“Are you sure you won’t snap my neck?” “What if you paralyse me?” These are questions that our chiropractors often hear. Even during clinical practice sessions, clients can still be slightly sceptical. Sure, we are the first to admit that chiropractic neck cracking is famous for being a little bit strange… but done correctly, it is an incredibly safe procedure, and the results can feel quite satisfying.

What is Chiropractic Neck Cracking?

We’ve all seen those videos of a chiropractor in action, but do you really know what’s going on when those joints pop? In this video, chiropractor, Georgia, demonstrates a chiropractic adjustment or cervical manipulation –  AKA “chiropractic neck cracking”.

It’s more than just a satisfying sound; it’s about relieving tension, loosening up stiff joints, and reducing pain.

Are there risks to ‘neck cracking’?

Chiropractors have extensive experience and know exactly how to recognise and diagnose any signs or symptoms that could cause or be related to an adverse reaction.

If we see anything that suggests the neck cracking treatment isn’t for you, we won’t do it; it’s as simple as that.

In these cases, we adapt our treatment; we have many other tools in our chiropractic toolbox that can treat your stiff or painful neck. These tools range from stretching, traction, and massage to medical acupuncture, to name just a few.

It’s also important to note that ‘cracking’ (named so because of its audible release) is not caused by the noise of bones snapping, breaking, or anything sinister like that. It is the same source of noise as you hear when you crack your knuckles. 

The cracking noise is caused when gas bubbles form and then pop in the joint. 

While we are on the subject, another piece of advice, straight from the expert.

Despite what your mum used to tell you, cracking your knuckles is also completely safe, and it doesn’t cause arthritis or any other damage. 

During a session with a chiropractor, they will manipulate the joints in your spine. These joints have a capsule around them, and the fluid within these capsules is designed to help them move freely, without any friction. 

As the joints move during this manipulation, the pressure changes in the joint, causing bubbles of gas to form and pop. This is what creates that famous and incredibly satisfying (yes, I know you’ve watched the videos on YouTube); CRACK!

So, what are the benefits of chiropractic neck cracking?

The proper term for neck cracking is cervical manipulation. Its magical secret lies in a high-velocity, low-amplitude thrust (HVLA) applied in a precise location. 

Initially, chiropractors will palpate your spine to locate the restricted spinal joints, and it is these that we will manipulate. 

To get that famous ‘pop’, we perform a super-short and sharp movement to achieve the therapeutic benefits. 

It is this fast and small movement that makes the treatment both safe and effective. An adjustment stimulates mechanoreceptors in the facet joints of your spine, causing the muscles and joints to relax and become freer. 

The key benefits are that it quickly reduces pain, increases your range of motion, and improves the function of your spine.

Similarly, it improves stiff and sore necks and has also been shown to help treat everything from certain types of headaches to brain fog and even whiplash. 

If you’re curious about how chiropractic care can support these changes, our article on whether chiropractic treatment is right for you explains more.

Not sure which treatment option is right for you?

Understand the difference between physio, chiro and osteo with our helpful guide.

For more guidance or to book chiropractic treatment in London, contact our St James’s clinic. We also have chiropractic clinics in Battersea, Clapham, and Wimbledon.

Further Reading: 

If you’re looking for more ways to support your spinal health, explore our guide on how to recognise and improve bad posture.
Or try this simple chiropractic technique for aligning your spine from the comfort of your own home.