When your neck is sore or stiff and you want immediate relief, you might consider something like turning your head side to side until you pop or crack your neck. There are many reasons you might be seeking relief, whether it is from sleeping with your head in an awkward position or if you have a neck injury. A quick pop or crack of the neck may seem like it will be the relief you want, but it should really be left to the professionals. If your neck cracks with a simple turn of your head then it may not be a problem. However, if you are undergoing treatment for whiplash or a neck injury then cracking your neck may make your injury worse.
What Happens When You Crack Your Neck
If you force your neck to make the popping or cracking sound that brings relief then you could do more harm than good. When you crack your neck and it makes a popping sound, that is typically the sound of gases in the joint being released. Each vertebra of your spine is actually a joint and when it moves a certain way it causes gas bubbles to be released. This also causes endorphins to be released, which also provides that sense of temporary pain relief. There are other reasons why you may hear a cracking noise, such as when ligaments or tendons are too tight in the neck and make a sound when they rub against bone.
Neck Cracking and a Neck Injury
You should never feel pain or more discomfort after cracking or popping your neck. If you do feel worse after cracking your neck, then that is a sign that the action is actually bad for you. You should avoid cracking your neck on your own when possible and instead trust that type of remedy to the professionals. If you have a neck injury like whiplash, then your car accident chiropractor will want to help provide you with a range of treatment options and techniques that may include chiropractic adjustments. Whiplash can cause damage to your spine and also to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support your neck. A neck injury like whiplash can cause pain, stiffness, and soreness that requires medical attention. If you try to crack your neck on your own when you are already injured, you risk damaging blood vessels in your neck or overextending ligaments and tendons.
At-Home Remedies and Chiropractic Care
When you visit a car accident chiropractor for a stiff or sore neck, they will want to assess the area to determine the best treatment for whiplash. Here are a few examples of at-home remedies and chiropractic care that can help with a neck injury.
Make Time to Rest
A car accident is a stressful experience and can take a serious physical toll on the body. As the injury settles in, you will likely start to experience stiffness and soreness in your neck and difficulty turning your head side to side. Try not to overexert or overextend your neck. Instead, focus on resting and gentle movements until you can get to a doctor.
Ice & Heat Compresses
Your car accident chiropractor may recommend applying ice and heat compresses to a sore and stiff neck after a wreck. Applying ice to the area helps to reduce inflammation in the area and provide temporary pain relief. Applying heat to your neck will help loosen up the tight, sore muscles.
Therapeutic Exercises
Part of your treatment for whiplash may include therapeutic exercises and stretches to improve strength and mobility in the neck. Your car accident chiropractor may recommend specific movements to help regain range of motion and provide proper support for the neck.
Chiropractic Benefits
Chiropractic care after a car accident can help with a wide variety of injuries, including whiplash. A car accident chiropractor will be highly trained and skilled in providing therapeutic chiropractic adjustments. You may not need to crack or pop your neck in order to experience relief from whiplash.
If you were recently in a car accident and have neck pain or stiffness, then visit a car accident chiropractor in Conyers and experience quality, individualized treatment for whiplash.