Many people deal with cracking and popping when they twist or turn their neck. It is something that is relatively common, but is this something you should be worried about? What does it mean if your neck keeps popping and when you should be worried about it? In most cases, neck cracking is not a big deal. But there are some cases that it is an indication of a larger neck or spinal issue. Some of the main causes of your neck popping when you move is the simple aspect of gas bubbles being popped that had formed in the different joints of your neck. When those are popped, they can take about twenty minutes to get reformed and then you can crack your neck again with the reformed gas bubbles. These situations are harmless to your health and research has shown that it does not impact you negatively in any way. But, there are some specific traits of neck popping that could indicate a bigger issue and you should definitely watch out for them from a health standpoint.
Neck Cracking Concerns
There are certain signs that you can pay attention to help determine if your neck popping is taking a bad turn and having a negative impact on your health. Some of the first red flags you can identify if your neck cracking is a sign of a more serious issue is if your neck cracks or pops even at the slightest movement of your head. Another symptom that this is not just your neck regularly popping is if there is any swelling or pain when it does pop. While these symptoms could come on naturally, you really need to be aware of extra neck cracking happening after you have been in any sort of accident. Whether it be a motor accident or a fall or anything of that nature, it is a bad sign if your neck is frequently popping – especially if it is followed by pain as well. If you have been in an accident that affected your spine, you are more likely to have more neck problems that start with your neck popping. Having surgery on your spine could also be a reason why these symptoms arise. Keep an eye for these red flags if you are concerned about your neck popping.
Treat Any Major Issues
If you do notice any of these negative signs when it comes to your neck, you should definitely be seen by a healthcare professional. There are different ways to go about treating different neck issues depending on how severe the problem is, but the very first step in diagnosing the problem. After that, there are many alternative practices out there that can help treat any major neck problems and neck pain. Rexburg neck pain can provide treatment to help overcome neck pain in a safe way. Spinal therapy is something that can benefit you if you have symptoms such as:
- Back or neck pain (acute or chronic)
- Pain that goes into arms or legs
- Tension headaches
- Spine pain that is work related
- Have whiplash or strain on neck or a sprain, or
- Various chronic spinal disorders
If It’s Painful – Get It Checked Out
The biggest predictor of a severe underlying issue when it comes to neck popping, is if it is painful when you do pop your neck. That is something you should be seen for. Physical therapists for neck pain are specialized to assist in strategies to help reduce and get rid of the pain. They have programs designed to assist in helping you to feel better and become the best version of yourself. If your neck is popping and there is no pain, there is a good chance that it is not negatively impacting your health in any way. But if it is painful, be sure to get it checked out as soon as you can and see a physical therapist to help reduce any neck pain.
