check for damage to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.

Some experts believe that willfully or forcefully causing joints to crack is unhealthy for the joints, but others believe it causes no lasting damage. Chiropractors often manipulate certain joints to the point of cracking and some people may get relief from aching finger or neck joints when their joints crack. However, if you experience pain when your joints crack or you have swelling of the joints, you should see a physician. They may recommend medication to relieve the pain and swelling and will check for damage to ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.

Why Popping Your Neck is Harmful

DONT TRY CRACK or POP YOUR NECK.

If you often crack or pop your neck yourself, it probably means that the joints are hypermobile.

The ligaments are a bit lax so the joints move a little more than they should. In response, the muscles tighten up to stabilize the joints. 

This makes your neck feel tight and makes you want to crack it. When you do that, the muscles are momentarily stretched, they relax somewhat, and you feel better for a while.

But when you crack your neck you also stretch the loose ligaments further which makes the muscles tighten up again. It’s a vicious cycle.