For some people with neck pain, cracking the neck is something believed to be helpful. Yet, for many with neck pain, that crack just does not do much (as in only temporary relief). Plus, it isn’t the noise that makes the difference (which is no different than cracking a knuckle).  It is actually the impulse from the motion that is most helpful.

Why is it that some people get relief with cracking the neck while others do not?

Well…this comes down to what the issue is.

For those with joint stiffness as the TRUE reason for the pain, a crack of the neck just might help. The impulse delivered has the potential ability to influence the stiffness in the joint/muscle. The impulse acts to “re-set” the system so to speak. This re-set enables the individual to move their neck more freely with less pain…And by getting the neck moving again, the system is restored back to normal working order. Additionally, the quick fix “cracks” are often most helpful in the event of a more acute onset of neck pain. This is not to say chronic neck pain might not benefit, just that the benefit will be less. It also means more is necessary.

For the majority of folks where a joint stiffness is not the primary issue the crack is likely not what is needed (and only temporary relief at best). In the cases where there is a “muscle imbalance” (as in one muscle group is tighter relative to opposite group) or weakness, those issues will need to be addressed directly. These issues are best addressed via specific exercises to restore proper balance to the muscles and improve the strength/activation patterns of the neck muscles. Additionally, it is often necessary to work on strengthening of the shoulder blade muscles. These muscles help to set a foundation for which the neck muscles function. So often it is necessary to incorporate both neck and shoulder blade work for better success.

In the case of long-standing pain, the process of restoring balance to the system and over-coming pain can sometimes take time…longer than most people want. But understanding that it will be a process and recognizing the small gains over time will help the process.

So, while a quick-fix neck crack may not necessarily be the answer, it does not mean that positive change cannot happen.

Ready to find the solution for your neck pain that maybe didn’t fully respond to cracking?

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