examples include Ibuprofen, Aspirin, Indomethacin, Piroxicam and Diclofenac.
- Icepack: Applying icepacks can also help in controlling inflammation and relieving pain in the affected muscles of the neck. Make sure to wrap the icepack in a towel before applying it to the neck to prevent burns.
When to see a doctor?
Spine Cracks With Movement Definition
Not all cases of neck cracking require the attention of the doctor. But you must consider seeing the doctor immediately if you have the following:
Spine Popping With Movement
- Neck pain with swelling: The presence of pain and swelling could be an indication that you could be having osteoarthritis or other forms of inflammatory process going on in the joint. This needs to be investigated by your doctor and the proper treatment commenced.
- Accompanying symptoms: Neck cracking that is accompanied by headache, swollen glands or fever needs to be investigated by your doctor so that appropriate care can be given.
- Recent surgery: Periodically new cracking sounds may show up in the neck weeks after undergoing surgery. This can be normal in some cases and shouldn't be a cause for concern. However, your surgeon needs to be aware of this development in case there is something serious that has to be taken care of.
- Recent injury or accident: Neck cracking sounds could also show up after an injury or trauma such as sports injury, a fall, road traffic accident, etc. This can be a pointer to the fact that there is a structural change that needs to be handled by a professional doctor.
- Constant or frequent crepitus: If the crepitus on the joint becomes constant or occurs regularly with almost every movement, then you must see the doctor who would investigate if there is any functional problem at the joint.
Other reasons why you should see the doctor include:
- Pain that comes out of nowhere
- Weakness or numbness in the neck
- Inability to bend the neck forward
- Pain radiates to your extremities
- Pain is accompanied by nausea and vomiting
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Inability to move your hands or arms.
Conclusion
Neck cracking should not be seen as a solution to stiff or painful neck muscles. If you are ever tempted to crack your neck, you must be sure that it does not pose any health danger to you and that it is done under the supervision of a professional doctor, chiropractor, physical therapist or naturopath.
However, if you have a cracking sound in your neck that needs attending to at home, the tips we have presented in this post will help relieve your problem without posing any danger to your life. But if the suggestions fail to address your problem, see the doctor for further investigation and appropriate management of the condition.
Spine Crack 2d
