Cracking your neck can be a satisfying habit for many people. That sudden pop or crack can bring a sense of relief, especially when your neck feels stiff or tense. However, if you’ve ever found yourself in a situation where you cracked your neck and now it hurts, you’re not alone. Many people experience discomfort or even sharp pain after cracking their neck, which can make you wonder what went wrong and what to do next. Let’s explore why neck cracking can sometimes cause pain, what to do if you accidentally hurt yourself, and which types of medical professionals can help.
Why Does My Neck Crack So Much?
Before diving into the pain aspect of cracking your neck, it’s important to understand why necks crack in the first place. The sound you hear when you twist or turn your neck is often due to the release of gas bubbles from the fluid in your joints. This phenomenon, known as cavitation, is like the sound you hear when cracking your knuckles. As the joint capsule stretches, gas is released, which makes that familiar popping noise.
Other reasons for neck cracking include:
- Sometimes, ligaments and tendons in your neck may move over bones, causing a popping or snapping sound.
- The joints in your neck can sometimes become misaligned, and manipulating them might temporarily release tension, resulting in a cracking sound.
- As we age, wear and tear can cause changes in the cervical spine, leading to more frequent cracking sounds.
- While occasional neck cracking is usually harmless, frequent or forceful cracking can lead to issues. But what happens when you experience pain from cracking your neck?
I Cracked My Neck and Now It Hurts: Common Causes of Pain
If you’re saying, “I was cracking my neck and now it hurts,” several reasons could explain why you’re in discomfort. Let’s take a look at five common causes:
- Muscle Strain
When you twist your neck too quickly or forcefully, you might overstretch or strain the muscles that support your neck. This can lead to soreness, stiffness, and even muscle spasms.
- Joint Irritation
The joints in your cervical spine, known as facet joints, can become irritated or inflamed if you manipulate them too aggressively. This irritation can cause pain and discomfort in the area.
- Nerve Compression
Cracking your neck too hard may end up putting too much pressure on the nerves in your cervical spine. If you accidentally cracked your neck and now it hurts, you might have pinched a nerve, which can cause sharp or radiating pain in your shoulders, arms, or even hands.
- Disc Problems
Forceful neck cracking can sometimes cause damage to the spinal discs that cushion your vertebrae. If you notice pain along with a loss of motion or a tingling sensation, you might have aggravated a disc and its nearby nerves.
- Soft Tissue Damage
In some cases, aggressive neck cracking can injure the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the cervical spine, leading to inflammation and pain.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you’ve experienced pain after cracking your neck, it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. While minor discomfort usually goes away on its own, some may be signs of a more serious issue.
Persistent Pain
If the pain doesn’t go away within a few days or continues to worsen, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue. Persistent neck pain may be caused by damage to the muscles, ligaments, or joints in the area.
Limited Range of Motion
Difficulty turning your head or moving your neck without pain or pain when trying to move your neck are all signs that something more significant may be going on. This could be due to joint inflammation, muscle strain, or even a herniated disc that needs medical attention.
Radiating Pain
Pain that shoots down your arms or into your shoulders could indicate a pinched nerve. Similarly, numbness or tingling sensations in your extremities are red flags that may suggest nerve compression or damage, which a doctor needs to assess promptly.
Headaches
Persistent or severe headaches that start after neck cracking could be linked to neck strain or nerve irritation. Neck pain that occurs with severe headaches, especially those that start at the base of your skull, can be a sign of a tension headache or even a more serious condition like a cervicogenic headache. These headaches often require a targeted treatment plan from your doctor.
Dizziness or Vertigo
If you experience dizziness, vertigo, or feeling off balance after cracking your neck, it could be due to issues with the cervical spine affecting your vestibular system. In these types of cases, a neurologist or orthopedic specialist can help diagnose the problem.
I Cracked My Neck and Now It Hurts to Move: Immediate Steps to Take
If you’ve cracked your neck and now it hurts to move, don’t panic. Here are 5 immediate steps you can take to reduce your discomfort:
Rest Your Neck
Give your neck a break by avoiding any more twisting or turning. Resting your neck muscles can help reduce any inflammation in the area and prevent further injury.
Apply Ice or Heat
Ice can help reduce inflammation when you apply it within the first 24-48 hours of experiencing pain. Wrap an ice pack in a cloth and apply it to the painful area for 15-20 minutes. After the initial inflammation subsides, you can switch to a heating pad that will help relax tight muscles.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation in the area.
Gentle Stretching
If your neck isn’t too painful, try gentle stretching exercises to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness in your neck and shoulder muscles. Move your head slowly from side to side, or do gentle chin tucks to stretch the back of your neck.
Proper Posture
Poor posture can contribute to neck pain. Make sure to sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed when you’re on your computer and hold your phone at eye level to prevent additional strain.
When to See a Doctor
While mild neck pain after cracking your neck can often resolve on its own with rest and self-care, there are certain situations where it’s important to see a doctor. Thankfully, there are several types of doctors who can help diagnose and treat neck pain:
Chiropractor
Chiropractors specialize in the spine and can help adjust your neck to relieve pain. If you were cracking your neck and now it hurts, a chiropractor might be able to realign your cervical spine. They may use noninvasive spinal adjustments to improve alignment, relieve tension, and improve mobility in the area.
Physical Therapist
Physical therapists can guide you through exercises and stretches that will help strengthen your neck muscles, improve your flexibility, and reduce your pain. They may use a combination of techniques like therapeutic exercises and massage to promote healing. Physical therapy can be especially beneficial if you’re dealing with muscle strain or joint irritation from neck cracking.
Orthopedic Doctor
Orthopedists specialize in a wide range of musculoskeletal issues and can diagnose problems related to bones, joints, and muscles. They might recommend imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of your injury. They can also recommend treatments ranging from medications to more advanced interventions like injections or even surgery if needed.
Neurologist
If your pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or radiating pain, a neurologist can help determine if there’s nerve involvement and recommend treatments accordingly.
Long-Term Prevention Tips
If you’re someone who frequently cracks your neck, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and stay healthy. Here are some tips to avoid pain from cracking your neck:
Limit Amount of Neck Cracking
While the occasional crack is usually harmless, making it a habit can increase your risk of self-injury. Instead, consider stretching or massaging your neck muscles to help relieve tension or schedule regular chiropractic visits.
Strengthen Your Neck Muscles
Exercises that strengthen your neck and shoulder muscles can help reduce your experience of pain and injury. Try out exercises like shoulder shrugs, neck stretches, and resistance training that you can even do with a physical therapist.
Practice Good Ergonomics
Whether you’re working at a desk or looking at your phone, make sure you are using proper posture. It helps to keep your screens at eye level and take frequent breaks to avoid straining your neck.
Stay Hydrated
The discs in your spine need plenty of hydration to stay healthy. Drinking enough water helps keep your spinal discs flexible and ultimately reduces the risk of injury.
Visit AICA Orthopedics
Cracking your neck occasionally may provide temporary relief, but it can also lead to discomfort or injury if done too forcefully. If you find yourself saying, “I accidentally cracked my neck and now it hurts,” it’s important to listen to your body and take the necessary steps for recovery. Start with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers, and don’t hesitate to visit your doctor at AICA Orthopedics if the pain persists.