Is there anything wrong with clicking my own neck?
This is a common question often asked within the chiropractic realm. The danger of doing it yourself is you’re clicking the wrong joints. When you self manipulate it may make the same ‘popping’ noise as a Chiropractic adjustment; it might provide some relief, due to the natural release of a pain-relieving chemical called endorphins. But it can also cause damage.
When a joint is restricted, the joints above and below work harder to compensate for the lack of movement in the stiff joint. So these joints are moving too much already and when you self adjust you are forcing them to move even further (see picture). This can, over time, cause stretching of the ligaments that support the spine and lead to instability and future problems.
Chiropractors are trained in the diagnosis and treatment of dysfunctional areas of the spine. When chiropractors adjust the spine, they do so in a careful, gentle and purposeful manor. They apply chiropractic adjustments to the “restricted” areas, helping to restore the balance between the dysfunctional areas and the areas that are compensating. This is the main difference between self cracking and having it done by a qualified professional.
Poor spinal mechanics can result from poor posture, poor workplace ergonomics, sports injuries, auto-injuries as well as repetitive strain injuries.