Is it safe to crack your neck and back?

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

Yes, it's perfectly safe to crack your neck and back. It is an old wives tale, like cracking your knuckles, that it can do damage. You would be better served by doing yoga or stretching exercises that would ease your tension on a regular basis.

Answer by  Anonymous

No try not to crack your neck or back if you can help it. It may feel good for a while but it damages your neck and can cause you to strain it. Try lightly stretching them and see a chiropractor, they can adjust you neck and back.

Answer by  Anonymous

Don't use your hands to crack your neck and you cannot inflict any damage, don't use any sudden head banging or slamming to crack it either. People who say it damages your arteries aren't thinking clearly, It is completely within your normal range of motion.

Answer by  AnneH90 (4)

No! Cracking your neck can cause wear and tear on your major arteries and veins. When damage accumulates, it can restrict blood flow to the brain, causing a stroke. Also, the arthritis after years of back popping is no fun. Despite all the reasons, I love the feeling of released tension, and will die with a smile on my face!

Answer by  Anonymous

If you crack it without using your hands it is self-limiting and safer than letting someone else do it. A chiropractor poping your neck makes you up to 10 times more likely to have a stroke. Doing it yourself (no hands) does not. Pain will keep you from tearing anything.