It’s become my main stem. My neck is extremely tense and slowly in more and more pain and I’m getting concerned… can anyone else relate or offer tips?
The only thing I can offer is a small warning. I also was a habitual neck cracker- up until one night where my normal twist had an unfamiliar popping sensation which kind of felt like a muscle snapping. I was then greeted with incredible pain anytime I tried to move my head or just move in general. Had to go to the ER/urgent care that night. The doctor was very straightforward with their advice- there’s no reason I should be cracking my neck and I need to stop. I had pulled one of the muscles and it had severely swelled.
I also used to crack my knuckles, elbows, back, etc. I eventually stopped by catching myself in the act, acknowledging that I don’t like feeling like I can’t control myself, and giving my hands something else to focus on.
Good luck!!
i used to crack my neck every few minutes until my doctor told me it can cause a stroke. true or not, it worked. haven’t done it once after that.
I just looked it up and your doc was right. It seems that it can often follow a chiropractic adjustment because believe it or not chiropractic is not a real medical field, similar to acupuncture and acupressure.
This is enough to make me think twice about cracking it - time for my AuDHD to find a new stim!
Have you looked up any neck strength and range of motion exercises from a Physical Therapist?
You might be able to address your concerns with discomfort, with the possibility of picking up some healthy movements that are effective as replacements for your main stem.
