After sitting for a long time at work, many people twist their necks and feel a bit relaxed when they hear a "click". But is this sound a release of tense cervical spine, or an unbearable "groan"? Ye Zhibing, deputy chief physician of the acupuncture and moxibustion and Massage Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, reminded that the neck often makes a sound and should not be taken lightly. If necessary, it is recommended to clarify whether there are pathological factors. You can also learn some exercise methods daily to "loosen" the neck muscles. Distinguishing between pathological and physiological neck popping sounds, Ye Zhibing reminds that neck popping sounds may not necessarily be cervical spondylosis, but they should not be taken lightly. It is mainly divided into two types: 1. Physiological popping. There is a lubricant called synovial fluid in the joints, which dissolves some gas. However, when the cervical spine maintains a posture for a long time, the pressure inside the joint capsule will change, and the gas may form tiny bubbles. At this time, if the head is suddenly turned or the neck is twisted, the joint is pulled, and the bubbles will instantly burst, making a crisp "click" sound. This kind of sound is crisp, single, and discontinuous, with a sense of relief after the sound, without pain, numbness, or weakness, just like the cervical spine sighing comfortably. It is a normal physiological phenomenon, and there is no need to panic excessively. 2. Pathological clicking: If the cervical spine experiences local muscle and fascia tension, ligament calcification, mild joint displacement, or bone hyperplasia (bone spurs) due to long-term strain or improper posture, the cervical spine will no longer be a smooth bearing, but rather a rusty and oil deficient door shaft. During activities, abnormal friction and collision between tendons, ligaments, and bones can produce dull and frictional sounds. Frequent, dull, and often frictional sounds; Along with or after the sound, there may be soreness, pain, numbness, and even dizziness. This sound is a "distress signal" from the cervical spine, indicating that the cervical spine is in a sub healthy or diseased state and requires timely intervention. When the neck rings, you can ask yourself: "Does it hurt, numb, or faint when it rings?" If you don't have these feelings, it is likely physiological, but you should also be careful to reduce intentional noise behavior. If there are any of these discomforts, even if only one, it is recommended to go to the hospital for professional examination. In the opinion of acupuncture and moxibustion and massage doctors, the core of pathological bounce is "tendons do not bind bones". Long term low head strain can cause the tendons that maintain cervical stability to become stiff, tense, and have decreased elasticity, which is known in traditional Chinese medicine as' tendons out of the groove ', "said Ye Zhibing. Without the protection and restraint of the meridians, small cervical joints are prone to subtle movements, known as "bone misalignment" in traditional Chinese medicine. When moving the neck, the misaligned joint surfaces rub against each other, passing through tense muscle ligaments, causing noise and pain. If you often experience neck discomfort, instead of just twisting your neck, it's better to learn more about this technique - activating the deep flexor muscles of the neck. We can call it the 'double chin method' or the 'chin translation method'. Imagination is not about bowing your head and squeezing out your double chin, but about moving your chin horizontally backwards, like a moving telescopic camera. ”Introduction by Ye Zhibing. 1、 Preparation posture: 1. Relax and sit straight or stand against the wall: keep your back straight, relax and lower your shoulders, keep your eyes straight ahead, and keep your earlobes, shoulder peaks, and hip joints in a straight line. 2. Fingertip guidance: You can gently tap your index and middle fingers on your chin to help sense the amplitude of your movements. 2、 Action points: 1. Horizontal backward movement: Keep your eyes and head at their original height, move your chin horizontally backward, and feel a slight tension and elongation in your neck. 2. Maintain and breathe: After reaching the maximum amplitude, be careful not to feel pain or dizziness, and hold this position for 5-10 seconds. Maintain natural breathing throughout the entire process and do not hold your breath. 3. Slow relaxation: Slowly move the chin back to its initial position. 4. Repetition: Retract and return to position as a group, repeat 8-10 times per group, and exercise 2-3 times a day. 5. Find the right feeling: There is a slight stretch and tension in the back of the neck, as if the back is becoming harder with force. There is a slight soreness and swelling sensation in the deep part of the front neck (back of the throat). Ye Zhibing reminds that if you experience persistent pain, numbness, dizziness, and unstable walking, please immediately stop any self exercise and seek professional help as soon as possible. Blind massage or vigorous neck rotation may worsen the condition. The acupuncture and moxibustion and Massage Department can use precision acupuncture, gentle tendon management, bone setting in traditional Chinese medicine and other techniques to relax tense muscles and fascia and help reposition. (New Society)