What Happens When a Chiropractor Cracks Your Neck?

Treatment Techniques / January 20, 2026
chiropractor cracks your neck

Maybe you’ve never been to a chiropractor but are considering scheduling an appointment because of persistent neck and back pain. Perhaps you regularly receive chiropractic adjustments. Regardless of your history, you might be curious about one key aspect of chiropractic care: neck cracking.

What happens when a chiropractor cracks your neck? Is this practice safe and beneficial? Learn more about this common technique so you go into future appointments fully informed.

How a Chiropractor Helps Relieve Neck Pain

Doctors of chiropractic specialize in treating musculoskeletal pain with hands-on, holistic therapies. Many people seek treatment from a qualified practitioner when they experience neck pain or stiffness. Providers always start by assessing the cervical spine to evaluate neck strength and movement, as this may help them find the source of the pain.

After examining the neck, experts often perform a chiropractic neck adjustment to correct any misaligned joints. In addition, they may use soft tissue therapy to ease muscle soreness and tension for fast relief. Consider visiting a chiropractor in Fort Lauderdale, FL, if you want to effectively treat neck pain and improve your musculoskeletal health.

What Happens During Neck Cracking?

If you watch videos of chiropractors performing neck adjustments, you’ll likely hear a distinct popping sound coming from the patient’s neck. Most people associate the noise with a successful treatment, but what’s the reason behind it? Here’s what happens when a chiropractor cracks your neck:

Bear in mind that not every patient hears a pop when a chiropractor cracks their neck. This doesn’t mean that the treatment is ineffective. Pain relief and reduced stiffness can still occur when no noise accompanies the adjustment.

Unexpected Benefits of Neck Cracking

Chiropractic care has immense benefits for anyone experiencing joint pain. Neck adjustments, in particular, offer numerous advantages for patients. Take a closer look at what happens when a chiropractor cracks your neck.

Endorphins Enter the Bloodstream

One of the body’s most essential hormones gets released when a chiropractor cracks your neck. Endorphins are widely recognized as a natural painkiller that are often released while you exercise, eat, laugh, and engage in other enjoyable activities. Immediately after a neck adjustment, endorphins enter your bloodstream and provide instant pain relief.

Increased Blood Circulation

Poor blood flow contributes to various musculoskeletal issues, such as swollen limbs and inflamed joints. When a chiropractor cracks your neck, blood flow immediately improves around your cervical spine. The body’s natural healing process gets a huge boost as a result.

Nervous System Improvements

What happens when a chiropractor cracks your neck? Think of it as a reset, not just for the impacted joints but also for your entire nervous system.

Your brain may receive fewer pain signals from the body. Improved neural pathways can even have a positive effect on your coordination.

Are Chiropractic Neck Adjustments Safe?

Neck cracking presents a few risks for patients, including blood clots and compressed nerves. Never attempt to crack your own neck, as you may further injure your cervical spine. You can use over-the-counter medication to temporarily relieve pain before seeking care from a medical professional.

Turn to a trusted doctor of chiropractic for treatment. They can review your health history, evaluate your spine, and come up with a personalized treatment plan. Follow their care plan for the best results.

It’s not uncommon to get a headache or feel some discomfort after a neck adjustment. However, these side effects should quickly subside while the rest of your symptoms improve.

Consult a Chiropractor for Personalized Neck Pain Treatment

Once you know what happens when a chiropractor cracks your neck, you can prepare for treatment. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear the distinct popping sound during your adjustment, as this doesn’t mean that the treatment didn’t work.

Reap the positive effects of neck adjustments by visiting ChiroCare of Florida. Our team takes pride in all chiropractor duties, from performing adjustments to educating patients on musculoskeletal health. Make an appointment today and see how we can improve your health.

Give us a call at (754) 223-8855 to schedule a consultation.

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