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?
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.
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!!
