If the thought of having your neck cracked has put you off seeing a chiropractor, you’re far from alone. It’s one of the most common worries people bring to a first appointment.

The short answer: for most people, neck adjustments carried out by a registered chiropractor after a proper assessment are safe. But no treatment is completely risk-free, so here’s an honest look at what the research says, and what a good chiropractor does to keep you safe.

What is a neck adjustment?

A neck adjustment, or manipulation, is a quick, controlled movement applied to a joint in the neck. The click you sometimes hear isn’t bones cracking. It’s a small release of gas within the joint, the same thing that happens when you crack your knuckles.

Not all chiropractic treatment involves adjustments. Chiropractors use a wide range of techniques, and which one suits you depends on your symptoms and how your body responds.

Common side effects: mild and short-lived

Some people notice mild after-effects, much like after unfamiliar exercise. In one large study of neck pain patients, around three in tennoticed some mild discomfort afterwards.

These reactions usually start within 24 hours and settle within a day. They’re a normal response to treatment, not a sign that something has gone wrong.

What about stroke?

You may have seen headlines linking neck adjustments to a rare type of stroke caused by a tear in an artery in the neck. It’s a serious question, so it deserves a clear answer.

This type of stroke is very rare. A large population study found that people who saw a chiropractor were no more likely to have one than people who saw their GP. The researchers’ explanation is that an artery tear that’s already developing can cause neck pain and headache, so people seek help for those symptoms before the stroke happens, whoever they go to see.

That’s exactly why a thorough assessment matters. A good chiropractor checks for warning signs before treating your neck, and refers you for medical assessment if anything needs investigating.

When neck manipulation may not be right for you

According to the NHS, chiropractic manipulation may not be safe if you:

take blood-thinning medication or are at increased risk of bleeding or stroke
have bones or joints that are very weak or seriously damaged
have a condition affecting your nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy

Always tell your chiropractor about your medical history and any medication. It helps them choose the right approach for you.

How a good chiropractor keeps you safe

A proper assessment first. Your history, symptoms and a physical examination should come before any treatment, including screening for anything that needs medical attention.

A clear explanation and your consent. Your chiropractor should explain what they’re planning and why, and check you’re happy before they start. Registered chiropractors are required to get your informed consent.

The right technique for you. Treatment should be adapted to your symptoms, your history and how your body responds on the day.

You don’t have to have your neck cracked

This is the part many people don’t know. Chiropractors use a wide range of techniques, and plenty of effective options involve no cracking at all.

Research suggests that mild after-effects are more likely following neck manipulation than mobilisation techniques. For people who are nervous, sensitive to treatment or dealing with long-standing symptoms, a different approach can be the better choice.

At One Chiropractic, Paul Holmes uses everything from traditional adjustments to low-force techniques gentle enough to use with newborn babies. He’ll talk you through what he’s planning before he starts, and the choice of treatment is always yours. Plenty of patients are treated without ever hearing a click.

When to get urgent help

After any treatment, seek urgent medical help (call 999) if you notice a sudden, severe headache unlike any you’ve had before, dizziness with trouble speaking or swallowing, changes in your vision, or weakness or numbness on one side of your body.

Gentle, specialist care for neck pain, headaches and jaw pain

If neck pain, headaches or jaw tension keep getting in the way of work, training or sleep, a first appointment will show you what’s driving it, with a treatment approach you’re comfortable with.

Book an Initial Consultation