Is Self-Cracking Your Neck Safe?
Self-cracking your neck is not safe and should be avoided due to the risk of serious vascular and neurological complications, including vertebral artery dissection, stroke, and permanent neurological damage.
Why Neck Self-Manipulation Is Dangerous
Documented Serious Complications
The practice of self-cracking the neck carries significant risks that can result in catastrophic outcomes:
Vertebral artery dissection is the most serious complication, resulting from abrupt cervical hyperextension and rotation. This trauma can cause an intramural thrombus leading to vessel dissection and possible intracranial emboli, producing devastating and lasting neurological complications 1.
Stroke and brainstem injury have been documented following neck cracking, including Wallenberg syndrome (lateral medullary syndrome), which represents a brainstem stroke 2.
Cervicogenic dizziness can occur acutely after self-manipulation, presenting with vertigo, imbalance, restricted cervical range of motion, and muscle hypertonicity 3.
Death occurred in 18% of reported injury cases from cervical spine manipulation in a comprehensive review of 177 published cases, with the most frequent injuries involving arterial dissection or spasm and brainstem lesions 4.
Public Awareness Gap
A critical knowledge deficit exists regarding these risks. In a 2024 study from Saudi Arabia, 70% of respondents were unaware of serious complications from neck manipulation, despite 50.6% admitting to the practice 5. Most individuals (39.3%) performed neck manipulations themselves, often learning techniques from social media (75.3%), highlighting the dangerous spread of misinformation 5.
What to Do Instead
Seek Professional Evaluation
Any neck pain or discomfort warrants prompt medical evaluation rather than self-manipulation 1.
If you experience neck pain with dizziness, torticollis, or neurological symptoms after any neck manipulation, seek immediate diagnostic assessment as these may indicate vertebral artery dissection or atlanto-axial subluxation 1.
Safe Treatment Alternatives
For neck discomfort or pain, evidence-based alternatives include:
Neck muscle strengthening exercises under professional guidance, which are associated with reduced injury risk and are a key component of physical therapy 6, 7.
Mobilization techniques (nonthrust passive movements) performed by trained professionals, which avoid the risks associated with high-velocity manipulation 4.
Regular physical fitness activities 1-3 days per week help prevent neck problems 6, 7.
Critical Warning Signs
Seek emergency care immediately if you experience any of these symptoms after neck manipulation:
- Sudden onset of dizziness or vertigo 3
- Severe headache or neck pain 1
- Neurological symptoms (weakness, numbness, vision changes) 7
- Difficulty swallowing or speaking 8
The Bottom Line
The literature does not demonstrate that the benefits of cervical spine manipulation outweigh the risks 4. While the absolute risk may appear small, the potential for catastrophic outcomes—including permanent neurological damage and death—makes self-cracking your neck an unnecessary and avoidable danger 1, 4. The temporary relief or satisfaction from the "cracking" sensation is not worth the risk of vertebral artery injury, stroke, or spinal cord damage.