Could a quick neck pop cause a stroke? The hidden vascular risks revealed

It is a reflex many of us turn to during a long day at a desk, but that satisfying "pop" in your neck might be doing more harm than good.

Dr Sermed Mezher, a family medicine physician based in England, has warned that repeatedly cracking your neck can lead to a dangerous "hypermobility trap."

While the collapse of gas bubbles in joint fluid releases a brief burst of endorphins, it also stretches ligaments.

Dr Mezher explains: “By repeatedly stretching the ligaments to achieve that pop, you can cause them to become permanently elongated and loose.

This laxity forces the surrounding muscles to work harder to stabilise the head.” This often results in a vicious cycle of tension and the constant urge to crack your neck again.

More concerning are the vascular risks; the neck houses vertebral arteries that supply blood to the brain.

He notes: “Forceful, high-velocity rotation can, in rare cases, cause a vertebral artery dissection... which can lead to a stroke.”

Many people report a strange warm sensation travelling down their back after a crack. Far from being a sign of relief, Dr Mezher warns this could signal nerve irritation or a slipped disc.

“It could also be a sign of muscle strain or spasm as the trapezius does match that description fairly perfectly,” he adds.

Rather than seeking a quick fix or visiting a chiropractor, the physician recommends addressing the root cause through professional physiotherapy and postural correction to avoid long-term neurological damage.

Note to readers: This article is meant for informational purposes only and should not substitute professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media.