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Neck cracking...

August 16, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Hello,

I have a question.
Unfortunately, I am quite tense from the ground up, constantly unconsciously tensing, most of all between my shoulders up to the neck. Sometimes I do gentle cervical spine exercises, such as gently and slowly lowering my head towards my chest, or lowering it towards my shoulder. When I do this, and then come back to the center, sometimes it crunches lightly or even cracks. However, it doesn't hurt and I am also flexible in my neck. My question is, is this crunching and cracking dangerous? Could it possibly pinch an artery or something? Or should I not worry about it? What causes this crunching and cracking?

Thank you.

Dr. med. Kathrin Hamann

Good day,

This cracking is not dangerous or concerning. It is caused by the tendons and ligaments in the spine. It indicates tension and should be loosened. There will be no constriction of blood vessels. Please do not worry about it.

Warmth before movement/stretching and loosening is helpful. This will increase blood flow to the muscles and the area, supporting muscle relaxation and making it easier to relax.

Do you have any questions about this? I am happy to help you further.

Kind regards,
Yours
Dr. K. Hamann