Should I let anyone 'crack' my neck?

You might feel good after getting your neck "cracked", but the manoeuvre can be dangerous.

- Christie Chiu

On Dec 8, various Thai media outlets reported that a Thai woman died after having her neck twisted in three massage sessions in Udon Thani province. She reportedly had numbness in her limbs, among other symptoms, which progressively got worse after each session. The woman later sought medical treatment, but died of blood poisoning, according to the Bangkok Post.

Healthcare professionals the Straits Times spoke to warned that the manoeuvre common with certain types of massage, and also after haircuts at some local barbers could result in strokes or worse.

WHY IS NECK 'CRACKING' DANGEROUS?

Overly aggressive, forceful and sudden twisting of the neck risks injury to the carotid and vertebral arteries, said Dr Wang Lushun, an orthopaedic surgeon at Arete Orthopaedic Centre, referring to major blood vessels that carry blood to the head, brain and spine.

Arterial dissection torn arteries that may lead to blood clots forming and arteries closing is a key concern, he added. This could eventually lead to tissue death, strokes and death even if diagnosed early.

Other potential injuries include those to vital structures, such as the spinal cord, vertebrae body, blood vessels or airway, said another orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Huang Yi Lun of Total Orthopaedic Care and Surgery. For example, aggressive neck "cracking" can cause fractures and dislocation of the spine, destabilising it or injuring the spinal cord, Dr Huang said.

The spine consists of the spinal cord and the vertebrae body. The spinal cord is a tube of nerve tissue running from the base of the skull down the centre of the back, while the vertebrae body is the column of bones that protect the spinal cord.

A spinal cord injury could end in the paralysis of one's breathing muscles, leading to death.