Do you remember being a kid and being told, “Don’t crack your knuckles or you’ll get arthritis!”? For many of us, this warning was seared into our brains, passed down like folklore from parents, teachers, and well-meaning relatives. And if you’re someone who cracks your neck, you may have heard the same concern there, too. But here’s the truth: cracking your neck does not cause arthritis. In fact, that satisfying pop or crack is often totally harmless. So, what’s really going on when you crack your neck, and why do chiropractors do it professionally?
What’s Really Happening When You Crack Your Neck?
Despite how it sounds, you’re not actually cracking bones or damaging joints when you pop your neck. That “crack” or “pop” you hear is caused by a phenomenon called cavitation. Between each of your joints, including the ones in your neck, there’s a small amount of fluid that keeps everything moving smoothly. When you move a joint quickly, it can create a tiny change in pressure within the joint space. This sudden shift causes gases like nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the joint fluid to form a bubble, which then quickly collapses. The sound you hear is actually the bubble bursting, not bones cracking or cartilage breaking down.
Why Does Cracking Your Neck Feel So Good?
So if no damage is happening, why does it feel so good? Even though the sound is the same, there’s a difference between mindless cracking and what a chiropractor does. That said, self-cracking can provide temporary relief, and here’s why.
- Releasing Built-Up Pressure: When your joints feel stiff or tight, like after sitting at a desk all day or sleeping in an awkward position, moving or cracking them can release pressure. This often brings an almost instant sense of relief and mobility.
- Endorphin Boost: Your body also releases endorphins when you crack your neck (or any joint), which function as your brain’s natural painkillers. Endorphins can give you a mini mood boost and a sense of relaxation.
- Improved Range of Motion: Sometimes, a quick neck crack can give you a better range of motion for a little while. However, this is often short-lived and doesn’t fix the root cause of your stiffness or discomfort.
What to Expect from a Neck Adjustment at the Chiropractor
While cracking your neck every once in a while won’t cause arthritis, repeatedly and forcefully doing it on your own can lead to joint instability over time. That’s why if you feel like you need to crack your neck often or if you’re dealing with frequent tension or pain, it’s better to see a chiropractor. If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, the idea of having your neck adjusted might seem a little intimidating. Rest assured, chiropractic adjustments are safe, gentle, and incredibly effective when performed by trained professionals, especially at a clinic like AICA Orthopedics, where your care is backed by a full team of specialists.
Here’s what you can expect before, during, and after a neck adjustment with a chiropractor.
1. A Thorough Consultation and Evaluation
Your first visit will begin with a detailed consultation. Your chiropractor will ask about your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and any past injuries or conditions. This will help them understand the bigger picture and make sure they develop a treatment plan that is both safe and personalized.
You’ll also go through a physical examination, which may include:
- Posture and spinal alignment assessment
- Range of motion testing
- Palpation (feeling for tension, inflammation, or misalignment)
- Neurological or orthopedic tests (if needed)
At AICA Orthopedics, we often utilize advanced diagnostic imaging such as X-rays or MRIs when necessary to get a clearer view of your cervical spine and rule out any serious underlying conditions.
2. The Neck Adjustment
Once your chiropractor has identified the areas of concern, they’ll perform a cervical spinal adjustment, which is a targeted, hands-on technique that aims at restoring motion and alignment in your neck vertebrae.
Here’s how it works:
- You’ll be comfortably positioned on a padded chiropractic table.
- Your chiropractor will gently support your head and apply a precise, quick, and controlled force to a specific joint in your neck.
- You may hear a “pop” or “crack”—that’s the gas bubbles (not bones!) being released, which often brings instant relief.
- It’s worth noting that chiropractic adjustments do not hurt. Many people describe the sensation as strangely satisfying, and some even feel a lightness or warmth immediately afterward.
3. Other Therapies That May Be Included
Neck adjustments are often part of a broader treatment plan with chiropractic care. Depending on your symptoms and goals, your chiropractor may also incorporate the following techniques into your treatment plan:
- Soft tissue therapy or massage to release tight muscles
- Stretching and mobility exercises to improve flexibility
- Postural education to help prevent future issues
- Electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation
- Physical therapy or collaboration with orthopedic physicians if your case is more complex
At AICA Orthopedics, we offer all of these services under one roof, which makes it easier for you to get comprehensive care without having to visit multiple clinics or doctor’s offices.
4. What You Might Feel After the Adjustment
Most people feel noticeably better right after an adjustment, including freer movement, less tension, and better posture. However, it is possible to experience some mild soreness, similar to post-workout fatigue, which can happen as your body gets used to its new alignment. This is a completely normal physical response and usually subsides within 24–48 hours.
Your chiropractor may also give you at-home recommendations such as:
- Applying ice or heat to the affected area
- Gentle stretches and exercises in between sessions
- Ergonomic tips for your workspace or for certain sleep positions
- A treatment schedule based on your recovery goals
5. How Often Should You Get Adjusted?
The answer to that will depend on your specific condition. Some people only need a few sessions to feel better, while others benefit from ongoing maintenance care, especially if you are dealing with chronic neck pain, poor posture, or have a job that requires prolonged sitting or computer use. At AICA, your chiropractor will guide you through a personalized plan designed to deliver consistent, quality results to keep you moving well.
So, If Cracking Your Neck Doesn’t Cause Arthritis… What Does?
Now that we’ve cleared the air on that old myth, let’s talk about what can cause arthritis because it doesn’t come from knuckle or neck cracking. Instead, arthritis typically develops due to a combination of factors, including:
1. Age and Wear and Tear
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which develops over time due to the natural breakdown of cartilage between your joints. This “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis is most common as people get older and typically affects weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, but it can occur in the neck, too.
2. Autoimmune Conditions
Some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are autoimmune diseases. In these cases, your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, leading to inflammation, pain, and joint damage over time. Unlike osteoarthritis, which is linked to aging and activity, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people of all ages and isn’t caused by movement or cracking joints.
3. Genetics and Family History
Unfortunately, sometimes arthritis can run in families. If your parents or grandparents had arthritis, your risk may be higher. That doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed, but genetics can definitely play a role. Other potential contributing factors can include previous joint injuries, obesity, poor posture, and a sedentary lifestyle, but cracking your neck isn’t one of them.
When to See a Chiropractor for Neck Pain or Stiffness
If you notice that you’re constantly cracking your neck or stretching it to relieve tension, that could be a sign of an underlying issue, such as:
- Misaligned vertebrae
- Muscle imbalances
- Pinched nerves
- Poor posture (especially from looking down at screens)
These are all conditions that chiropractors can help correct—without over-reliance on self-cracking. While occasional stiffness is normal, you should seek professional care if you experience:
- Chronic or recurring neck pain
- Numbness or tingling in your arms or hands
- Headaches starting at the base of your skull
- Sharp or shooting pain when turning your head
These could be signs of nerve compression or spinal issues that need a more targeted treatment approach.
Ready for Relief That Lasts? AICA Orthopedics Can Help
Cracking your neck won’t cause arthritis, and it certainly doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. But if you find yourself reaching for that pop on the daily, your body might be trying to tell you something. Instead of relying on DIY relief, get your neck properly assessed and adjusted by a professional chiropractor. It’s a safer, more effective way to improve mobility, reduce discomfort, and prevent long-term issues from developing.
At AICA Orthopedics, our experienced team of chiropractors, physical therapists, and orthopedic doctors work together to treat the root cause of your pain, not just the symptoms. Whether you’re dealing with neck stiffness, muscle tension, or chronic discomfort, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you feel your best.