Do you have a habit of cracking your neck? That quick relief could be dangerous and cause a stroke

For many, the sharp pop of a cracked neck brings instant relief, often mistaken for a sign of tension release or improved mobility. The practice, however, extends far beyond the familiar sound and fleeting comfort. As musculoskeletal specialists caution, habitual or forceful neck cracking can compromise delicate cervical structures and, in rare but severe cases, result in life-threatening complications such as arterial dissection or stroke. Recent clinical reviews and guidance from institutions like the Cleveland Clinic highlight the thin line between temporary ease and irreversible harm, emphasising the need to understand what really happens when the neck “cracks” and how frequent manipulation can jeopardise long-term joint and vascular health. The cracking sound people hear when r