Expert: Dr. Brendon J. O`Brien, D.C. - 10/19/2008

Question
Hi, I have a question about my neck. Yesterday I cracked it myself and now
my neck makes a noise kinda like crackling or something. It's hard to
describe the noise. It's not very loud, but it's close to my ear so I can hear it
plenty good. Usually when  I crack my neck it makes one sound, but that time
it made two cracking noises instead of the one. I don't feel any pain and it
only happens when I turn my head to the left or up. How can this noise go
away? If I stop cracking my neck and give it a break could the problem
correct itself? The right side of my neck is a little sore. Maybe something
happened to a ligament or muscle but I don't know. Please tell me what might
have happend.

Answer
Hello Andrew,

   You do not want to "Crack" your neck!  People often do that regularly and cause the ligaments of the joint to stretch and weaken.  Doctors of Chiropractic adjust the joints in the direction of the joint and take pressure off of the joint, restoring mobility, decreasing pressure and pain.  Cracking the joints yourself most often goes against the direction of the joint and weakens it becoming more mobile/loose which can cause scar tissue around the joint and joint laxity which may cause your clicking sensation and pain.
You may want to see a Doctor of Chiropractic to make sure your spine is aligned correctly and to show you neck strengthening exercises to restore the affected joint/s.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.