Cracking Neck and Back

Question

Dear TAI Experts:

I have hypermobility, and I have to crack my neck and back A LOT. It cracks easily, but now my upper back has been killing me. Is what I’ve been doing dangerous? I also have scoliosis and I’ve heard cracking your neck can screw your back up with alignment. Help?

Answer

Without performing a physical examination I cannot comment on your specific condition. Generally, I can say that “cracking” can be associated with either the movement of gas within a joint, tendon movement over bones, or the movement of a joint capsule, which is the “saran-wrap” like tissue around a joint. This “cracking” is generally not a problem. Hypermobility is associated with excessive movement or laxity in a joint or series of joints and can be problematic if there is not adequate support from muscles to stabilize those joints. Scoliosis is often associated with a combination of excessive mobility in the spine in some parts and limited mobility in others, either of which can cause pain. A physical therapist would be able to evaluate the joint mobility of the spine and determine the need for exercises to stabilize or mobilize the spine. In general, if “cracking” is causing pain then it would be appropriate to consult with a physical therapist for evaluation.

Matthew S. Rogers, DPT