Many people are afraid to crack their neck because they believe that doing so could cause paralysis, heart attack or even death. However, if you know how to do it properly, neck cracking can help relieve pain and discomfort. It can also reduce muscle tension and increase mobility.
To crack your neck, first, you need to stretch it by looking down and then up slowly several times. Then, lie prone on the ground and move your body up and down while placing a foam roller beneath your neck. You can also grasp your jaw with one hand and the back of your head with the other. After a while, you will hear and feel a pop sound. It is important to do this slowly so that you do not injure your neck or cause more pain.
The neck consists of seven bones called vertebrae and they are connected by small joints, called facet joints. These joints contain a mixture of gasses and fluid and when you twist your neck it releases these bubbles and relieves pressure. It is this that causes the popping sound. The releasing of these gases can also help release feel-good chemicals in the brain, which may explain why people sometimes feel better after they crack their neck. However, it is not clear that neck cracking actually helps with pain or tension, especially if it is done repeatedly. If you are in severe pain or have a neck injury, it is best to see a chiropractor for advice.