by Jay Skyler- Nicknamed The White Jimi Hendrix by Anahiem, California's Metalhead Radio, Jay is one of the 21st century's most dynamic and innovative guitarists and educators and is currently the lead vocalist and guitarist for Rock 'n' Roll Villain Society.
Surgical intervention may be required for very severe cases of neck osteoarthritis. The procedures may involve removal of bone, osteophytes (bone spurs), or disc tissue which is compressing nerves of the spinal cord. Cervical fusion, or fusing the discs in the cervical region of the spine, may help stabilize the neck.
If you crack your neck to relieve pain, you aren't alone. By one estimate, chiropractors perform between 18 and 38 million cervical spine manipulation treatments each year. Cracking isn't just reserved for necks -- people commonly crack their knuckles, lower backs, hips, ankles and toes. Any joint can be cracked, either by a professional or at home. Here at Healthy Living, several members of our team, along with readers who have written in, want to know if their own cracking is safe.