Many people crack their necks for a quick release of tension, often followed by a warm sensation. However, a UK family medicine physician, Dr. Sermed Mezher, recently warned that this common habit carries significant health risks, including potential stroke and long-term joint instability. He explained what the warm feeling might signal and why most medical experts advise against self-cracking.^[1][2] ### The "Pop" and the Sensation Explained The familiar popping sound heard when cracking your neck comes from gas bubbles rapidly collapsing within the synovial fluid of the joint. This process can briefly trigger the release of endorphins, leading to a satisfying feeling of relief.^[1][2][3][4] However, Dr. Mezher highlights that the warm sensation some people feel running down their back after cracking their neck is not always harmless.^[1][2] This sensation may indicate underlying nerve irritation or inflammation.^[1][2] In some cases, it can also be linked to a slipped disc, muscle strain, or spasms in the trapezius muscle, which stretches across the neck, shoulders, and upper back.^[1][2] ### Hidden Dangers: Joint Instability and Arterial Risks Beyond temporary relief, habitual neck cracking can be a "hypermobility trap," according to Dr. Mezher.^[1][2] Repeatedly stretching the ligaments around the neck joints can cause them to gradually lose elasticity, potentially leaving them permanently elongated and unstable over time.^[1][2][4] This instability can contribute to chronic muscle tension and a persistent urge to crack the neck further.^[2] More seriously, habitual neck cracking carries the risk of severe neurological and vascular complications.^[1][2] The neck contains vital vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.^[1][2] Forceful or improper manipulation, especially high-velocity rotation, can, in rare cases, cause a vertebral artery dissection.^[1][2] This is a small tear in the artery lining that can lead to a stroke if a blood clot forms and blocks blood flow to the brain.^{[1][5][2][6][7][8][9][10]} Strokes due to vertebral artery dissection, while rare, are a notable cause of stroke in younger individuals, sometimes accounting for 2% of ischemic strokes overall.^[5][7] Dr. Mezher also noted that repeated self-manipulation can accelerate wear and tear on the intervertebral discs.^[1][2] This added strain can contribute to the formation of bone spurs, which may compress nearby nerves.^[1][2] "Repeated self-manipulation can accelerate the wear and tear on intervertebral discs, potentially leading to herniation or the development of bone spurs that pinch nearby nerves," Dr. Sermed Mezher, a family medicine physician based in England, said.^[1][2] He emphasized that because the neck is a delicate conduit for vital nerves and blood vessels, most clinicians advise against self-cracking.^[1][2] ### When to Seek Medical Advice Given these potential risks, medical professionals generally recommend caution with neck cracking. If you experience persistent pain, numbness, or tingling in your neck, shoulders, or arms after cracking your neck, these could signal nerve involvement, such as nerve compression or herniated discs.^[11][12][13] Radiating pain from the neck to the shoulders or arms, severe or persistent pain, dizziness, or nausea after neck movements are also warning signs that should prompt immediate medical assessment.^[2][11][12] Weakness in the limbs following neck movements could reflect significant nerve damage and requires urgent care.^[11] Instead of self-cracking, experts suggest addressing underlying tension through postural correction or professional physical therapy.^[1][2] "Most clinicians advise against self-cracking, recommending instead that individuals address the underlying tension through postural correction or professional physical therapy," Dr. Mezher stated.^[1][2] Consulting a healthcare professional, such as a doctor, physical therapist, or chiropractor, can help identify the root cause of discomfort and guide appropriate treatment.^{[7][3][4][14][11][12]} They can advise on safe exercises and recommend other options for relief without the risks associated with forceful self-manipulation.^{[7][15][16][14][13]}

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