Cracking your neck is a reflexive body movement people make to alleviate tension in their neck muscles. It’s often assumed that cracking your neck can cause arthritis to develop in the neck, but this is false. Here’s why cracking your neck is not the cause of arthritis and the facts about why this is not true.
What Causes Arthritis?
Arthritis occurs when the protective cartilage of the joints in the body wears down, which often results in pain, swelling, and stiffness. Arthritis is typically caused by age, infection, genetics, or a traumatic injury. Cracking your neck is not a leading cause of arthritis.
Age
One of the leading causes of arthritis is age. As you age, the body produces less lubricating fluid in your joints which in turn can cause thinning of the cartilage. This thinning of the cartilage in joints can lead to pain, swelling, and joint stiffness.
Infection
Certain infections can also cause arthritis. An infection or inflammation to the body can cause cartilage to break down quicker and lead to arthritis.
Genetics
Your genes can play a significant role in the development of arthritis. If you have a family history of developing arthritis at an early age, you may be more likely to experience arthritis as well.
Traumatic Injury
Traumatic injuries are also a leading cause of arthritis. Injuries like strains, sprains, and fractures can cause damage to the joints of the body and can eventually lead to the development of arthritis.
Myth: Cracking your Neck Causes Arthritis
Cracking your neck is not a leading cause of arthritis. Cracking your neck is simply a reflexive action of the body. It can release tension in the neck muscles but it is not the cause of arthritis.
No Link between Pain and Arthritis
People often mistakenly believe that the pain associated with cracking their neck is a sign of the development of arthritis. Pain with the crack is generally caused from releasing tension in the neck muscles and does not have any long term health risks or implications.
No Change in Bone Structure
It is impossible for cracking your neck to cause a change in bone structure as cracking your neck does not create any force strong enough to impact the bone structures of the neck.
No Increase in Joint Fluid
Cracking your neck does not cause an increase in the fluids of the joints. It is a simple reflexive action of the body and will not affect the production of joint fluid.
People Also Ask
Can neck cracking cause damage?
Cracking your neck, when done in a safe and appropriate manner, is generally considered safe and will not cause damage. If done excessively or if done with too much force, it can cause damage to the joints and muscles of the neck.
Can neck cracking cause headaches?
Cracking your neck may cause headaches in some individuals, however, the headaches are usually temporary and should go away on their own.
Can neck cracking cause soreness?
Cracking your neck can cause soreness or even pain in some individuals. Generally, this soreness and pain will go away on its own.
Can neck cracking cause permanent injury?
Cracking your neck done in a safe manner will not cause long-term or permanent injury. Doing it excessively or with too much force can cause injury and should be avoided.
Does neck cracking lead to arthritis?
No, cracking your neck is not linked to the development of arthritis. Arthritis can be caused by age, infection, genetics, or a traumatic injury.
Final Words
Cracking your neck does not cause arthritis and is a safe reflexive body movement. Many people are concerned that cracking their neck can lead to the development of arthritis, but this is false. Arthritis most commonly is caused by age, infection, genetics, or traumatic injury, not cracking your neck. It is important to only crack your neck in a safe and appropriate manner and if you experience headaches, pain, or soreness after cracking the neck, it should resolve itself within a few days.