Many people crack their necks to ease stiffness or tension, but medical experts caution that the habit could cause more harm than good if done too often.

Dr Deborah Benzil, a neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic, says that occasional neck cracking is not harmful.

“A little bit is fine, but too much can be a bad thing,” she noted.

Doctors explain that while the spine is flexible, frequent or forceful cracking can lead to joint instability, pinched nerves, and other serious injuries.

Instead of relying on the quick relief of cracking, health specialists recommend safer alternatives such as regular stretching, strengthening exercises for the spine, and maintaining good posture — especially for people with office jobs.

“If your keyboard is too low, you’re forcing yourself forward. But if your chair and equipment are at the right height, it helps you maintain better posture,” Dr Benzil said.

Medical professionals also advise that individuals experiencing persistent neck or back pain should consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause instead of self-managing with constant cracking.