Many seek relief from muscle tension or stiffness through neck manipulations that produce an audible “pop,” whether self-administered or offered by a practitioner. These adjustments have roots in numerous cultural traditions and are sometimes promoted as a quick path to comfort. Yet as incidents worldwide illustrate, this seemingly simple practice carries genuine risks, ranging from nerve damage and arterial injury to stroke and even death.
A December 2024 Tragedy in Thailand
A devastating case that occurred in December 2024 in Thailand underscores how dangerous forceful neck manipulation can be, particularly when performed without proper training. A 20-year-old Thai singer, Chayada Prao-hom, died on December 8, 2024, after suffering complications allegedly linked to neck-twisting massages she received over the preceding weeks.
According to reports, Chayada visited a massage establishment in Udon Thani province multiple times between early October and early December, receiving strong neck manipulation on at least two occasions from the same masseuse. Shortly after the first session, she developed pain at the base of her skull and experienced a sensation of limb numbness within a week. Following a second session two weeks later, her body stiffness and pain worsened significantly. A third visit, handled by a different masseuse, led to extensive bruising and a loss of sensation in her torso. Eventually, she was hospitalized in the intensive care unit and succumbed to complications including a severe blood infection and cerebral edema.
Subsequent inspections by the local health authorities revealed troubling conditions at the massage establishment. Only two out of seven masseurs on staff possessed any form of professional certification. The Thai Ministry of Public Health announced it would investigate whether the treatments were conducted according to proper standards and whether the establishment held the required licenses. Health experts also warned that twisting the neck excessively—whether during stretching, exercise, or massage—can cause anything from spinal fractures and nerve compression to paralysis.
Other International Incidents
The Thai tragedy is not an isolated event. In June 2022, a 28-year-old woman in Georgia, United States, experienced catastrophic arterial damage after a neck manipulation during chiropractic treatment, leading to a stroke and permanent paralysis. In March 2023, a man in his 50s in Australia suffered a stroke attributed to his long-standing habit of forcefully cracking his own neck. These cases highlight a global pattern: while some people believe neck cracking provides quick relief, the stakes can be exceedingly high.
Cultural Roots and Common Beliefs
Neck manipulation has long appeared in various healing traditions, from certain Asian bone-setting practices to forms of manual therapy that influenced modern chiropractic. In regions like Southeast Asia, vigorous massage techniques are sometimes embraced as a hallmark of local wellness culture. Many individuals trust practitioners who claim that the audible “pop” relieves tension, realigns joints, or enhances blood flow. However, such beliefs remain largely anecdotal, with limited scientific evidence confirming lasting benefits.
Why Neck Cracking Is Inherently Risky
The neck houses essential structures: arteries that supply the brain, the spinal cord, and numerous nerves. Sudden, forceful twisting can tear arterial walls, lead to dangerous clots, or cause spinal injuries and nerve compression. The extreme outcomes seen in recent incidents—ranging from severe infection and stroke to permanent disability—show that neck adjustments are not harmless “quick fixes.”
Safer Approaches to Neck Pain
For those experiencing persistent neck discomfort, safer alternatives exist:
- Professional Guidance: Consult licensed physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, or medical doctors, who can offer evidence-based exercises, posture corrections, and carefully monitored manual therapies.
- Gentle Techniques and Stretches: Consistent, mild stretching routines and strengthening exercises may alleviate tension over time without the abrupt force that neck cracking involves.
- Postural Adjustments and Ergonomics: Improving posture at work and during daily activities can help prevent chronic strain that might otherwise tempt individuals to rely on forceful maneuvers.
- Heat Therapy and Soft-Tissue Massage: Warm compresses and gentle massage techniques performed by qualified professionals can relax muscles without risking structural damage.
Warning Signs and Immediate Action
Anyone who experiences severe headaches, dizziness, difficulty with speech or balance, visual disturbances, numbness, or intense neck pain following a neck manipulation should seek immediate medical care. Such symptoms may signal arterial dissection, stroke, or other serious injury that demands prompt intervention.
Prioritizing Safety and Long-Term Health
Chayada Prao-hom’s tragic death, along with other global cases, underscores the urgent need for greater awareness of the serious risks that can accompany neck cracking. Cultural traditions and personal habits should never overshadow professional qualifications and evidence-based safety measures. Rather than chasing short-term relief through dramatic manipulations, individuals should invest in sustainable strategies for maintaining neck health. Guided by knowledge, caution, and professional expertise, it’s possible to protect one’s well-being and avoid catastrophic outcomes.