If you try to crack your neck without loosening up first, you could pull a muscle.
Let your thumb rest lightly along the length of your jawbone.
Your grip shouldn’t be painfully tight but should be firm enough that your head can’t slip out of your right hand.
You might hear and feel a series of cracking sounds as the neck muscles pull tight. To make sure you’re getting all of the air out of your neck joints, add just a little extra pressure to trigger the full sequence of cracks. Crack the right side of the neck in by switching your hand positions. Cup your chin with your right palm and hold onto the back of your head with your left hand.
If you don’t have a foam roller in your home already, you can purchase one at any store that sells yoga supplies or exercise equipment, or simply use a rolled-up towel.
If you need to stabilize your neck, clasp your arms together behind your head as you move over the roller. Just do what feels good to you. If you ever feel any pain, go ahead and stop.
Try to keep your head and shoulders as relaxed as possible while you’re rolling your neck. This will keep the muscles loose and allow you to fully crack your neck. Stop rolling your neck if you feel any pain.
This step is optional, but foam rolling usually feels pretty great. Feel free to use the roller on your legs and glutes, too!
This will be really helpful in the long run. It’s better to correct the problem that’s causing your neck to hurt rather than simply trying to alleviate the symptoms.
It’s usually best to try gentle stretching and self-massage before getting into the habit of neck-cracking, and best to visit a trained professional if your symptoms persist or worsen.
