(WKBN) – Many of us crack our necks to relieve some tension without thinking twice about it — but is that actually harmful to us?

When you crack your neck, you’re hearing ligaments or tendons “rolling over each other,” negative pressure within a joint, or skin separating from soft connective tissue known as fascia, Cleveland Clinic chiropractor Andrew Bang, DC, previously explained.

A little bit of cracking is fine as long as you don’t overdo it, Dr. Deborah Benzil, a neurosurgeon with the Cleveland Clinic, said last week.

“If your neck cracks once or twice throughout the day, that’s natural,” Bang said. “But if that cracking becomes repetitive — every hour or every few minutes — that’s when it’s time to reevaluate.”

Too much neck cracking can lead to joint instability, pinched nerves, and other injuries.

Benzil recommends finding other ways to relieve that tension and encourages people to maintain good posture, especially if you have an office job.

“If you’re working at a keyboard that’s down here, you’re forcing yourself to be forward. But if you’re working with your chair at the right height and with your equipment at the right height, it’s going to help you be in the position that’s best for you,” Benzil said.

Bang also pointed to cellphone use. If you’re holding it down in your lap, you may instead try holding it at eye level to relieve pressure on your neck. If you have the urge to crack your neck, Bang suggested stretching first.

Benzil and Bang both noted that those who regularly experience neck or back pain should check in with their doctor to find out what’s causing it.