If you’ve ever had a stiff or sore neck, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Cracking your neck is one way to relieve some of that tension and help ease the pain. Cracking your neck is not harmful unless you do it too often or force your neck in the wrong direction. If done properly, cracking your neck can loosen up the vertebrae, increase blood flow to the area, and relieve pressure on your nerves. Let’s learn how to crack your neck with a towel!
How To Crack Your Neck With A Towel?
Place a towel under your neck
You can place a towel or small pillow under your neck while you lie on your back or side. This creates a larger surface area for your neck to crack. Cracking your neck while lying on your back is the easiest position for a few reasons. First, it uses gravity to assist with the motion. Second, it’s the least likely position to cause any type of damage to the nerves in your spine. Finally, it’s less likely to overextend your neck muscles. You can lie on a bed, couch, or any other soft surface. Place a towel underneath your head in the middle of your spine to rest it on. You may also want to add a pillow under your knees if you’re on a soft surface to help keep your body in alignment while you crack your neck.
Tuck a towel underneath your head
Use the towel to tuck your head, bend your knees and lie on your back. Tuck the towel under the middle of your head, bringing the ends around to your back. Now, slowly pull your head towards your feet by bending your knees up towards your chest. Make sure to go slowly and stop if you feel any pain. Repeat this motion a few times to help release tension in your neck. This is a great option for anyone who has neck pain and would like to crack their neck but isn’t able to bend their head enough to perform other methods.
Place one end of the towel against a wall
To crack your neck against a wall, stand with both feet facing the wall. Open up one end of the towel, then grab both pieces and place one end against the wall. Reach your head around behind you and rest the other end of the towel against the back of your head. Slowly push your head into the towel by applying gentle pressure with your head. You can also do this on your side or with a pillow to rest your head-on. Just make sure to be on a soft surface and not a hard floor.
Use both ends of the towel to pull your head in different directions
To crack your neck by pulling with the towel, open up both ends of the towel. Grab one end in each hand and gently pull your head in one direction. Then, grab the other end of the towel and pull your head in the opposite direction. Repeat this motion a few times to help release tension in your neck. This method is a good option for anyone who has neck pain and doesn’t have a lot of mobility in their head but does have some mobility in their shoulders.
Pull-on each end of the towel at the same time
This method works best if you have someone else help you, but can also be performed alone if you have enough mobility in your hands. Combine both ends of the towel and grab the towel in one hand. While you’re lying on your back, have your helper pull the towel towards your head by grabbing the towel in their hand. You can also do this while you’re sitting upright in a chair or while you’re standing.
How To Crack Your Neck Using Two Fingers?
- You can also use two fingers to gently press on the back of your neck until you feel a popping sound.
- Make sure you press on the back (your spine) and not the front. Start by placing two fingers on the back of your neck and applying gentle pressure.
- You will feel an indentation on the upper and lower vertebrae as you apply pressure. The joint where the upper and lower vertebrae meet is called the articular process.
- It’s this joint that you are pressing and is the reason why it feels so good to crack your neck.
Why Does Cracking Your Neck Feel So Good?
- When you crack your neck, you are causing the joint between the vertebrae to slightly dislocate. This creates a small gap, which allows for the buildup of pressure which causes pain and stiffness.
- Cracking your neck allows that joint to pop back into place, releasing the pressure and increasing blood flow to the area. The popping sound is caused by a rush of air into the gap created by the dislocation.
- The air results in a popping sound, which is exactly why it feels so good when you crack your neck. Cracking your neck should not be done regularly as it can cause damage to the joints and muscles in your neck
- Cracking your neck once a day should be the most you do. If you crack your neck too often, you can end up weakening the muscles in your neck.
Why You Should Not Crack Your Neck Constantly?
As mentioned, cracking your neck too often can cause damage to your muscles and joints. Cracking your neck once a day is the most you should do. If you’re in a lot of pain, you should see a doctor find out what the cause is and how to treat it. There are a few reasons why you shouldn’t crack your neck on a regular basis.
- It can lead to serious injury (if done improperly).
- It may not be a long-term solution to your pain.
- It can cause headaches (if done too often).
- It can lead to muscle spasms (if done too often).
- It can lead to misalignment of the vertebrae (if done too often)
3 Exercises to Help You Crack Your Neck Properly
The rule of thumb here is that if it hurts, then you are probably doing it wrong. Below are three exercises to help you crack your neck properly.
- Place Your Head on a Firm Surface – Place your head on a firm surface (like a pillow or the floor) and slowly roll your head from one side to the other. You want to apply gentle pressure to the back of your neck as you roll. This is a great way to crack your neck when you are at home or the office.
- Place Your Hands on Your Neck – Place your hands on the back of your neck and apply gentle pressure. You can also place one hand on either side of your head and slowly turn from one side to the other. Again, you want to apply gentle pressure as you are turning your head from side to side.
- Use a Massage Ball – Using a massage ball is another great way to loosen up any tension in your neck. Simply place the massage ball under the back of your neck and roll it back and forth. You can also squeeze the ball between your hands to apply a bit more pressure.
Benefits Of Cracking Your Neck
- Helps to decrease pain caused by muscle spasms.
- Helps to relieve headaches caused by muscle spasms.
- Helps to reduce stiffness and soreness in your neck.
- Helps to improve your range of motion.
- Helps to improve blood flow to the neck and head.
- Helps to improve your posture.
- Helps to improve the appearance of your neck.
- Helps to relieve pressure on your nerves.
Important Tips When Cracking Your Neck
- Cracking your neck should be done once daily and done properly.
- Avoid cracking your neck when you have a fever or if you are sick.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you’ve recently had surgery.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have an injury to your neck or spine.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you are pregnant. –
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have high blood pressure.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have migraines.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have a weak immune system.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have vertigo.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have a herniated disc.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have osteoporosis.
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have a joint or bone disease. –
- Avoid cracking your neck if you have degenerative joint disease.
Conclusion
Cracking your neck is not harmful if done properly and will help to reduce the pain caused by muscle spasms. Cracking your neck is not a long-term solution to your pain and should only be done once daily. Avoid cracking your neck if you have any of the conditions mentioned above. If you find yourself in a lot of pain, see a doctor to find out what the cause is and how to treat it.
