Can popping your neck cause a stroke?

My doctor specifically warned me against self-cracking my neck. He explained that sudden, forceful twisting can cause a vertebral artery dissection, which can lead to a blood clot and stroke. It's much safer to use gentle stretches or heat therapy for neck stiffness.

Forceful cracking is definitely a bad idea because it can mess with the delicate nerves and vessels in your neck. If you have a stiff neck, doing slow mobility exercises and strengthening your upper back at the gym is a much safer bet.

It can be dangerous if done aggressively. I always stick to natural neck rotations and simple yoga postures to relieve tension. If you have chronic neck pain, please consult a medical professional instead of trying to self-adjust.

I used to crack my neck all the time until I read about the stroke risk online, and now I am absolutely terrified to even turn my head too fast! It's a rare risk, but please be careful and don't do it. See a physiotherapist if it's stiff.