About 65 million Americans suffer neck and back pain, with 8% of adults experiencing persistent or chronic back pain. Dr. Taylor Beatty of Orthopedic Specialists in Palm Harbor, Fla., has revealed the things you should never do, and some are common habits that could cause serious injury or even prove deadly in some cases. First, never crack your neck to relieve tension, as that could lead to a stroke. The vertebral artery runs along the back of the neck and supplies the brain and spine with oxygen-rich blood. If it becomes damaged or torn, it could lead to blood clots and cause a stroke, which can be deadly. Along with cracking your neck, other things that could cause a tear in the same artery include blowing your nose too hard, sneezing, and practicing yoga where your neck is forced beyond its normal range of motion. Another thing Dr. Beatty warns against to reduce the risk of back injury is diving into water. Diving ranks as one of the leading causes of spinal cord injuries globally. If water is too shallow and a person dives in or falls in head first, they could hit their head or neck on the bottom of a pool or ocean with great force or at the wrong angle. Finally, never do squats past a 90 degree angle because this puts you at high risk of damaging the cartilage — a flexible tissue that protects bones and joints — behind your knees. Deeps squats put significant pressure on the knee joint, and the force can irritate the cartilage within the knees and worsen pain for people with pre-existing conditions.
