Many of us crack our necks in hope of some relief. Dr. Kenneth Clenin wants Memphis chiropractic patients to realize that it may not be the best choice for neck pain relief. If you are a “neck cracker,” you most likely suffer from some sort of mechanical joint dysfunction. Stress, work, driving, and daily activities can cause stiffness in the joints of your neck or back. As your body feels the stiffness, all you have to do is a simple turn of the neck, and pop! But this is a habit you don’t want to start. Cracking your own neck can be dangerous. Chiropractors are trained to manipulate the joints, and they understand the best practices to promote healthy, functioning joints.
When you pop your neck, the joints above and below move more to make up the difference. When done frequently, you are just temporarily loosening the segments that are already loose, not the ones that are stuck, so those joints may become loose and can lead to more problems in the future.
What to Expect From a Chiropractor
When you see a chiropractor for your neck pain, it’s important to remember that the adjustment frees, not forces, your vertebra to allow it to find its natural position. Some common chiropractic adjustment techniques include:
- Instrument adjustments: Involves spring-loaded devices
- Lumbar roll: Dr. Clenin applies a firm, yet quick thrust to a misaligned vertebra while you are lying on your side.
- Motion palpation: A hand technique to determining if the vertebrae are properly aligned.
- Release work: A gentle pressure is used with fingers to separate the vertebrae.
- Table adjustments: You will lie on a specially designed table that drops when pressure is applied to a specific area of your neck.
- Toggle drop: Firm pressure is applied on a specific area of the spine by using crossed hands.
Adjustments do not usually involve any pain or discomfort. Remember to stay relaxed and don’t be frightened if you hear popping sounds, it’s usually just pockets of air being released behind a joint or bony structure. Adjustments have been proven to:
- Increase blood flow
- Increase pain tolerance levels
- Increase range of motion
- Increase the body’s secretion of “good” chemicals
- Reduce blood pressure
- Reduce tension and muscle pressure
Don't Crack Your Neck! See Your Chiropractor
The next time you notice your neck to be stiff, and you feel the urge to pop or crack it, think about the information in this article and the relief you can get from visiting Dr. Clenin at our chiropractic office in Memphis.