Why does my neck clicks

In the grand scheme of things, the popping of a joint is a natural, physiological response. The prevailing theory as to why the pop happens involves the internal structure and physiology of the joint itself. The facet joints, as described above, are surrounded by a sheath of tissue. Within the sheath is a liquid matrix, called Synovial Fluid. This fluid helps to lubricate the joint to prevent wear and tear of the articular surface.

When the joints are stretched to their end range, the theory suggests that a vacuum is created, and some of the fluid rapidly forms into a gas. As the gas expands, it forms a bubble, which pops at a certain point.

This pop can be quiet, only heard by the person. On the other hand, it can be rather loud, annoying the person sitting next to you. Popping that is associated with cavitation is a normal occurrence.

Forcefully yanking on the head and neck to cause it to pop can be more harmful than good. If you are one of those chronic poppers like myself , make sure that the force is slow and gradual.

Neck Strengthening Exercises. Cervical Osteoarthritis Neck Arthritis. Causes of Neck Cracking and Grinding Sounds. You are here Blog. By Michele Perez, MD. This is particularly common in those under the age of Neck cracking has caused some cases of blood clotting in the neck. This is very dangerous because it can stop the oxygen supply to the brain. Cracking the neck puts pressure on the joints. When this is done a lot, it can lead to instability in the neck and, in turn, to osteoarthritis, a condition where the tissue at the ends of bones becomes weaker.

Each time the neck is cracked, it can cause damage to the connective tissue in the spine. Over time, this can reduce mobility and may lead to arthritis. Young people have greater muscle, ligament, and bone strength than older people. As a result, neck cracking is relatively safe for them. As people get older, their blood vessels get harder.

This causes a greater risk of artery bursting. Bones may also be more likely to fracture in older people from a quick, forceful motion. While there are risks of a vascular injury, fracture, or nerve damage, the chances of it happening are low. The risk is lowest in people who have healthy bones, ligaments, and muscles.

Neck manipulation, which can often lead to cracking, through massage and stretching of the soft tissue, has been shown to correct the positioning of the spine, and to relieve pain. Those in favor of the process say that it is more effective than other treatments, such as exercising the muscles that support the spine.

A friend might offer to give you a hand with your stiff neck, but they could easily end up applying too much pressure and causing more damage than good. Only get your back or neck adjusted from a licensed chiropractor or physical therapist.

There are a few explanations for why your neck makes a popping sound. The first is called cavitation. Our joints contain gases nitrogen, carbon dioxide, and oxygen and fluid to cushion and lubricate the joints. The sound is produced by pressure on the fluid that creates gas bubbles that pop.