When I Pop My Own Neck, am I Adjusting Myself?

You may find that popping or cracking your neck provides some relief from pain or stiffness associated with your spine. You may consider this a “self-adjustment” and think you don’t need to go to a chiropractor in Naples, FL if you can successfully pop your neck yourself. However, you may find that the urge to pop your neck returns shortly after. Read on to learn more about what you’re actually doing and why you probably still need to go to a chiropractor in Naples, FL.

THE PROBLEM WITH SELF-ADJUSTMENTS

The problem with popping your own neck, or giving yourself a “self-adjustment,” is that it’s not really an adjustment. When you pop your back or neck, you’re not actually treating the underlying cause of the spinal tension, which hasn’t been corrected. The urge to pop your back or neck is being created by tension from a jammed or fixated vertebra. When you pop your spine during a self-adjustment, you often cause another part of the spine to compensate for this tension by moving too much. After about 30 minutes, you’ll likely feel the urge to crack your spine again because you actually popped an area of your spine just above or below the real problem area.

In addition to the risk of potentially injuring yourself because of a lack of precise adjustments, you may find that your self-adjustments continue to exacerbate the underlying problem. However, you can also injure yourself further. When a joint is restricted, it puts stress on the joints above and below, which have to compensate by working harder. By cracking your neck or back, you’re likely moving these already stressed joints around even more. This can cause stretching of the ligaments that support the spine and lead to instability and future problems.

HOW A CHIROPRACTOR CAN HELP

If you feel the need to constantly crack your spine, either in your neck or your back, you likely have an underlying problem that a chiropractor can help address. They can pinpoint the precise joint that is the issue and perform an adjustment that will resolve the tension rather than continue to create new tension. Your chiropractor in Naples, FL will also likely suggest posture issues and make suggestions of stretches and posture adjustments, as well as recommend a course of chiropractic treatment to restore the correct movement of your spine, which will resolve the tension you feel and relieve the urge to constantly pop your neck or back.

Hiler Chiropractic & Neurology provides comprehensive chiropractic, physical medicine and regenerative medicine services to the Naples, FL area. Whether you suffer from chronic pain, are recovering from an injury or are seeking overall improved health and performance, we have the skills and experience to help you work toward your goals. If you are looking for a chiropractor to treat bulging discs or herniation, neck or back pain, spinal misalignment, sciatica, neuropathy or other pain or issues, you have found the right team. To learn more about the health benefits of visiting a chiropractor, call our office today to schedule a consultation.