The Crack Habit

Is Cracking Your Own Neck Bad for You? Breaking the "Crack Habit"

Coming to you from 99 whiplashes of my own—which ultimately led me down the rewarding road of becoming a chiropractor—let’s talk about necks. I know it’s tempting to crack your own neck multiple times a day. Maybe it's somewhere in your back and whip your spine until you hear that pop. I’ve been there, done that. It’s a completely normal urge, and you aren't wrong for wanting relief. But as a chiropractor, let me explain what actually happens to your spine when you "self-adjust."

The Science Behind the Pop: Hypermobile vs. Hypomobile

When you crack your own neck or back, you aren't actually fixing the problem. Here is why:

• Hypermobile joints (the “loose” ones): When you self-adjust, you only end up moving the bones that are already moving too much. These joints are “loose”  and pop easily.

• Hypomobile joints (the stuck ones): When we adjust your spine, we target the ones that are stuck to solve the actual problem. 

Because you are only moving the loose joints above or below the actual issue, the real problem stays exactly the same. Your body realizes the stuck area is still stuck, so the urge returns minutes later. By moving the same "loose" joints over and over, you make your spine more unstable. Every time it happens, you are essentially giving yourself mini-whiplashes.

Can Massage Fix a Stiff Neck?

A common question I get in my clinic is, "Don't I just need a massage? I think the issue is in my muscles." Yes and no. Your muscles are definitely involved. They tighten up and stay in an "on" position to try and protect the stuck joint. While a massage feels fantastic and offers temporary relief, it cannot realign a stuck vertebra. To break the habit, you have to fix the underlying structural issue.

How Chiropractic Care Restores Stability

Pain is your body's dashboard warning light. It tells you something is wrong. Ideally, your spine should move fluidly and evenly in all directions without giving you the urge to crack it.

To figure out exactly which joints are stuck, we utilize precise digital X-rays. By measuring the exact angles your spine has distorted into, and figuring out where to best give corrections, we can apply a targeted chiropractic adjustment.  Over time, this fixes the problem.  When an adjustment is specific, your body loves it. Your nervous system feels safe, your muscles finally relax, and the chronic urge to self-adjust simply fades away. 

Swapping Your Crack Habit for a Stretch Habit

Healing takes time. Just like braces take months to reshape and retrain your teeth, your spinal bones need a period of retraining to stay in their proper, stable positions. Once we get your spine stabilized, we work on long-term habits to keep you feeling great:

• Swapping self-adjusting for safe stretching or self-massage.

• Using posture to support your changes.   

• Strengthening weak muscles. 

• Reducing stressors and adopting habits that serve you.

  
  

Ready to break the habit?

If you're tired of temporary relief and want to target the root cause of your neck or back cracking urges, we are here to help. Call or text our office today at 360-255-1414 to get your spine healthier and happier. Conveniently located in Keizer, OR, a complimentary spinal consultation is my gift to you.  Send me a text and for a bonus, tell me how this article spoke to you.    

Lighting a candle to your health! 

Dr. Deb Hirabai, DC